NA RGB
Our Role within ISKCON
Benefits Provided by the RGB
The ISKCON NA RGB is dedicated to providing essential guidance and support to temples and centers, fostering a unified and vibrant spiritual community throughout the continent.
The NA RGB is officially recognized as the representative of the Global GBC body and responsible to administer global and regional policies. Maintaining the NA RGB itself is essential for assuring that the centers are receiving these services while simultaneously maintaining its global status and connection with the GBC.
Funding Child Protection Office
We have doubled the funding for the Child Protection Office (CPO) to support enhanced safeguarding measures for the wellbeing of our children.
Protecting Trademarks
Legal resources have been allocated to protect the integrity of ISKCON, such as challenging unauthorized use of trademarks.
Pending Legal Matters
Funding has been allocated for additional pending legal issues that have significant implications for ISKCON North America.
Youth Ministry Support
Funding for the Youth Ministry supports programs that engage and nurture the next generation of devotees.
ISKCON Communications Support
The NA RGB support ISKCON Communications, enabling more effective outreach and public relations.
Vaishnavi Ministry Support
Funding for the Vaishnavi Ministry supports heart-centered empowerment of Vaishnavis in their service.
Annual NA Leadership Conferences
NA RGB funds two North American Leadership Conferences each year, which provides a platform for leaders to gather, share insights, and strategize on advancing ISKCON’s mission.
Accounting & Financial Services
Adequate funding for accounting and financial services ensures efficient and compliant financial management across ISKCON North America.
Ongoing Workshops & Webinars
Workshops are organized throughout the year to provide training and support for leaders. These sessions help develop skills, offer guidance, and strengthen ISKCON leadership.
Supporting Growth of New Centers
The NA RGB assists emerging ISKCON centers through experienced mentorship, guidance on best practices, connection to ISKCON’s network, and legal, accounting, and administrative assistance.
Our mission within ISKCON
NA RGB’s Purpose
- 1. To ensure that the mission of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada as described in the Seven Purposes of ISKCON is promoted and achieved in North America in conjunction with, and with the support of, the individual GBC members, Zonal Supervisors, individual ISKCON corporations and these corporations’ officers across North America
- 2. To promote cooperation and shared planning within ISKCON in North America to achieve the above
- 3. To ensure that the laws and policies of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC) are upheld and implemented in North America
- 4. To set policies, as appropriate for the North American ISKCON Temples and communities, in line with global ISKCON GBC Laws and the teachings of His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
- 5. To ensure that the RGB is supported by adequate staff, including an Administrative Director chosen by the RGB by majority vote. Their terms and duties will be determined by the RGB
- 6. To ensure that there is a legally incorporated entity which can support the administrative functions of the RGB, and that it functions according to all local, state/provincial and national laws
- 7. To create and administer an annual budget, and provide annual financial reports to all North American temples
- 8. To connect ISKCON centres in North America with available support in relation to child protection and in relation to conduct of leaders
- 9. To ensure that the necessary offices are reviewed and, if approved, reaffirmed, along with their directors annually
- 10. To support efforts and structures to enhance the effectiveness of Temple Presidents, Zonal Supervisors, Regional Secretaries, North American Ministers, North American Offices, and Duty Officers, per the policies established by the global GBC body
- 11. To work toward developing regional offices and representatives for Ministries as deemed necessary by the RGB
- 12. To organize at least one annual meeting of all NA RGB members, all Temple Presidents, and other NA leaders in good standing to discuss and coordinate strategic plans and other issues of importance for ISKCON North America
- 13. To report annually to the global GBC body
- 14. To serve on committees that may be established from time to time by the RGB
- 15. To promote support of and cooperation with the RGB within their area of responsibility
- 16. To keep confidentiality on topics so deemed
Unifying ISKCON in North America
Our Mission
The NA RGB is dedicated to supporting and guiding ISKCON temples, centers, and devotees across North America. We strive to:
Help Coordination
Provide Guidance
Resolve Conflicts
Promote Growth
NA RGB Team
Current Projects
From Proposal to Recognition
Formation of an RGB
An RGB for a particular Region may be created by simple majority vote of the GBC Body, but the effect of such a resolution will be pending the completion of certain formalities as specified below, and eventual notification by the GBC Secretary. Similarly, RGB’s may have their geographic areas modified, and they also may be dissolved, by simple majority vote of the GBC Body.
In considering a proposal for creation of an RGB, the GBC Body shall consider the following criteria:
- Are the needs of the region in question sufficiently uniform as to make amalgamation into a single region appropriate?
- Is the existing leadership within the region sufficiently mature to be able to assume such a delegation of responsibilities?
- Does the region have a track record of cooperative management, such as through the proper functioning of a Continental Committee or other informal body as described below?
Note: Bodies known as “National Councils” or “National Governing Bodies” which are managing ISKCON’s affairs in a single country may be designated by the GBC Body as RGB’s, or if they are not so designated then they may be Divisional Councils or informal bodies as defined in the following sections.
3.4.1.4 Approval of Rules and Regulations:
In order to be recognized as a Regional Governing Body under this law, the regional leaders must submit to the GBC Secretary the proposed Rules and Regulations for how the affairs of the RGB will be conducted. These Rules and Regulations must include, as a minimum, information on:
- How membership in the RGB is determined, and that there is allowance for a sufficient number of GBC Members functioning within the area to be members.
- How meetings are convened and conducted.
- Rules for the election of officers and their duties.
- The rights and responsibilities of the members.
- Procedures for reporting to the GBC Body on its actual membership and proceedings.
- Procedures for maintaining a record of the official proceedings of the RGB.
- Procedures for changing the Rules and Regulations by minimum 2/3 vote.
The GBC Secretary may also from time to time promulgate additional standards for what is to be included in the Rules and Regulations, as directed by the Executive Committee.
When the GBC Secretary is satisfied that the Rules and Regulations for the conduct of the affairs of the RGB are well formed then he or she shall issue notification to such effect and the RGB shall be considered created.
Any changes that the RGB proposes to make to its Rules and Regulations shall be submitted to the GBC Secretary for approval before they take effect.
In the functioning of an RGB, if any dispute arises among the members as to whether the Rules and Regulations are being properly followed, the GBC Secretary shall make a final determination.
In service to Srila Prabhupada
Regular Voting Members
GBC Members
Corresponding to the 5 Zones in North America
Zonal Supervisors
Each nominated by a GBC member, then voted on by the 5 GBC members
Temple Presidents
Elected by North American Temple Presidents
NA Ministers
Communications, Vaishnavi, and Youth
Keeping track of what matters
NA RGB Annual Reports & Resolutions
The NA RGB serves to support and guide ISKCON communities across North America, promoting cooperation, stability, and sustained growth.
Through these annual reports and resolutions, you can gain insight into its work, key decisions, and ongoing efforts to strengthen ISKCON across the region.
2024
- NA RGB Annual Report
- NA RGB Resolutions
2025
- NA RGB Annual Report
- NA RGB Resolutions
Current Projects
North American Centers
Helpful Resources
This website seeks to serve as a central hub for information about the NA RGB's activities and resources. We encourage you to explore the site and contact us if you have any questions.