Growth Acceleration Teams and Zonal Unity in Service of the 3/35 Vision
As part of the unfolding implementation of ISKCON North America’s 3/35 Vision, Zonal Supervisors and newly appointed members of the Growth Acceleration Teams (GATs) assembled on Saturday, January 17, 2026, for an online orientation conducted via Zoom. The purpose of this gathering was to deepen zonal cohesion, foster cooperative planning, and provide practical support for those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
The orientation was conducted by Indresh Gaura Dāsa and Vṛndā Devī Dāsī, Zonal Supervisors for Zone 1. Their presentation drew upon the established Zonal Support Office model developed in Zone 1, which is now serving as a practical foundation for the formation of Growth Acceleration Teams in the remaining four zones. Drawing from many years of leadership service, they shared insights gained through sustained efforts to cultivate unity, trust, and cooperation across their zone. The session also respectfully acknowledged Bhaktimārga Swāmī, whose visionary guidance and inspiration played a significant role in nurturing the unity and growth experienced in Zone 1.
The Purpose of Growth Acceleration Teams: The 3/35 Vision in Context
The 3/35 Vision seeks to engage three percent of the population of North America in Kṛṣṇa consciousness by the year 2035. This aspiration is accompanied by clear measurements and carefully considered practical strategies.
The 3/35 framework rests upon three mutually reinforcing pillars: Empowered Devotees, Strong Communities, and Effective Outreach. Together, these pillars aim to reestablish the conditions necessary for a genuine resurgence of Kṛṣṇa consciousness—growth rooted in devotional relationships, cooperative spirit, and the original atmosphere of love, trust, and sacrifice that propelled the movement forward during the time of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Within this broader vision, various initiative teams are being developed to focus on specific service streams. As outlined on the 3/35 webpage growth initiatives include Kīrtana, Outreach, Congregational Development, Youth Engagement, and Prasādam Distribution, alongside essential support initiatives such as Devotee Care, Education, Retreat Centers, and Administrative Support.
To facilitate coordinated growth and development across North America, Growth Acceleration Teams are now being established within each zone, following the Zonal Support Office model pioneered in Zone 1. These teams are intended to assist both new and existing temples and centers, thereby strengthening regional capacity. The GATs bring together devotees with expertise in administration, communications, technology, finance, and coordination, forming a practical support structure through which local initiatives and emerging projects can be nourished and sustained.
The intention behind these teams extends beyond organizational efficiency. The GATs are conceived as a service-oriented support system, meant to unify leaders, strengthen cooperative relationships—such as through the organization of regular zonal leadership gatherings—and provide tangible assistance to temples and projects, allowing front-line leaders to remain focused on their primary service of spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Zonal Strength Through Service-Oriented Support
A central emphasis of the orientation was that true zonal strength does not arise merely from formal titles or structural arrangements, but from genuine relationships, mutual trust, and steady communication. The Zone 1 experience highlighted the cultivation of a “one zone” culture through consistent connection, open communication, resource-sharing, and attentive care for relationships among leaders and communities.
The Zonal Support Office of Zone 1 was presented not as a rigid template, but as a transferable and adaptable framework—one that may be gradually and realistically developed according to the unique size, needs, and capacity of each zone. As expressed by Indresh Gaura Dāsa, such zonal teams “create alignment, connection, and momentum, so that growth becomes easier, healthier, and more sustainable.”
Key Principles and Practical Illustrations
Support Rather Than Control
A recurring theme was that Growth Acceleration Teams function as a service office, not as an additional layer of management. Their role is to strengthen connection, care, and cooperation throughout the zone.
Primacy of Relationships
Strategic planning bears fruit most fully when relationships are safeguarded. Trust, open communication, and a genuine sense of family create an atmosphere in which cooperation arises naturally rather than through compulsion.
Cooperation Expands Capacity
Zones are able to accomplish far more when temples and centers work together rather than in isolation—by coordinating calendars, sharing speakers and training resources, supporting emerging projects, and pooling volunteers for regional initiatives.
Organization as an Expression of Care
Simple, steady, and lightweight systems can greatly enhance unity and forward momentum. Examples discussed included shared online hubs for announcements and resources, regular monthly leadership calls, common calendars, WhatsApp communication channels, and focused working groups to advance priority projects.
Growth Nourished by Generosity, Not Fear
A healthy culture of growth arises from encouragement and confidence rather than scarcity or anxiety. By supporting new and developing centers, the strength of the entire zone is increased, and unity is deepened.
Looking Ahead: Zonal Leadership Gatherings
In addition to addressing present initiatives, the session also explored plans for forthcoming in-person zonal leadership gatherings. These conferences are envisioned as opportunities to strengthen relationships, alignment, and cooperation on a regional level.
Zone 1 shared a sample conference structure demonstrating how such gatherings may balance spiritual nourishment with practical leadership support. Elements include sādhanā and kīrtana, prasādam and fellowship, relationship-building activities, and time for collective reflection on governance, strategic planning, financial sustainability, devotee care, outreach, and growth.
Next Steps and Invitation to Serve
Following this orientation, Growth Acceleration Teams are continuing to take form throughout the zones, as devotees translate inspiration into tangible service. Zonal Supervisors, Temple Leaders, and GAT members are encouraged to collaborate in clarifying regional priorities, establishing healthy rhythms of communication, and implementing supportive strategies, including the organization of zonal leadership gatherings.
As coordination progresses, the prevailing mood remains one of humble service—strengthening unity and cooperation, and establishing a dependable support structure for the fulfillment of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission and the 3/35 Vision.
Devotees who feel inspired to contribute—whether through participation in a 3/35 initiative team or through their zone’s Growth Acceleration Team—are invited to visit the 3/35 webpage to learn more and become involved. One may also register interest by completing the intake form This is a valuable opportunity to render meaningful service toward the expansion of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission throughout North America.
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