Sustainability & Goals
Sustainability
We are committed to ensuring the vibrancy, relevance
and financial security of the Temple for future generations through the
establishment of an appropriate and secure endowment fund. To accomplish this goal,
we will:
· Develop the Temple D’Olohoum Foundation
as a permanent base of financial support for the congregation;
· Educate our congregants on
the role of charitable giving in financial and estate planning and assist them
in achieving their congregational and Haitian Vodou communal philanthropic
goals in the most tax-advantaged manner;
· Provide opportunities for
members of the Temple family to enhance the facility and develop programs
beyond the level that can be reasonably expected from membership dues;
· Develop a capital fund that
the Temple can use as capital needs arise in the future; and
· Encourage, promote and
solicit major current and deferred gifts and bequests that strengthen and fortify
our congregation’s resources.
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees will be responsible for the effective and
prudent investments of all funds donated to the Foundation. Further, the Board will
ensure that funds are expended in a manner consistent with the wishes of the
donor, and that donors are apprised of their gift’s effectiveness and are shown
appropriate appreciation. The Foundation will serve as the financial
base for our congregation. Through the generosity of our members, the
Foundation will allow our Temple’s future needs and the congregation’s vision
to be fulfilled.
Le Temple D’Olohoum is
incorporated in the County of Queens under Article 10 of the Religious
Corporation Law of the State Of New York.
Goals
In working to offer a wide embrace to Haitians and their partners from all walks of the life, the goals of the Temple include:
· opening a school for instruction in Haitian Vodou religion and culture;
· providing opportunities for leadership and active participation of our youth;
· creating an awareness and appreciation in the local community;
· building religious harmony and understanding with other religions of the world in general, and religions originated in the Caribbean, in particular.
We will we achieve our Religious Goals by providing facilities, resources and personnel to enable the members to perform and participate in religious practices at and away from the temple premises. Activities may include: daily candle lighting, prayers, recitations, songs, ritual cleansing ceremonies, meditation, learning the “langaj” to communicate with the mistè; daily devotion and special worship services dedicated to the mistè on their special days; religious workshops and seminars geared toward expanding the education; and divinations.
We will we achieve our Cultural Goals by providing necessary resources, expertise and knowledge in keeping the general public abreast of Haitian and Afro-Caribbean Culture and religious traditions by maintaining cultural ties with the Haitian and Afro-Caribbean communities and by interacting with neighboring Vodou houses and various organizations from other communities.
We will we achieve our Educational Goals by encouraging participation from and providing educational experiences for adult and youth members of the congregation, and for the general public regarding Vodou religion, Haitian and Afro-Caribbean customs, traditions and languages.
We will we achieve our Youth Involvement Goals by providing an environment conducive to learning and practicing Vodou and Haitian Culture for the children and youth living outside of Haiti; fostering active involvement in Temple activities by both children and parents; promoting religious and civic leadership skills critical to the sustenance and growth of Vodou culture throughout the world.