Below is a list of the agencies operating within ISKCON that are ready to help you. If you are uncertain which agency to contact, submit a brief description to [email protected] and you will receive recommendations for how to proceed.
Chartered by the GBC in 2002, ISKCONResolve is an independent office (meaning not controlled by any other ISKCON authority) that provides members an opportunity to discuss concerns with complete confidentiality. Services include consultations with an ombuds (a person you can speak with in total anonymity); mediation (a facilitator who arranges an out-of-court sit-down between disputants); and self-help tools (reading materials, case studies, and exercises that can help you and your community members resolve differences and prevent their recurrence). www.iskconresolve.org.
Similar to ISKCONResolve, the Justice Ministry works to resolve disputes between ISKCON members and to establish an integrated dispute resolution system, as well as an integrated network of legal services. The difference between the two agencies is scope. The Justice Ministry oversees all other agencies. When there is a problem within any agency, the Justice Ministry mediates and has a tie-breaking vote. ISKCONResolve works on the ground with individual ISKCON members. http://iskconjusticeministry.org
The ICPO is staffed by trained volunteers dedicated to responding as quickly as possible to reports of outright or suspected child abuse and/or neglect. A second office, located in Alachua, FL, shares the case load with the international office, to respond to reports of child abuse and child neglect. [email protected]
This agency intervenes when someone in a position of leadership is suspected of falling below ISKCON’s standards of ecclesiastical, ethical or moral behavior as defined in the ISKCON Code of Ethical Behavior and other official documents. There are two offices: one for North America ([email protected]), the other for cases that arise outside the US and Canada ([email protected]).
This is a permanent committee of the GBC that supports gurus in the execution of their duties. The GSC organizes in-person retreats for gurus, offers a course for disciples on the guru-disciple relationship, and mediates when there are disputes between gurus and disciples.
North American Regional Governing Board (NARGB)
The NARGB is staffed by senior devotee men and women, who schedule in-person and remote learning sessions to help guide and strengthen ISKCON communities across North America. Other RGBs operate in other areas of the world. [email protected].
For more information about the Governing Body Commission
For information on mediation services
For the document on ISKCON and Interfaith
For information about ISKCON’s stand against caste-based discrimination
ISKCON Child Protection Office
For ISKCON’s statement on child protection
ISKCON Environmental Initiative
For information about ISKCON’s environmental policies