Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. April 2018

Transcription

1 Iona Abbey Capital Appeal April 2018

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL... 5 OUR PLAN... 5 OUR STORIES... 8 BUDGET SUMMARY... 7 TIMELINE... 9 BACKGROUND ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES FINANCIAL APPRAISAL PROJECT TEAM MONITORING AND EVALUATING ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION HOW WE ARE ORGANISED STRUCTURE AND DECISION-MAKING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS OUR ACTIVITIES IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 2

3 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Faced with the prospect of having to close the iconic centre at the heart of its purpose, the Iona Community has launched a Capital Appeal to raise a minimum of 2.7m. We are very close to reaching our target. Can you help us get there? One of the most powerful monuments to the character of Scotland is the ancient Abbey on the windswept, holy Isle of Iona. For almost 1,500 years, since St. Columba established this Christian outpost, pilgrims, kings and commoners have come seeking sanctuary, respite and illumination. Since 1938, the Iona Community has taken up the mantle of St. Columba to offer a place of worship, inspiration and learning in the rebuilt Abbey living spaces. Each week, community emerges from meaningful, intentional participation of the guests, staff and volunteers. Over the course of each season, from March to October, some 1,500 people from around the world, people of all faiths and of none, come to participate in that community experience. Many more of the annual 110,000 visitors to the island attend daily worship at the Abbey led by the Iona Community. Most Iona Community participants are paying guests, drawn by the unique opportunity to have an authentic, faith-based experience in a uniquely historical setting, or by the programmes; highly participative and usually speaker-led. Others are subsidised places, allowing individuals and groups time away from their usual surroundings, in a caring, safe environment, able to go back strengthened in mind and spirit. This is an ambitious 2.7m project at Iona Abbey The project is complex and exciting; one which involves buildings but is ultimately about people. Woven together, the strands of capital and development work will make our spaces more accessible and secure infrastructure for the future. We will reach more people both on Iona and around the world. We will create sustainable and flexible spaces more suited to our programmes and vision and will provide hospitality and inspiration for many generations to come. Phase 1, including the lift and new welcome area, has been fully funded and due for completion in June Phase 2, including the accommodation and infrastructure rebuilding, is currently planned for August 2019-April Open Window of Opportunity The Iona Community has been very successful to date in its fundraising efforts so much so that we are getting close to our target of 2.7million. If we can reach it by June 2018, we have the very real prospect of starting Phase 2 in autumn The savings would be considerable, and new programming would start a year earlier. We ask for your special consideration to help us close the gap and secure the long-term presence of the Iona Community in Iona Abbey. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 3

4 As Patron of the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal I am delighted by the Iona Community s campaign to renovate the monastic buildings at the Abbey because I recognise the unique nature of this heritage site which offers hospitality as was originally intended. The distinctive pattern of community life at Iona Abbey is fundamental to the spiritual and economic well-being of the island and the impact reaches far beyond Iona. I am encouraged that considerable progress has been made towards the 2.7 million for the renovation project which will improve accessibility, accommodation and environmental sustainability. This initiative will enable The Iona Community to extend an inclusive welcome to people from all walks of life and to build on its commitment to issues of poverty, peace and social justice. It deserves all our support. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL

5 Iona Abbey Capital Appeal IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL

6 2 IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL Our vision is that an out-of-the-ordinary organisation, working in an out-of-the-ordinary setting, will be given the opportunity through renewed space and approach to continue to transform lives and inspire people of all walks of life to make the world a better place. IONA COMMUNITY OUR PLAN The Iona Community is committed to an inclusive welcome, so it has been of great concern to many members that the living areas are at the top of ancient stone staircases and therefore inaccessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, disproportionately excluding people with disabilities and older people. The spaces are also too cold to use during the winter months, limiting the season programming, the number of guests and volunteers that can participate and, ultimately, limiting our potential for growth and long-term financial sustainability. The inflexibility of the space and unsuitability for wider public access, including access to the historic Iona Abbey Library and Refectory, further limits opportunities for development and diversification. During 2013, the Iona Community leadership began assessing what might be done to improve Iona Community s spaces on Iona and discovered that, without urgent works, those spaces will be unfit for purpose in 5 to 7 years. Since then, we have developed a detailed plan for the complex building works and have taken the opportunity to reflect on what else can be done differently to increase the impact of the work on Iona. The project will be the catalyst that will expand the Abbey s impact through: Increasing participation by making our facilities accessible for all Providing a safe and open gathering place for people seeking personal and social transformation Reaching a diverse audience with the message and social action of the Iona Community Extending education, training and placement opportunities Extending the season and assisting the economic and cultural flourishing of Iona and Mull Strengthening long-term financial sustainability These outcomes will impact across a wide range of individuals, groups and organisations: Guests Island Residents and businesses Iona Community s Partners Higher/further Education Groups Volunteers Staff Members, Friends & Supporters Island Visitors, Pilgrims, Tourists Churches Schools Community Groups Organisations Working With Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 5

7 Whilst this is not simply a capital project, the costs and complexity of carrying out the necessary works within such a historic site are significant, and the project and budget are therefore heavily weighted towards those. Woven together, the strands of CAPITAL and DEVELOPMENT work will work in parallel: The CAPITAL strand will deliver: improved access, by way of level access and doors, installation of a lift and re-configuration of the refectory level to create an inviting, accessible communal space improved lighting in corridors three new bedrooms and two shower rooms/toilets fully equipped for wheelchair users improved bedroom accommodation improved washing facilities based on individual unisex units improved insulation installation of a renewable energy heating system, working in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Iona Renewables on a progressive and ambitious community-led energy project upgrading and improvement of all utilities (plumbing, electrics, sewage) to safeguard the spaces for decades to come improved long term sustainability Alongside the bricks and mortar are the critical development activities. The DEVELOPMENT strand will deliver: improved capacity through the creation of a new staff post improved business model which better reflects the modern needs of the island setting new public access to currently private spaces in Iona Abbey new learning opportunities within the improved spaces improved partnerships, some new and some strengthened, to maximise our reach and impact. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 6

8 OUR STORIES Community is not built in one day by one person, but by many people over many days. Georgina has overcome poverty and stigma, has become a young leader in her local community, and is now studying at university. Georgina lives in one of the poorest districts of Glasgow. Her ambition was to go to university but her teachers were afraid she would fail and instead guided her towards hairdressing or childcare. Through her local church, Georgina connected with the Iona Community Youth Team which seeks to promote personal and social development and to enable young people to have a voice and influence in their communities and in society. Georgina joined the volunteer programme on Iona working alongside young people from different backgrounds and cultures. It was a transformative experience. With new-found confidence in herself and her abilities, Georgina volunteered for the Poverty Truth Commission. Guided by its motto Nothing about us, without us, is for us, the Commission provides a forum for people in poverty to speak and for people in power to listen. Georgina has become a commissioner and now plays an active part in ensuring policies impacting on people living in poverty are shaped by them. Georgina is now at university studying Business Management. the direction of her life. Anja dishes up her thoughtfully-prepared meals with a side order of gentle learning, confidence, practical skills and fun! Anja first arrived on Iona as a guest aged 17 and that visit was to trigger an enduring love of Iona itself, returning as a tourist before later becoming a volunteer. Volunteering saw her relocating to Iona as a young adult. This provided her with a space and a place to reflect and listen to heart s desire, and gave her the confidence she needed to change Two decades later, Anja lives permanently on Iona and works with Iona Community as the Abbey cook, realising her ambition to do something she loves, in a place that she loves. The role lends itself to Anja s natural ability and pleasure at working with many different people. Every few months the Abbey kitchen brings together people from all over the world who, under Anja s leadership and loving care, bond quickly and build enduring friendships. Anja also loves sharing her passion for healthy, affordable and sustainable food with volunteers and guests as well as with the local school-children and the wider community. Following persistent requests from guests and volunteers, Anja is currently working on an Iona Abbey Recipe Book. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 7

9 BUDGET SUMMARY EXPENDITURE TOTAL DEV. PHASE PHASE 1 PHASE 2 Professional Fees & Legal 345,000 1,500 30, ,500 Capital Works Project Management (in-kind) 98,000 Capital Works 1,998, ,000 1,313,000 Organisational/Fundraising Expenses 237, ,100 87,000 31,400 Project Worker & Development Activity Costs 77,680 77,680 TOTAL: 2,756, , ,000 1,735,580 IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 8

10 TIMELINE The tables below show the existing project timeline. Should we reach 2.7m by summer 2018, Table 2 shows the alternative timeline which allows us to cut almost a year off the project and re-open to guests sooner. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 9

11 BACKGROUND The Abbey community aims to be a group where people can feel safe a sanctuary where they can open out, share their fears, reflect on their lives, be both affirmed and challenged. Community grows fast as people wash dishes together, worship, engage in art and music, and above all chat. Somehow the world at large must work at ways of restoring real community to its heart. Ronald Ferguson, former Leader of the Iona Community The Iona Community s presence in the Abbey is fundamental to the Community s purpose and is what sets Iona Abbey apart in the midst of Scotland s rich heritage. Every week, guests, staff, volunteers and members form a community based on work and worship, learn about and from each other, and are inspired and challenged by the Community s stance on peace and justice. Iona Abbey is where, over several decades, the Iona Community s creative and inclusive approach to worship has been a revelation to many and become a force for change in churches across the world. The uncompromising message of peace and justice has been translated into contemporary activism and campaigning, and countless lives have been transformed, directly and indirectly, through the Iona Abbey programme. Urgent action is needed to ensure Iona Community s presence at Iona Abbey. Detailed professional surveys of the accommodation quarters have revealed that the essential utilities such as plumbing, electrics, heating and sewage will become unfit for purpose within 5 to 7 years. If nothing is done, the Iona Community will be unable to continue to welcome residents and host programmes in the Abbey. This would impact on guests, visitors, volunteers and the island community. Over the course of each season some 1,500 people participate in the Community s residential programmes. The international volunteer programme has touched the lives of thousands, creating multi-cultural, crossgenerational opportunities. In recent years, there have been around 110 volunteers each season from up to 24 different countries. In addition, many more of the annual 110,000 day-visitors and holiday-makers take part in the daily worship led by the Iona Community team in the Abbey. Iona Community s presence at Iona Abbey is critical to maintaining Iona s spiritual heritage and to safeguarding the island as an enduring place of pilgrimage. Iona Community s presence is economically critical for the local island community. The island s economy and infrastructure is fragile, seasonal and dependent on visitors. Iona has a year-round population of less than 170 and is, according to the Scottish Government, a very remote rural area with intrinsic access, isolation and economic issues. In this context, the impact of the Iona Community s presence on Iona is considerable. The Community employs 21 people, a number of which are year-round. These employees in turn contribute to the local economy and community, participating in local groups, taking part in community events and sharing the abbey spaces with other groups such as the school-children or village hall events. In addition, the island centre framework of guest programmes, resident volunteers and daily worship directly supports small, local businesses on IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 10

12 Iona and beyond. Iona Community s resident guests are a key market for many local businesses - even modest individual spends accumulate to contribute significantly to the local economy. We have an opportunity to develop Iona Community s reach and influence. It is the combination of the history of Iona, the setting of Abbey and the reputation and work of the Iona Community that draws so many guests and volunteers to the island every year, and which enables the Community to engage with such a wide and diverse audience. The Abbey accommodation is the vehicle that enables people of all walks of life to engage with the Community on Iona. It provides the unique opportunity to both challenge and inspire thousands of people each year into becoming change makers within their own communities. We have an opportunity to safeguard Iona Community s presence at Iona Abbey and to promote and develop the impact on many lives, on the island and around the globe. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 11

13 ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES Increase participation and make our facilities accessible for all Extend the season and assist the economic and cultural flourishing of Iona and Mull Provide a gathering place for people seeking personal and social transformation Strengthen longterm financial sustainability Extend education, training and placement opportunities Reach a diverse audience with the message and social action of the Iona Community CAPITAL STRAND What will we do? What will change? Who will benefit? How many will benefit? Improve access through installation of a lift and reconfiguration of the refectory level Improve lighting Vastly improved access and standards of accommodation. People with mobility issues who were previously excluded can participate in all activities and programmes. Guests Volunteers Schools & Community Groups 2, 000 annually 35 annually 6-10 groups annually Introduce specially equipped bedrooms and washrooms for people with physical disabilities Improve accommodation and washing facilities Halt the degradation of the site and ensure better maintainance from then on. Extend programmed season from 32 to 40 weeks (increase of 25%) Higher/further education Groups Island Visitors, pilgrims, tourists Local community 2 groups annually 1200 annually 150 local residents Improve insulation Install a renewable energy heating system Upgrade and improve all utilities The improvements to the fabric of the Abbey accommodation will complement HES s (Historic Environment Scotland) own capital improvements and safeguard the historical value of the spaces. Iona Community HES Iona Cathedral Trustees 3 organisations staff Enable access to historic Iona Abbey Library IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 12

14 DEVELOPMENT STRAND: FACILITATED BY NEW DEVELOPMENT WORKER POST Description How will they benefit? Who will benefit? How many will benefit? IMPROVED PARTNERSHIPS: Focused and intentional networking to ensure that more disadvantaged members of society benefit from the Iona Abbey experience in the refurbished space Pro-active networking amongst groups at the forefront of peace and social justice will enable the Iona Community: to learn from their experience and insights, including innovative schemes such as Chemin Neuf ( New Way ) at Lambeth Palace build lasting relationships and partnerships develop tailored programmes of engagement serving the needs of the target groups develop enhanced volunteer placements People involved with Poverty Truth Commision network, Foodbank network,organisations involved with care and support 100 people annually, with 10 from those guests developing relationship as volunteers Development of curriculumlinked activities Developed in partnership and relating to global citizenship, peace & social justice (based on highly successful pilot sessions in 2015) Iona Primary School Mull & Iona School Cluster Visiting schools pupils annually Provision of amenities & volunteers to local schools Building on previous time-limited projects such as Winter Baking in Abbey Kitchen with IC Kitchen Staff & Volunteers Iona Primary School up to 29 pupils/pre5s annually Development and stewardship of partnership with Iona Renewables Group, and ongoing strategic planning to ensure project maximises wider Reduced negative environmental impact, by using sustainable materials, using more renewable energy and by reducing waste. Support and enable communityled/community-owned renewable energy Iona Community Local community groups Local residents 1 organisation 1 local community group 150 local residents IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 13

15 renewable energy benefits for the island source with the capacity to provide energy to Iona Abbey and the main village on Iona, including public buildings and spaces such as Iona Village Hall, Iona Primary School, Iona Library, NHS Surgery and public toilets. NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: Development of Summer School in partnership with University of Highlands & Islands & University of Glasgow This will combine academic lectures on the history, culture, and folklore of Iona, on St Columba and the early church, on Celtic sculpture, and on early Celtic literature, with escorted field trips and associated activities, staying in the abbey accommodation. 2-3 courses with 20 places on each. (based on the highly successful pilot Summer School held on Iona in 2015) Guests (new audience) Iona Community University of Highlands & Islands University of Glasgow students annually 3 organisations Development of church sabbatical and/or student placements Working with 2 theological training institutions e.g. through a link with the Lilly Foundation who regularly fund clergy to take a sabbatical on Iona To be developed further by Futures Group 4 placements annually 3 organisations Partnership delivery and/or accreditation Learning institutions, e.g. the University of the Highlands and Islands, clergy and lay church training centres/university colleges that train clergy e.g. Trinity in Glasgow, to codeliver and/or accredit some of our learning. Themed weeks Guest programme for 3/4/5 or 6 days led by skilled individuals, in line with the skills/interests of our Members and staff Guests 2,000 annually IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 14

16 NEW PUBLIC ACCESS: In partnership with HES, development of new tours/events which include the spaces that were not accessible before, such as the Refectory Participation in doors open days Sunday Worship afternoon tea open to all Our history and heritage will be better interpreted and explained Schools & community groups Higher/further education groups Island Visitors, pilgrims, tourists Local communities 6 groups annually 2 groups annually 1200 annually 150 locally (with potential for wider benefit for Mull & Argyll) Development of clear and agreed systems to ensure access to the library Increased public sessions as part of themed weeks Enable non-residents to participate in weekly programming Development of digital content and on-site interpretation and of updated interpretive materials (panels, posters, booklet) at Iona Abbey to reflect the oral history project and documentation More people will have access to the Iona Community story regardless to where in the world they are located Our history and heritage will be more accessible to all visitors Iona Community Members, Associates, Friends and supporters Wider audiences 2200 annually 16,000 (based on social media audience) IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 15

17 IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL: Increased income generation support long-term financial sustainability Iona Community 1 organisation Creation of more permanent/year-round staff positions encourage wider permanent relocation to the island and supporting local population and economy. Staff Local residents A minimum of 3 additional staff posts 150 local residents Development of the Island Access Fund Development of enhanced marketing plan increase number of targeted, subsidised places. Improved reach to external audiences including joint promotions with other island orgs/businesses Guests from identified target groups Community groups Local businesses 250 places each year 10 local community groups 12 local businesses Create a rolling Fabric Fund Support long-term sustainability of the accommodation buildings All stakeholders IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 16

18 FINANCIAL APPRAISAL In a world where Madeline L Engle lamented Christians have given Christianity a bad name, the Iona Community presents a positive witness to socially progressive faith. We are delighted to help strengthen that by supporting the renewal of the Community s island presence, furthering its outreach. Carol Myers, Long-time Friend and a major donor to the Capital Appeal, USA Our cashflow projections show that the operation of the new spaces, the new staffing model and the introduction of a rolling Fabric Fund will increase annual running costs by approximately one third. This is balanced by the increase in generated income. As a result, the annual surplus will support the Development Worker post, boost the Access Fund and release funds for investment in new initiatives such as Summer Schools. The potential for earned income during non-resident periods is dependent on access to areas within the building. This may not be possible during phase 2, therefore projected income for non-resident Year 2 is currently in planning. If we reach a minimum of 2.7m by June 2018 we can remove the need for a 2 nd non-resident year, reduce the overall costs of lost business to the Iona Community by approximately 110,000 AND open the new programming season a year earlier than planned. pre-build typical year Non-resident Year 1 Non-resident Year 2 IONA ABBEY OPERATING COSTS 356, , , , , ,922 IONA ABBEY GENERATED INCOME 375, ,277 tbc 528, , , Year Year Year 3 IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 17

19 PROJECT TEAM Iona Community is an organisation rich in skills and experience, and the project team is made up of Iona Community members, staff and volunteers offering their professional expertise to deliver a successful project. Iona Community has established the Iona Abbey Project Group (IAPG) which takes a strategic overview of the entire project and draws together three aspects of the work: Capital Works at Iona Abbey, Fundraising, and Future Work at Iona Centres. Led by Community Member and Methodist Minister, Christine Jones, the Group s role is to guide the organisation through the various stages of the capital works and fundraising campaign, working closely with fundraisers on Iona and in the US, as well as Iona Community members in Europe. US-based Associate Phyllis Ives has extensive fundraising and PR experience including public relations, marketing, advertising and strategic planning, latterly with non-profit organisations undertaking major capital campaigns. Joanne MacInnes has over 18 years experience of fundraising, marketing and research experience, and has a particular focus on Trust Fundraising. Isabel Sarle is a Trustee for Iona Community, with a wealth of knowledge of the membership, associates and friends. Benedicte Scholefeld is the Business Director at the Iona Community and has extensive senior management experience in third sector organisations. Administration, database and donor stewardship is supported by Iona Community staff member Natalie Smith. Raymond Young OBE is a Member of the Iona Community and a retired qualified architect who was the founding chair of Architecture and Design Scotland and a member of the Sustainable Development Commission. He has occupied senior roles at the Housing Corporation and Scottish Homes, and is currently one of the Church of Scotland's General Trustees, responsible for the entire property portfolio of the Church. Walter Dunlop, also a Member, is a qualified Quantity Surveyor with substantial project management experience both as an independent professional and working for the Church of Scotland, both in Scotland and abroad. Tiree-based Roots Design Workshop are architects with extensive experience of island-based projects and, most recently, completed the Iona Housing Partnership project which delivered 5 affordable houses on the island. They are supported by Andrew MacOwan Associates and Morham & Brotchie Partnership as Quantity Surveyors. Neil Squires is the Community Member responsible for chairing the Iona Centre Futures Group, facilitating the process of developing a strategic plan for the Community s work on Iona. A qualified Social Worker, Neil is Chief Executive of a national children s charity and is working with a talented group of members and staff who have a wealth of skills and experience across the three strands of the strategy: Hospitality, Faith & Spiritual Renewal, and Learning & Equipping. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 18

20 MONITORING AND EVALUATING Early consultation and questionnaire along with quantitative data, financial records, guest feedback, volunteer feedback and discussions with partners will provide a sound basis for tracking progression and improvement. As part of our detailed project plan we will identify outcomes for each strand of activity and track progress towards these using: interviews with the IAPG members to detail progress of key stages of capital works and campaign including volunteer engagement and financial/fundraising performance relative to stated plans, quantitative data to show increases in guests, volunteers, non-resident visitors, quantitative data to demonstrate increased engagement of currently excluded groups i.e. those with mobility issues, as well as groups and individuals from target groups, review of feedback from volunteer experience, short questionnaire to local community/local business forum to review impact, supported by financial records to demonstrate increased economic impact on community. We have included a small budget allocation for external evaluation of the project at this stage. Throughout the project, the IAPG reports regularly to Iona Community members & supporters via regular e-bulletins. Key stages are marked by partnership meetings to engage all stakeholders. Progress will be documented via social media, with the possibility of the story of the project being assimilated into a stand-alone publication. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 19

21 3 ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION Iona, down through the centuries, speaks to us above all about the experience of the Holy Spirit in community. The islanders who have always had to be dependent on each other, the Celtic monks, the Benedictines and the present-day Iona Community have all learned about the need and strength of sharing. Kathy Galloway, Iona Community Leadership Team The Iona Community is a registered charity, often described as a unique organisation which empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things. It is a living network; an international, ecumenical Christian movement which rooted in Scotland but which reaches around the globe. The Iona Community motivates and inspires people of all ages, from different countries, different backgrounds and different cultures to learn more about their life s meaning and purpose in the company of others. These are ordinary people who, through their association with the Community, are moved to become involved in the fight against injustice, poverty and exclusion in whatever way they can. Some have achieved remarkable things and have been publicly recognised for it; most go about it away from the limelight, encouraged and supported by others in the Community. As a result, countless lives on the margins of society have been touched and improved through the far-reaching networks of the Community through services in disadvantaged communities throughout Britain and across the world, in advocacy for peace and justice, in support for refugees and asylum-seekers and in working with the most vulnerable and marginalised young people in society. Iona Community s presence in Iona Abbey plays a fundamental role in the Community s work and ministry. Sharing the common life of work and worship at Iona Abbey remains at the heart of its purpose. It is the point where place meets purpose and from where Community members, volunteers and guests take the resulting ideas and actions out into the world. The Abbey is the foundation on which a global movement is built, and it remains a sanctuary and a light to both those who make the pilgrimage to Iona and others around the world. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 20

22 HOW WE ARE ORGANISED The Iona Community as movement, community and organisation is comprised of a diverse group of people who include: full members, associate members, friends and supporters, staff and volunteers. Today, there are approximately 300 Members and 1500 Associate Members, with 1400 Friends worldwide. There are active family groups and regional groups throughout Scotland, England and Wales, and in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and in parts of the USA. - Our Staff are located in our Glasgow HQ and across our Island Centres. Staff are not required to be members and we are an equal opportunity employer. - Community members share a common discipline of daily prayer, mutual accountability for the use of their time and money, and action for justice and peace. They meet regularly in local and regional groups and in three plenary gatherings, including a week on Iona. Members shape and enable our activities and priorities; serving on Committees, Council, as trustees and on working groups. - Associate members actively endorse our vision and purpose, but do not commit to the rule. They support the Community in prayer, giving and action. They regularly meet in regional groups and are invited annually to attend local and regional gatherings. - Friends help to support and enable our work, including financially. - Our Volunteers are integral to the running of our organisation contributing to everything from governance to gardening. All receive regular updates on the work of the community through our Coracle magazine, social media and other publications. STRUCTURE AND DECISION-MAKING The Iona Community is both a company limited by guarantee (SC096243) and a Registered charity (SC003794). Governance and direction of the Iona Community is the responsibility of an elected Council and four Committees who report to an annual general meeting of members. There are ten elected members of Council, who are the Company Directors and Charity Trustees. Senior staff are responsible for the overall management of resources and activities and overall responsibility for the running of the organisation is in the hands of the Leader and a small staff team based in Glasgow, on Iona, and at Camas. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 21

23 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ON IONA Iona Abbey is preserved and promoted for the benefit of all by a partnership between Iona Cathedral Trust, Historic Environment Scotland and Iona Community. IONA CATHEDRAL TRUST is the legal custodian of the Abbey complex; gifted by the Duke of Argyll in 1899 to be maintained and used for ecumenical worship. The Iona Cathedral Trustees have a good working relationship with the Iona Community and Historic Environment Scotland, with representatives of these bodies being invited to the main meeting of the trustees each year. The Trustees also set a high value on good working relations with the island community. HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND (HES) has a long lease with the Iona Cathedral Trust to maintain all the buildings within the Abbey grounds. HES manages day-visitor and tourist access to the Abbey and provides high quality interpretation of the historical milestones of the site and surrounding areas. As a working Church, Iona Abbey is an exciting site to work in. We share the building with a religious community and work closely with them as well as the local community. The Iona Community has revived the abbey s long tradition of work, worship and teaching. The installation of a new sustainable energy heating system at Iona Abbey is part of a unique community-led scheme in partnership with IONA RENEWABLES GROUP: This project to supply the Abbey with renewable-source heating is helping connect the Iona Community with the island community, and is the first renewable project partnership between a community and Historic Scotland. THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Although the members of Iona Community come from many denominations, we have close historic ties with the Church of Scotland and continue to report to their General Assembly through their Iona Community Board. This Board is made up of six Iona Community members, six Church of Scotland members and representatives of six other denominations. Other local stakeholders include the local Community Council, Iona Heritage Centre, The National Trust for Scotland and local community groups. This enables us to jointly identify, and bring to life, the many strands which tell the unique and complex story of Iona Abbey and the island, and how it fits with our lives today. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 22

24 OUR ACTIVITIES We currently pursue our purposes through our centres in Glasgow, Iona and Mull. Our activities include: - Resourcing and sustaining the world-wide Community - Our three island residential centres (the Iona Abbey, the MacLeod Centre on Iona, and Camas Centre on Mull) - Our Iona Community shop and engagement with day visitors - Our expanding outreach programme - Our work with young people - Our publishing house, Wild Goose Publications - Our association with the Wild Goose Resource Group - Our healing ministry and Prayer Circle. Around 1,500 residential participants share in the common life in our Iona Centres every year between March and October. The Iona Community also runs its International Volunteer Programme from Iona. Over many years, thousands of volunteers from across the globe have had the opportunity to come together; to work together; to explore personal faith; create life-long friendships; develop a commitment to the service of others and a passion for peace; and learn vital, transferrable life skills. Just a short boat ride across the Sound of Iona, on the island of Mull, is Camas, an outdoor activity centre run by the Iona Community for over 50 years. Camas provides for primarily young people, from some of the most deprived areas and difficult backgrounds, a safe and healthy outdoor environment in which to experience personal growth and learn about themselves, others and society. This is achieved through activities that combine adventure, learning, challenge and attainment under the guidance of positive role models who help them see new possibilities in their lives. Glasgow is home to the Iona Community's administration team, youth team and programme resource workers. The Glasgow office also houses The Wild Goose Publishing and Wild Goose Resources Group which together produce the books, liturgies and music created by members, associates, friends and others who have no formal connection with the community. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 23