The methods of the preparation to reach the Next Level, addressed as “the Classroom”, are detailed in Balch and Taylor. This regimen was organized by the founders to prepare the followers via a simulated life on a space ship, wearing uniforms, hoods and practicing an odd routine called ‘Central’ involving having to check in at central location in every 11 minutes asking what members could do to serve. Central was designed to teach students of ‘the Classroom’ to focus on serving the Next Level, to signify their commitment to always be available to serve joyously, and also to filter out potential dropouts (215).
During the program, members weren’t allowed to even phone home until 1982, and slowly started visiting their families from 1985, in order to assure their families about their safety, happiness and freedom to leave if wanted. Members told their families about living in a monastery and learning how to work with computers to generate income to live on (217).
Group photo of the cult members 'graduating' from 'the Classroom'