I’d like to present this as an alternative perspective in our discussion to that so far presented.

Our current participation and consequently, financial situation provides an opportunity to reflect upon our institution as a whole.  Rather than just initially putting forth “solutions” to our “problems”, perhaps we could first ask some questions about ourselves to ascertain what we can and are willing to do to address our present state of potential dissolution. 

            The questions that occur to me fall into several categories:

As there is the need to increase income to cover expenses and to increase the level of energy of practice, we can look at:

 1.  How do these objectives interact?  What comes first?  How do they influence each other?

In particular consideration of these questions we can ask:

1. What is the relationship between teaching and practice?
2.  Do we train as an exercise activity or as a path of introspective learning?
3. Are we interested in resolving conflict by throwing people or in the challenge of constructively relating to them?
4. Do we train in the form of Aikido or use it as a way to grow?

Using the principles of Aikido to seek resolution of our situation we can reflect upon:

5. What are our attachments to how we are now?  Are we able to see who we are?
6. Do we want to be changed? Are we able to reframe?
7. Will we act habitually or look for fresh perspectives?
8. Do we want a short term, acute fix or a long term re-structuring?
9. If we don’t change now will SSA survive later?

David