Iona Abbey Capital Appeal - August 2018 - the Iona Community
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Iona Abbey Capital Appeal
August 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2 –IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
OUR PLAN .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
OUR STORIES .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
BUDGET SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
TIMELINE ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
FINANCIAL APPRAISAL ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
PROJECT TEAM .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
MONITORING AND EVALUATING ............................................................................................................................................................................ 19
3 − ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
HOW WE ARE ORGANISED ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
STRUCTURE AND DECISION-MAKING .................................................................................................................................................................... 21
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
OUR ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 2
1 – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Faced with the prospect of having to close the iconic centre at the heart of its purpose,
the Iona Community has launched a Capital Appeal to raise a minimum of £3.5m.
We are very close to reaching our target. Can you help us get there?
One of the most powerful monuments to the character of Scotland is This is an ambitious project at Iona Abbey
the ancient Abbey on the windswept, holy Isle of Iona. For almost 1,500 The project is complex and exciting; one which involves buildings but is
years, since St. Columba established this Christian outpost, pilgrims, ultimately about people. Woven together, the strands of capital and
kings and commoners have come seeking sanctuary, respite and development work will make our spaces more accessible, flexible
illumination. and sustainable for the future. This will enable us to provide
hospitality and inspiration for more people, both locally and around the
Since 1938, the Iona Community has taken up the mantle of St. world, for many generations to come.
Columba to offer a place of worship, inspiration and learning in the
rebuilt Abbey living spaces. Phase 1, including a new lift and welcome area, has been fully funded
and is now complete. Phase 2, including the accommodation and
Each week, community emerges from meaningful, intentional infrastructure rebuilding, was originally planned for August 2019-
participation of the guests, staff and volunteers. Over the course of each September 2020, with guest season restarting in March 2021.
season, from March to October, some 2,000 people from around the
world, people of all faiths and of none, come to participate in that Because of the Iona Community’s fundraising success to date we have
community experience. Many more of the annual 110,000 visitors to the committed to starting Phase 2 in November 2018, enabling our new
island attend daily worship at the Abbey led by the Iona Community. programming to start in 2020 and resulting in considerable savings. We
ask for your special consideration to help us close the gap and secure
Most Iona Community participants are paying guests, drawn by the the long-term presence of the Iona Community in Iona Abbey.
unique opportunity to have an authentic, faith-based experience in a
uniquely historical setting, or by the participative and often speaker-led
programmes. Others guests are subsidised, allowing individuals and
groups time away from their usual surroundings, in a caring, safe
environment, able to go back strengthened in mind and spirit.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 3
As Patron of the Iona Abbey Capital Appeal I am delighted by the Iona Community’s
campaign to renovate the monastic buildings at the Abbey because I recognise the
unique nature of this heritage site which offers hospitality as was originally intended.
The distinctive pattern of community life at Iona Abbey is fundamental to the spiritual
and economic well-being of the island and the impact reaches far beyond Iona.
I am encouraged that considerable progress has been made towards the target for the
renovation project which will improve accessibility, accommodation and
environmental sustainability. This initiative will enable The Iona Community to extend
an inclusive welcome to people from all walks of life and to build on its commitment to
issues of poverty, peace and social justice. It deserves all our support.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL
Iona Abbey Capital Appeal IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL
2 –IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL
Our vision is that an out-of-the-ordinary organisation, working in an out-of-the-ordinary setting, will be given the opportunity through
renewed space and approach to continue to transform lives and inspire people of all walks of life to make the world a better place.
IONA COMMUNITY
OUR PLAN
The Iona Community is committed to an inclusive welcome, so it has been of great concern to many members that the living areas are at the top of
ancient stone staircases and therefore inaccessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, disproportionately excluding people with
disabilities and older people. The spaces are also too cold to use during the winter months, limiting the season programming, the number of guests
and volunteers that can participate and, ultimately, limiting our potential and long-term financial sustainability. The inflexibility of the space and
unsuitability for wider public access, including access to the historic Iona Abbey Library and Refectory, further limits opportunities for development
and diversification.
During 2013, the Iona Community leadership began assessing what might be done to improve Iona Community’s spaces on Iona and discovered
that, without urgent works, those spaces will be unfit for purpose in 5 to 7 years. Since then, we have developed a detailed plan for the
complex building works and have taken the opportunity to reflect on what else can be done differently to increase the impact of the work on Iona.
The project will be the catalyst that will expand the Abbey’s impact through:
• Increasing participation by making our facilities • Extending education , training and placement
accessible for all opportunities
• Providing a safe and open gathering place for people • Extending the season and assisting the economic and
seeking personal and social transformation cultural flourishing of Iona and Mull
• Reaching a diverse audience with the message and • Strengthening long-term financial sustainability
social action of the Iona Community
These outcomes will have an impact on a wide range of individuals, groups and organisations:
Guests Island Residents and businesses Iona Community’s Partners Higher/further Education Groups Volunteers
Staff Members, Friends & Supporters Island Visitors, Pilgrims, Tourists Churches Schools Community Groups
Organisations Working With Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 5Whilst this is not simply a capital project, the costs and complexity of carrying out the necessary works within such a historic site are significant, and
the project and budget are therefore heavily weighted towards those.
Woven together, the strands of CAPITAL and DEVELOPMENT work will work in parallel:
The CAPITAL strand will deliver:
· improved access, by way of a level entrance and doors, installation of a lift and re-configuration of the refectory level to create an inviting,
accessible communal space
· improved lighting in corridors
· three new bedrooms and two shower rooms/toilets fully equipped for wheelchair users
· improved bedroom accommodation
· improved washing facilities based on individual unisex units
· improved insulation
· installation of a renewable energy heating system, working in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Iona Renewables on a
progressive and ambitious community-led energy project
· upgrading and improvement of all utilities (plumbing, electrics, sewage) to safeguard the spaces for decades to come
· improved long term sustainability
Alongside the ‘bricks and mortar’ are the critical development activities.
The DEVELOPMENT strand will deliver:
· improved capacity through the creation of a new staff post
· improved business model which better reflects the modern needs of the island setting
· new public access to currently ‘private’ spaces in Iona Abbey
· new learning opportunities within the improved spaces
· improved partnerships, existing and new, to maximise our service and impact.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 6OUR STORIES
Community is not built in one day by one person, but by many people over many days.
Georgina has overcome poverty and Anja dishes up her thoughtfully-prepared
stigma, has become a young leader in meals with a side order of gentle learning,
her local community, and is now confidence, practical skills and fun!
studying at university. Anja first arrived on Iona as a guest aged 17 and
Georgina lives in one of the poorest districts that visit was to trigger an enduring love of Iona
of Glasgow. Her ambition was to go to itself, returning as a ‘tourist’ before later
university but her teachers were afraid she becoming a volunteer.
would fail and instead guided her towards Volunteering saw her relocating to Iona as a
hairdressing or childcare. young adult. This provided her with a space and
Through her local church, Georgina a place to reflect and listen to heart’s desire, and
connected with the Iona Community Youth gave her the confidence she needed to change
Team which seeks to promote personal and social development and to the direction of her life.
enable young people to have a voice and influence in their communities Two decades later, Anja lives permanently on Iona and works with the
and in society. Iona Community as the Abbey cook, realising her ambition to do
Georgina joined the volunteer programme on Iona working alongside something she loves, in a place that she loves.
young people from different backgrounds and cultures. It was a This role lends itself to Anja’s natural ability and pleasure at working with
transformative experience. many different people. New volunteers from all over the world come
With new-found confidence in herself and her abilities, Georgina regularly to work in the Abbey kitchen. Under Anja’s leadership and
volunteered for the Poverty Truth Commission. Guided by its motto loving care, bond quickly and build enduring friendships. Anja also loves
‘Nothing about us, without us, is for us’, the Commission provides a forum sharing her passion for healthy, affordable and sustainable food with
for people in poverty to speak and for people in power to listen. Georgina volunteers and guests as well as with the local school-children and the
has become a commissioner and now plays an active part in ensuring wider community.
policies impacting on people living in poverty are shaped by them. Following persistent requests from guests and volunteers, Anja is
Georgina is now at university studying Business Management. currently working on an ‘Iona Abbey Recipe Book’.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 7BUDGET SUMMARY IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 8
TIMELINE The table below shows the original project timeline. Because we were able to reach the £2.7m ‘decision-making’ threshold by June 2018, Table 2 shows the alternative timeline which allows us to cut almost a year off the project and re-open to guests sooner. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 9
BACKGROUND
“The Abbey community aims to be a space where people can feel safe – a sanctuary where they can open out, share their fears, reflect on their lives, …
be both affirmed and challenged. … Community grows fast as people wash dishes together, worship, engage in art and music, and above all chat.
Somehow the world at large must work at ways of restoring real community to its heart. “
Ronald Ferguson, former Leader of the Iona Community
The Iona Community’s presence in the Abbey is fundamental to the Community’s purpose and is what sets Iona Abbey apart in
the midst of Scotland’s rich heritage. Every week, guests, staff, volunteers and members form a community based on work and worship, learn
about and from each other, and are inspired and challenged by the Community’s stance on peace and justice. Iona Abbey is where, over several decades,
the Iona Community’s creative and inclusive approach to worship has been a revelation to many and become a force for change in churches across the
world. The uncompromising message of peace and justice has been translated into music and poetry, contemporary activism and campaigning, and
countless lives have been transformed, directly and indirectly, through the Iona Abbey programme.
Urgent action is needed to ensure the Iona Community’s presence at Iona Abbey is sustained. In 2013, detailed professional surveys of
the accommodation quarters have revealed that the essential utilities such as plumbing, electrics, heating and sewage will become unfit for purpose
within 5 to 7 years. If nothing is done, the Iona Community will be unable to continue to welcome residents and host programmes in the Abbey.
This would impact on guests, visitors, volunteers and the island community. Over the course of each season some 2,000 people participate in the
Community’s residential programmes. The international volunteer programme has touched the lives of thousands, creating multi-cultural, cross-
generational opportunities. In recent years, there have been around 110 volunteers each season from up to 24 different countries. In addition, many more
of the annual 110,000 day-visitors and holiday-makers take part in the daily worship led by the Iona Community team in the Abbey. The Iona Community’s
presence at Iona Abbey is critical to maintaining Iona’s ‘spiritual heritage’ and its role as a place of pilgrimage.
The Iona Community’s presence is economically critical for the local island community. The island’s economy and infrastructure is
fragile, seasonal and dependent on visitors. Iona has a year-round population of less than 170 and is, according to the Scottish Government, a “very
remote rural area” with intrinsic access, isolation and economic issues. In this context, the impact of the Iona Community’s presence on Iona is
considerable. The Community employs 21 people on the island, a number of which are year-round. These employees in turn contribute to the local
economy and community, participating in local groups, taking part in community events and sharing the abbey spaces with other groups such as the
school-children or village hall events. In addition, the ‘island centre’ framework of guest programmes, resident volunteers and daily worship directly
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 10supports small, local businesses on Iona and beyond. Iona Community’s resident guests are a key market for many local businesses - even modest individual spends accumulate to contribute significantly to the local economy. We have an opportunity to develop Iona Community’s influence. It is the combination of the history of Iona, the setting of the Abbey and the reputation and work of the Iona Community that draws so many guests and volunteers to the island every year, and which enables the Community to engage with such a wide and diverse audience. The Abbey accommodation is the vehicle that enables people of all walks of life to engage with the Community on Iona. It provides the unique opportunity to both challenge and inspire thousands of people each year into becoming change-makers within their own communities. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 11
ACTIONS AND OUTCOMES
Make our facilities Extend the season Provide a gathering Strengthen long- Extend education, Reach a diverse
accessible for all and assist the place for people term financial training and audience with the
and increase economic and seeking personal sustainability placement message and
participation cultural flourishing and social opportunities social action of the
of Iona and Mull transformation Iona Community
CAPITAL STRAND
What will we do? What will change? Who will benefit? How many will benefit?
Improve access through Vastly improved access and standards of Guests 2, 000 annually
installation of a lift and accommodation.
reconfiguration of the refectory Volunteers 35 annually
level People with mobility issues who were
previously excluded can participate in all Schools & Community Groups 6-10 groups annually
Improve lighting activities and programmes.
Introduce specially equipped Higher/further education Groups 2 groups annually
A halt to the degradation of the site and
bedrooms and washrooms for
ensure better maintainance from then on.
people with physical disabilities Island Visitors, pilgrims, tourists 1200 annually
Improve accommodation and The extension of programmed season from
washing facilities 32 to 40 weeks (increase of 25%) Local community 150 local residents
Improve insulation Improvements to the fabric of the Abbey Iona Community 3 organisations
Install a renewable energy accommodation will complement HES’s HES 21 + 12 staff
heating system (Historic Environment Scotland) own capital Iona Cathedral Trustees
improvements and safeguard the historical
Upgrade and improve all utilities value of the spaces.
Enable access to historic Iona Abbey Library
& Refectory
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 12DEVELOPMENT STRAND: FACILITATED BY NEW DEVELOPMENT WORKER POST
Description What will change? Who will benefit? How many will benefit?
IMPROVED PARTNERSHIPS:
Focused and intentional Pro-active networking amongst groups at People involved with Poverty 100 people annually, with 10
networking to ensure that more the forefront of peace and social justice will Truth Commision network, from those guests developing
disadvantaged members of enable the Iona Community: Foodbank network, churches and relationship as volunteers
society benefit from the Iona • to learn from their experience and organisations involved with care
Abbey experience in the insights, including innovative schemes and support
refurbished space such as Chemin Neuf (“New Way”) at
Lambeth Palace
• build lasting relationships and
partnerships
• develop tailored programmes of
engagement serving the needs of the
target groups
• develop enhanced volunteer
placements
Development of curriculum- Developed in partnership and relating to Iona Primary School 80-120 pupils annually
linked activities global citizenship, peace & social justice Mull & Iona School Cluster
(based on highly successful pilot sessions in Visiting schools
2015)
Provision of amenities & Building on previous time-limited projects Iona Primary School up to 29 pupils annually
volunteers to local schools such as Winter Baking in Abbey Kitchen with
IC Kitchen Staff & Volunteers
1 organisation
Development and stewardship Reduced negative environmental impact, by Iona Community
1 local community group
of partnership with Iona using sustainable materials, using more Local community groups
150 local residents
Renewables Group, and ongoing renewable energy and by reducing waste. Local residents
strategic planning to ensure Support and enable community-
project maximises wider led/community-owned renewable energy
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 13renewable energy benefits for source with the capacity to provide energy
the island to Iona Abbey and the main village on Iona,
including public buildings and spaces such
as Iona Village Hall, Iona Primary School, Iona
Library, NHS Surgery and public toilets.
Description What will change? Who will benefit? How many will benefit?
NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Development of Summer School This will combine academic lectures on the Guests (new audience) 40-60 ‘students’ annually
in partnership with University of history, culture, and folklore of Iona, on St
Highlands & Islands & University Columba and the early church, on Celtic Iona Community 3 organisations
of Glasgow sculpture, and on early Celtic literature, with University of Highlands & Islands
escorted field trips and associated activities, University of Glasgow
staying in the abbey accommodation. 2-3
courses with 20 places on each.
(based on the highly successful pilot Summer
School held on Iona in 2015)
Development of church Working with 2 theological training To be developed further by 4 placements annually
sabbatical and/or student institutions e.g. through a link with the Lilly Futures Group 3 organisations
placements Foundation who regularly fund clergy to
take a sabbatical on Iona
Partnership delivery and/or Learning institutions, e.g. the University of
accreditation the Highlands and Islands, clergy and lay
church training centres/university colleges
that train clergy e.g. Trinity in Glasgow, to co-
deliver and/or accredit some of our learning.
Themed weeks Guest programme for 3/4/5 or 6 days led by Guests 2,000 annually
skilled individuals, in line with the
skills/interests of our Members and staff
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 14Description What will change? Who will benefit? How many will benefit?
NEW PUBLIC ACCESS:
In partnership with HES, Our history and heritage will be better Schools & community groups 6 groups annually
development of new interpreted and explained
tours/events which include the Higher/further education groups 2 groups annually
spaces that were not accessible Island Visitors, pilgrims, tourists 1200 annually
before, such as the Refectory
Local communities 150 locally
Participation in ‘doors open days’ (with potential for wider
benefit for Mull & Argyll)
Sunday Worship afternoon tea
‘open to all’
Development of clear and
agreed systems to ensure access
to the library
Increased public sessions as part
of themed weeks
Enable non-residents to
participate in weekly
programming
Development of digital content More people will have access to the Iona Iona Community Members, 2200 annually
and on-site interpretation and of Community story regardless to where in the Associates, Friends and supporters
updated interpretive materials world they are located
(panels, posters, booklet) at Iona
Abbey to reflect the oral history Our history and heritage will be more Wider audiences 16,000 (based on social media
project and documentation accessible to all visitors audience)
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 15Description What will change? Who will benefit? How many will benefit?
IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL:
Increased income generation support long-term financial sustainability Iona Community 1 organisation
Creation of more encourage wider permanent relocation to Staff A minimum of 3 revised staff
permanent/year-round staff the island and supporting local population Local residents posts
positions and economy. 150 local residents
increase number of targeted, subsidised Guests from identified target
Development of the Island 250 places each year
places. groups
Access Fund
10 local community groups
Improved reach to external audiences Community groups
Development of enhanced 12 local businesses
including joint promotions with other island Local businesses
marketing plan orgs/businesses
Create a rolling Fabric Fund Support long-term sustainability of the All stakeholders
accommodation buildings
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 16FINANCIAL APPRAISAL
“In a world where Madeline L’Engle lamented “Christians have given Christianity a bad name”, the Iona Community presents a positive
witness to socially progressive faith. We are delighted to help strengthen that by supporting the renewal of the Community’s
island presence, furthering its outreach.”
Carol Myers, Long-time Friend and a major donor to the Capital Appeal, USA
Our cashflow projections show that the operation of the new spaces, the new staffing model and the introduction of a rolling ‘Fabric Fund’ will increase
annual running costs by approximately one third. This is balanced by a comparable increase in generated income. As a result, a modest annual surplus
will be invested in widening access and release funds for investment in new initiatives such as Summer Schools. Funding for the Development
Worker/Networker Post has been secured for an initial period of 1 year with continuation funding likely for a further 2 years.
pre-build Non-resident Non-resident 2020 2021 2022
typical year 2018 2019 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
IONA ABBEY OPERATING COSTS £356,000 £200,857 £204,874 £497,914 £502,893 £507,922
IONA ABBEY GENERATED INCOME £375,000 £110,277 tbc* £528,860 £534,149 £539,490
*The potential for earned income in Non-resident Year 2 is dependent on access to areas within the building during works and is therefore subject to discussion with Design Team,
Contractors and Abbey staff.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 17PROJECT TEAM The Iona Community is an organisation rich in skills and experience, and the project team is made up of Iona Community members, staff and volunteers offering their professional expertise to deliver a successful project. The Iona Community has established the Iona Abbey Project Group (IAPG) which takes a strategic overview of the entire project and draws together three aspects of the work: Capital Works at Iona Abbey, Fundraising, and Future Work at Iona Centres. Led by Community Member and Methodist Minister, Christine Jones, the Group’s role is to guide the organisation through the various stages of the capital works and fundraising campaign, working closely with fundraisers on Iona and in the US, as well as Iona Community members in Europe. US-based Associate Member, Phyllis Ives has extensive fundraising and PR experience including public relations, marketing, advertising and strategic planning, latterly with non-profit organisations undertaking major capital campaigns. Iona-based Joanne MacInnes has over 18 years experience of fundraising, marketing and research experience, and has a particular focus on Trust Fundraising. Falkirk-based Isabel Sarle is a Trustee for the Iona Community, with a wealth of knowledge of the membership, associates and friends. Glasgow-based Bénédicte Scholefield is the Business Director at the Iona Community and has extensive senior management experience in third sector organisations. Raymond Young OBE is a Member of the Iona Community and a retired qualified architect who was the founding chair of Architecture and Design Scotland and a member of the Sustainable Development Commission. He has occupied senior roles at the Housing Corporation and Scottish Homes, and is currently one of the Church of Scotland's General Trustees, responsible for the entire property portfolio of the Church. Walter Dunlop, also a Member, is a qualified Quantity Surveyor with substantial project management experience both as an independent professional and working for the Church of Scotland, both in Scotland and abroad. Neil Squires is the Community Member responsible for chairing the Iona Centre Futures Group, facilitating the process of developing a strategic plan for the Community’s work on Iona. A qualified Social Worker, Neil is Chief Executive of a national children’s charity and is working with a talented group of members and staff who have a broad range of skills and experience across the three strands of the strategy: Hospitality, Faith & Spiritual Renewal, and Learning & Equipping. IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 18
MONITORING AND EVALUATING
Early consultation and questionnaires along with quantitative data, financial records, guest feedback, volunteer feedback and discussions with partners
will provide a sound basis for tracking progression and improvement.
As part of our detailed project plan we will identify outcomes for each strand of activity and track progress towards these using:
• interviews with the IAPG members to detail progress of key stages of capital works and campaign including volunteer engagement and
financial/fundraising performance relative to stated plans,
• quantitative data to show increases in guests, volunteers, non-resident visitors,
• quantitative data to demonstrate increased engagement of currently excluded groups i.e. those with mobility issues, as well as groups and
individuals from target groups,
• review of feedback from volunteer experience,
• short questionnaire to local community/local business forum to review impact, supported by financial records to demonstrate increased
economic impact on community.
We have included a small budget allocation for external evaluation of the project at this stage.
Throughout the project, the IAPG reports regularly to Iona Community members & supporters via regular e-bulletins. Key stages are marked by
partnership meetings to engage all stakeholders. Progress will be documented via social media, with the possibility of the story of the project being
assimilated into a stand-alone publication.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 193 − ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION
“Iona, down through the centuries, speaks to us above all about the experience of the Holy Spirit in community.
The islanders who have always had to be dependent on each other, the Celtic monks, the Benedictines and
the present-day Iona Community have all learned about the need and strength of sharing.”
Kathy Galloway, Iona Community Leadership Team
The Iona Community is a registered charity, best described as a unique As a result, countless lives on the margins of society have been touched
organisation which empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary and improved through the far-reaching networks of the Community -
things. It is a living network; an international, ecumenical Christian through services in disadvantaged communities throughout Britain and
movement which is rooted in Scotland but which reaches around the across the world, in advocacy for peace and justice, in support for
globe. refugees and asylum-seekers and in working with the most vulnerable
and marginalised young people in society.
The Iona Community motivates and inspires people of all ages, from
different countries, different backgrounds and different cultures to learn The Iona Community’s presence in Iona Abbey plays a fundamental role
more about their life’s meaning and purpose in the company of others. in the Community’s work and ministry. Sharing the common life of
work and worship at Iona Abbey remains at the heart of its purpose. It is
These are ordinary people who, through their association with the the point where place meets purpose and from where Community
Community, are moved to become involved in the fight against members, volunteers and guests take the resulting ideas and actions
injustice, poverty and exclusion in whatever way they can. Some have out into the world. The Abbey is the foundation on which a global
achieved remarkable things and have been publicly recognised for it; movement is built, and it remains a sanctuary and a light to both those
most go about it away from the limelight, encouraged and supported who make the pilgrimage to Iona and others around the world.
by others in the Community.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 20HOW WE ARE ORGANISED
The Iona Community – as movement, community and organisation – is comprised of a diverse group of people who include: full members, associate
members, friends and supporters, staff and volunteers. Today, there are approximately 300 Members and 1500 Associate Members, with 1400 Friends
worldwide. There are active family groups and regional groups throughout Scotland, England and Wales, and in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria,
Switzerland and in parts of the USA.
- Our Staff are located in our Glasgow HQ and at our Island Centres. support the Community in prayer, giving and action. They regularly
Staff are not required to be members and we are an equal meet in regional groups and are invited annually to attend local and
opportunity employer. regional gatherings.
- Community members share a common discipline of daily prayer, - Friends help to support and enable our work, including financially.
mutual accountability for the use of their time and money, and action - Our Volunteers are integral to the running of our organisation
for justice and peace. They meet regularly in local and regional groups contributing to everything from governance to gardening.
and in three plenary gatherings, including a week on Iona. Members
shape and enable our activities and priorities; serving on Committees, All receive regular updates on the work of the community through our
Council as trustees, and on working groups. Coracle magazine, social media and other publications.
- Associate members actively endorse our vision and purpose,
commit to the rule but are not accountable for its keeping. They
STRUCTURE AND DECISION-MAKING
The Iona Community is both a company limited by guarantee (SC096243) and a Registered charity (SC003794).
Governance and direction of the Iona Community is the responsibility of an elected Council and four Committees who report to an annual general
meeting of members. There are ten elected members of Council, who are the Company Directors and Charity Trustees.
Overall responsibility for management of resources and running the organisation are in the hands of the Leadership Team, comprised of 2 Co-
Leaders. The Co-Leaders are supported by a small staff team based in Glasgow, on Iona and at Camas.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 21STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS ON IONA
Iona Abbey is preserved and promoted for the benefit of all by a partnership between the Iona Cathedral Trust, Historic Environment Scotland and
the Iona Community.
IONA CATHEDRAL TRUST is the legal custodian of the Abbey The installation of a new sustainable energy heating system at Iona
complex; gifted by the Duke of Argyll in 1899 to be maintained and Abbey is part of a unique community-led scheme in partnership with
used for ecumenical worship. IONA RENEWABLES GROUP:
“The Iona Cathedral Trustees have a good working relationship with the Iona “This project to supply the Abbey with renewable-source heating is helping
Community and Historic Environment Scotland, with representatives of connect the Iona Community with the island community, and is the first
these bodies being invited to the main meeting of the trustees each renewable project partnership between a community and Historic Scotland.”
year. The Trustees also set a high value on good working relations with the (Shiona Ruhemann, Iona Renewables)
island community.” (Iona Cathedral Trustees)
THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND: Although the members of Iona
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND (HES) has a long lease with Community come from many denominations, we have close historic
the Iona Cathedral Trust to maintain all the buildings within the Abbey ties with the Church of Scotland and continue to report to their
grounds. HES manages day-visitor and tourist access to the Abbey and General Assembly through their Iona Community Board. This Board is
provides high quality interpretation of the historical milestones of the made up of six Iona Community members, six Church of Scotland
site and surrounding areas. members and representatives of six other denominations.
“As a working Church, Iona Abbey is an exciting site to work in. We share the
building with a religious community and work closely with them as well as Other local stakeholders include the local Community Council, Iona
the local community. The Iona Community has revived the abbey’s long Heritage Centre, The National Trust for Scotland and local community
tradition of work, worship and teaching.” (HES)
groups. This enables us to jointly identify, and bring to life, the many
strands which tell the unique and complex story of Iona Abbey and
the island, and how it fits with our lives today.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 22OUR ACTIVITIES
We currently pursue our purposes through our centres in Glasgow, Iona and Mull. Our activities include:
- Resourcing and sustaining the world-wide Com m unity - Our outreach program m e
- Our three island residential centres (the Iona Abbey, the - Our work with young people
MacLeod Centre on Iona, and Cam as Centre on Mull)
- Our publishing house, Wild Goose Publications
- Our Iona Com m unity shop and engagement with day
- Our association with the Wild Goose Resource Group
visitors
- Our healing ministry and Prayer Circle.
Around 2,000 residential participants share in the common life in our Iona Centres every year between March and October. The Iona Community also
runs its International Volunteer Programme from Iona. Over many years, thousands of volunteers from across the globe have had the opportunity
to come together; to work together; to explore personal faith; create life-long friendships; develop a commitment to the service of others and a passion
for peace; and learn vital, transferrable life skills.
Just a short boat ride across the Sound of Iona, on the island of Mull, is Camas, an outdoor activity centre run by the Iona Community for over 50
years. Camas provides for primarily young people, from some of the most deprived areas and difficult backgrounds, a safe and healthy outdoor
environment in which to experience personal growth and learn about themselves, others and society. This is achieved through activities that combine
adventure, learning, challenge and attainment under the guidance of positive role models who help them see new possibilities in their lives.
Glasgow is home to the Iona Community's administration team, youth team and programme resource worker. The Glasgow office also houses
The Wild Goose Publishing and Wild Goose Resources Group which together produce the books, liturgies and music created by members,
associates, friends and others who have no formal connection with the community.
IONA ABBEY CAPITAL APPEAL 23You can also read
