The primary responsibilities of the Coordinator are teaching classes and accomplishing tasks related to the organization of an Inayatiyya Center. A new Coordinator may take the time they need to develop their capacity to fulfill their various responsibilities.

Responsibilities of a Coordinator

1. Conducting classes that offer the teachings of the Inayatiyya and instructions in its basic spiritual practices, either for the public or at a local Center. This includes Inquirers’ and Message classes for the public, and Study Circle or Gatha Classes for Murids. (Study Circles are classes for Murids that use published material of Hazrat Inayat Khan, Pir Vilayat, and Pir Zia rather than the Inner School Papers.)

2. Help orient and mentor new Murids by offering classes which provide basic practices, such as the prayers and purification breaths, and answering basic questions related to Murid training, the community, and the organization.

3. Coordinating the organizational and administrative tasks for establishing or maintaining an Inayatiyya Center. Policies and procedures related to Center work are sent in the information packet for newly appointed leaders. Communication with the Inayatiyya Headquarters, collecting Center dues and building a sense of community are some of the responsibilities related to this aspect of the position.

4. Financially supporting the Inayatiyya through annual donations or monthly tithes.

Time Commitment

Time commitments are difficult to estimate because of the variables. For example: What is the size of the Center? How established is it? Are there people interested in initiation? Are there other leaders with whom one can share the responsibilities? Some Coordinators conduct several classes a week, others once or twice a month. Talking with experienced Coordinators and Representatives and reflecting upon the demands of your life will be helpful to you. The Regional Representative in your area can also assist you in finding a balance between deeply committed service and burnout.

Training Requirements

Coordinators are expected to attend an annual training and retreat with Pir Zia at least every other year. If circumstances in one’s life do not permit this, then the Coordinator is asked to notify the Inayatiyya Headquarters. In order to distribute the travel costs associated with attendance, programs of this nature are held in various locations. Scholarships are available.

Sabbatical

A sabbatical is possible for Coordinators who need to withdraw from activity temporarily. Please contact the Inayatiyya Headquarters to arrange a sabbatical.

Retirement

A Coordinator who wishes to retire from the role should notify the Inayatiyya Headquarters of their change in status, and the planned date of retirement as soon as they know. If the Coordinator is responsible for an Inayatiyya Center, before retirement they should try to find a replacement Representative or Coordinator for that Center. The Regional Representative and the Inner Secretary can help them in this process.

Planning for Life Transitions

In the event a Coordinator filling any administrative duty in an Inayatiyya Center needs to take medical leave, should become incapacitated, or die, they should ensure that an available backup exists of any passwords required for the functioning of the Center. Likewise, if in possession of financial, legal or other important administrative records, they should also ensure that those records are easily accessible, and/or that there are copies in the possession of other responsible persons. Provision should be made for the return of any Inner School Papers to the Inayatiyya Headquarters.

The following are guidelines for applicants for the position of Coordinator in the Inayatiyya.

Dedication/Commitment

1. Dedication to the ideals of the Inayatiyya and appreciation of the Message as expressed in the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, and Pir Zia Inayat-Khan.

2. Willingness to maintain a close link with Pir Zia and the Inayatiyya by attending national and regional training programs, webcasts, and Pir Zia’s leaders’ trainings/retreats. The connection also can be maintained through daily Inayatiyya practices.

3. Willingness to commit the time and energy needed to fulfill the responsibilities of a Coordinator.

4. A sincere interest in serving as a Coordinator.

Attunement

1. The appropriate attunement to serve in this role.

2. Personal maturity, which can manifest through a person’s ability to meet the demands and responsibilities of life. Another sign of this quality is the integration of the teachings into a person’s being and life. A Coordinator must be able to maintain a sense of balance within this role, or it will have a negative effect upon the work, the Murids, and him/herself.

3. Capacity to listen to others in an empathetic manner and with discernment, being present with others rather than responding out of his/her own needs or projections.

4. Willingness and ability to abide by the ethical guidelines established by the Inayatiyya.

5. Physical appearance appropriate to the function of representing the Order.

6. Understanding the difference between the teachings and their own personal views.

Experience

1. Experience as a Murid actively involved in the esoteric training, which includes the essential relationship with a Guide and prescribed spiritual practices. A minimum of two to three years is suggested, depending upon the quality of the training received, the maturity of the Murid, and the need for his/her services as a Coordinator.

2. It is necessary that the prospective Coordinator has had training within an Inayatiyya Center and has participated in various kinds of classes and retreats.

3. Successful completion of the Coordinator Training program, which involves:

1. Practice and study of the Inayatiyya teachings and practices that a Coordinator is expected to know in order to lead classes.

2. A 5-day personal retreat.

3. Demonstrated ability to lead classes.

4. Additional training and study deemed appropriate by the Coordinator-in-Training and their Mentor.

Skills

1. Good one-to-one and group communication skills are essential, including the ability to be empathetic rather than judgmental of others.

2. Organizational and administrative skills required for facilitating and overseeing the activities of a Center. This relates to tasks such as class scheduling and presentation, finances, publicity, conducting Center meetings, and the appropriate delegation of responsibility.

3.  Ability to teach meditation, which means being an experienced meditator who can help facilitate this in others. It is suggested that a Coordinator complete one or more personal retreats before being appointed; a 5-day personal retreat is required for appointment.

4. Willingness to work with people in an inclusive form of leadership.

Level of Initiation

A Coordinator must be at the 4th level of initiation or above.