ISS-Magazine_v7

As a result of these two reasons, the membership of ISS currently consists largely of middle-aged and elderly women.
Its current activities have been centred on its members, such as the weekly Sukhmani Sahib (Treasure of Peace) prayer
programmes and regular outings. The lack of engagement and activities dedicated for this group was raised as one of
the main causes for the membership for ISS to change in demographics and fall in numbers. This was also an area cited
for improvement.
Strengthening Internal Capabilities and Succession Planning
The challenges of poor perceptions, staying relevant and membership base and diversity lead to two other consequent
and internal constraints. Firstly, for ISS to be able to sustain in the long term, its Executive Council members recognise
the need for a strong and capable core team. ISS also recognises that a variety of skill sets is necessary for the core
team to develop quality and relevant activities to support the sangat (congregation), including competent knowledge of
Sikh prayers, organisational processes, communication strategies and event planning.
As such, the involvement of a combined team of different generations of Sikh women will allow ISS to leverage on
these women’s diverse experiences and insights so as to develop better programmes and strengthen the organisation’s
internal capabilities. Such an approach will also facilitate the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the other,
thereby, empowering ISS and consequently the community.
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