The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) had an informational kiosk as part of an international event this past September that hosted Prem Rawat and his message of peace at the Ivory’s Rock Conference Center outside of Brisbane, Australia.  The theme for the TPRF display was “Excite, Engage, and Educate.” Katharyne Goshulak, the kiosk project manager, explains, “Our team worked several months in advance to ensure that when people walked into this space, they would be taking a journey and coming out appreciating the impact that TPRF has made with its humanitarian efforts supporting food, clean water, and peace.”  

In addition to volunteers available to answer questions in person, the kiosk featured photographs on the walls of grant recipients throughout the world, beautifully designed banners, display cards hanging from the ceiling with engaging questions about TPRF’s impact on one side and the answers on the other, and promotional materials displaying information about the grants that TPRF has given over the course of the past year. Through this wealth of resources, many visitors said they gained a more informed and inspired understanding about the outreach that TPRF has had and continues to have in the realm of humanitarian aid.

“The volunteers were ‘high caliber’ in their knowledge and abilities to engage with the people coming into the kiosk,” remarked Katharyne. “There were many occasions when we didn’t know what the daily schedules were going to be in advance, but the volunteers were flexible and reliable.  They treated all guests to the kiosk with dignity and made it a pleasant experience for those wanting to know more about the efforts of TPRF.”

Rosanne Friedlander expressed that “one of the best parts of volunteering was to actually meet people from around the world that I had been in contact with through emails or phone conferences for months. The design of the kiosk came together with the help of designers and set-up volunteers pulling together to create a really beautiful, magical space. I especially appreciated the opportunity to witness how teamwork could transform an empty room in a very short period of time into a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy and be proud to share with others.”

David Shultz reflects, "Working on the TPRF kiosk was a labor of love. The teamwork was amazing and everyone involved contributed to creating a poignant display filled with interactive information and memorable quotes and stories.  I saw the impact on people who visited the kiosk and their genuine excitement about the profound work of the Foundation.  I plan to volunteer there again for future events.”

In addition to the kiosk display, TPRF hosted two meetings to educate some of the attendees interested in the Peace Education Program (PEP).  Sherry Weinstein and Catherine Gavigan spoke to over 400 people and showed the new materials and videos that will be used in various settings including prisons, retirement homes, and educational venues.  

On the last day of the event, Linda Pascotto spoke to conference attendees, sharing personal stories and giving an inspiring overview of TPRF’s impact on individual lives as a result of the signature programs, Food for People, and the Peace Education Program, as well as the international humanitarian aid grants to bring food, clean water, and eye care to communities in crisis.

She ended by expressing her personal thanks for the ongoing support of all TPRF volunteers, pointing out that they actually form the backbone of the Foundation.