You are reading this introduction to the Sai Young Adult Newsletter (SYAN) at a time when we, the Youth, are especially blessed to receive the love and attention of our Lord, Sri Sathya Sai Baba. An introduction to the purpose and relevant details of our newsletter follows.
Mission
The Sai Young Adult Newsletter ("SYAN") is the official young adult newsletter of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization, USA, and is dedicated to learning and practicing the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba. SYAN is compiled and edited by a team of youth from the United States and other countries. There is no subscription fee for SYAN. For additional information or to be added to the mailing list please visit www.syan.org or send an email to contact@syan.org.
SYAN History
SYAN was conceived as SSB -- Sai Students Bulletin -- in June 1995. The first issue was offered to Swami in June 1995, immediately after the Summer Course in Brindavan. Swami graciously thumbed through every page of the Newsletter and then carefully reviewed it again. He asked a few questions and made a few comments. Swami seemed very pleased with the bulletin. He gave permission to publish it "quarterly" and suggested that we distribute it through "word of mouth".
Within a year the SSB Team had members from different parts of the US, Canada and Malaysia. As the Young Adult (YA) program in the US became more structured, SSB was accepted as the national YA newsletter. It was renamed the Sai Young Adult Newsletter (SYAN) in 1999. SYAN works under the umbrella of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization, and therefore, follows its guidelines.
By Swami's grace, at the occasion of the First World Youth Conference July 1997, the SSB Team published a book and an audio tape entitled, "We Are All One." Young Adults from more than 10 countries participated in that effort. The books were distributed free to all the overseas participants, who came from over 60 countries.
SYAN also published a booklet of Sai YA Service activities around the USA and distributed it at the Second World Youth Conference held in November 1999. By Swami's grace, SYAN reaches more than three dozen countries through "word of mouth". Part of the SYAN team, with the help of other YA's, developed the WYC2 Website http://maestro.com/~ssb/wyc2 to coordinate efforts and disseminate the proceedings of this historic event.
SYAN Work
The last several issues of SYAN have shown that each issue of SYAN requires:
- more than 1000 emails
- more than 100 phone calls
- ability to deal with uncertain situations popping up at any time
SYAN Priorities
1. Communication first - Our work relies on clear, purposeful and accurate communication both within our SYAN team, and with all Sai youth across the globe through our outreach.
2. Commitment -- Swami reminds us that concentration and practice are vital to success, so we attempt to put forth our best effort in our areas of specialization.
3. Creativity -- Swami says that to copy is human, but to create is divine. Creativity doesn't necessarily mean "ART" but it certainly involves the "heART". Our goal is to keep our hearts open and let the creative divine energy flow freely. Only God is the doer, we are merely His instruments.
How We Function
SYAN works through its sub-teams. These include the editor, reporters, layout team, public relations team, artists, copy editors, operations managers, web designers, and the distribution team. SYAN's efficiency depends on the efficiency of each sub-team and as such, all are encouraged to share ideas for the betterment of the entire team.
SYAN Submissions
For the theme for the next issue, please visit the Announcements page. Contributions are welcome in a variety of forms, including:
· Poetry
· Creative Writing
· Essays
· Personal Experiences
· Games - crossword, etc.
· Art
· Photographs
· Regional YA reports/Updates/Announcements/Retreats etc.
· Inspiring Sai quotes for Youth
· Service Projects - experiences/reports/new ideas
· Special columns like - Vegetarianism, Health, Time-Management, etc.
· Compilation of Swami's teachings on specific subjects - Study, Ceiling on Desires, Selfless Service, etc.
For SYAN writing guidelines and suggestions, please see our Writing Guidelines.
SYAN, the Road Ahead
We are constantly evaluating how all of us, from the readers and contributors to SYAN sub-teams and contacts, work together in this endeavor for our dear Sai. In the coming months, we hope to expand the content of the web-site and enhance the process of how SYAN is put together and ultimately gets to its readers and contributors. If you would like to become more involved in SYAN or have ideas regarding content, please send an email to contact@syan.org or write to the address on the Contact Us page.
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