The DUPNA Board of Directors and Staff

 
Ted Matin Ryle
(WA, BOD President)
Tajali Theresa Tolan
(MT, Vice President)
Susan Slack
(FL, BOD Secretary)
Vimlan Barra VanDien
(CA, BOD Treasurer)
       
Astarte Sellars
(B.C., Canada, BOD)
Rev Wakil David Matthews (WA, BOD)
Jennifer Stock
(CO, BOD)
Jen Friedman (CO, Executive Director)
       
Hayat Donna Bain (VA, Layout Editor, Digital Communications)
       
 

About DUP North America

The North American region of the Dances of Universal Peace (often abbreviated as DUPNA, or simply, NA) is one organized region within the worldwide family of regions and communities that foster the growth and expression of the Dances of Universal Peace. Although the global family “network” is every Dance circle, dancer, Dance leader, musician, and supporter of the Dances worldwide, regional organizations have been formed to support the grass-roots network.

The North American region includes the United States and Canada. It is a non-profit public-benefit corporation run by a volunteer Board and Office staff, drawn from the Dance community within North America. Its main purposes are to:

  • Connect people and provide information and ideas, using communication tools like web sites, e-newsletters, social media,, and periodic regional teleconferences;

  • Support the work of the Guidance Council and Dances of Universal Peace International;

  • Steward the NA organization to allow it to fulfill its purposes, including staffing an office at a central location to answer questions and distribute information, maintain the membership database, manage finances and accounting, and support the work of the Board;

  • Carry out specific projects that involve providing outreach funds, coordinating volunteers and projects within the region, fund raising for future efforts and organizing regional events.


Accomplishments in 2022:

  • Welcomed four new DUPNA board members!

  • Celebrated and honored the service of retiring Board President and Vice President/Secretary.

  • Restructured the organization to incorporate new Executive Director (ED) leadership and service.

  • Developed ED job description and completed successful recruitment.

  • Welcomed our new ED at November Board meeting!

  • Elected a new slate of Board officers.

  • Developed and submitted multiple proposals for DUP and DUP Next Gen presentations for 2023 Parliament of World Religions (POWR) in Chicago.

  • Published multiple messages of invitation and encouragement to dance enthusiasts regarding the POWR event and the DUPNA vision of a vibrant dance presence, including formal presentations and frequent ‘pop-ups’ in common spaces. As of October, a very nice representation of DUP ambassadors registered for POWR through reduced group rates.

  • Completed current phase of web site revisions.

  • Developed plan and recruited volunteers for outreach to dance circles to update contact, web link, and event information, and to generate ideas for increasing engagement with and support from DUPNA.

  • Offered Zoom event in January to celebrate Samuel Lewis’ legacy with the dances.

  • Generated holiday cards featuring original artwork and inspirational text.

  • Identified investment vehicles to support stability and sustainability of board activities and paid positions over the coming few years.

  • Continued DUPIN and DUPNA dialogues.


Goals for 2023:

  • Continue to develop and discover the harmony and rhythm of responsibilities and relationships of new board members, officers and Executive Director.

  • Establish mid and long-term goals and priorities with ED and board members. Assign to committees and identify action steps and timeframes in committees.

  • Conduct outreach to dance circles and event organizers. Generate ideas for increasing dance circle engagement with DUPNA, and update contact and dance event information and links on web site.

  • Explore approaches to increase engagement with the web site, newsletter, and events.

  • Prepare for and participate in the Parliament of World Religions in August.

  • Convene a core group of Next Generation dancers ahead of POWR. Begin to develop vision of how an advisory council can attract and support children, young adults and ‘bridge gen’ dancers, events, and community networks.

  • Explore strategies for raising, managing, and investing funds to support DUPNA sustainability and to prioritize how funds are used in service to our mission.

  • Continue publishing quarterly newsletter and concentrations, and holiday card.

  • Host at least 1 zoom event.

  • Continue DUPIN and DUPNA dialogues to introduce new DUPNA leadership and explore synergies.

     

    From left to right:  Majida Myriah Pazereckas Roy (President, Board member), Tajali Tolan (Treasurer, Board member), Jen Friedman (Regional Administrator), Hayat Bain (Coordinator, Parliament of the World’s Religions 2018), Jane Sky (Vice President and Secretary, Board member), Astarte Sellars (Board member), Charlotte Sabora Henson (Board member).  Missing Board member ~ Ted Mubdi Ryle.  (Taken at the Parliament of the World’s Religions 2018 Toronto)

     

    In its broadest form and at its heart, the Dance network is a worldwide interlinked circle of hearts, as symbolized by our logo (a registered Service Mark). Dances of Universal Peace, North America is the central organization connecting the many Dance circles across North America as well as coordinating with other regions worldwide, and supporting the work of the Guidance Council and its support organization, Dances of Universal Peace International. DUPNA is also a non-profit 501(c)3 legal vehicle, handling tax deductible contributions from US residents.

    Contact DUP North America