New Economic Model Working Group

December 23, 2003 - minutes

Present: Connie Brock, Michael Greenleaf, Ed Keizer, Dan Naistadt, Jim Rosen, Terry Rudderham, Nancy McCabe, Richard Siebold, Eric Spiegel & Jeff Waltcher.
Regrets: Brian Callahan, Chris Tamdjidi

Appointment of Secretary for Meeting: Connie Brock

Review of Richard Reoch email: Jim Rosen

• The issue raised was that our work is somewhat ahead of work on Unified Mandala and therefore we do not know what the requested funding level for Shambhala International will be. Richard advised modeling several scenarios (current level, 2002 EOY, one with a central and regional structure, and one that would be a growth model). The group agreed to proceed with a multi-scenario approach.
• President Reoch also asked that we make recommendations for mandala wide tracking and collating of financial data. It was agreed that this is included in the scope of our financial management objective (a system for financial planning, reporting and controls).
• Lastly, President Reoch asked us to look at a process for prioritization of major investment and capital fundraising. After some discussion, we concluded that it would be necessary to schedule a dedicated discussion with a broader group (including president Reoch) before proceeding further. Jim Rosen will follow up.

Subgroup Reports

Review Subgroup: Connie Brock

• To date, 34 people have asked to participate, of which 3 will be review only (i.e. not attend meetings). Of the remaining 31, 26 attended one of the 2 Review Group kickoff meetings held in December. The representation seems to be fairly broad and does include all the major centers, so this should be a very good group for input and feedback.
• A good portion of the meetings was spent clarifying our objectives and the current financial status of International. The rest was spent on review of the Ò12 PointsÓ document. Several revisions were made based on the discussion, including adding a point for managing exceptions to the funding model. The Ò13 PointsÓ should serve well as the foundation principals for developing recommendations.
• Terry noted the revision in item 4 regarding the need for Òother divisionsÓ (i.e. other than Meditation Centers and Groups) to participate in supporting the central office. Our subgroup on practice centers will address their support, but other divisions are not currently covered. It was agreed that we could leave the others on hold for now, to be addressed later.

Census Subgroup: Dan Naistadt & Ed Keizer

• The census form has been revised and simplified per our last meeting discussion.
• Dan has asked President Reoch to write an introduction. When this is done, the survey can go out as soon after end of year as possible.
• The census subgroup is looking for help with the census. Dan will put together a request for Connie to send to the Review Group.
• Since by design the survey is only for meditation centers/groups, we discussed how to get data for other divisions. It was agreed that we could use the information from Chris TamdjidiÕs study for practice centers, and TerryÕs 2002 data for the others.

Finance and Governance Subgroup: Jim Rosen, Nancy McCabe, Terry Rudderham

• This subgroup is looking for help with their work. Michael Greenleaf joined. Additional (accountant type) help will be solicited for the Review Group.
• Connie referred an issue from the Review Group meetings: the need for a view for finances altogether. It was agreed that the subgroup will include this in their work.

Major Practice Centers Subgroup: Jeff Walchter

There is a conference call for major practice centers in January. Jeff will look at the possibility of representatives from the New Economic model Working group participating and having time on their agenda.

Discussion: Do we need a new subgroup to develop funding model scenarios? How do we move this forward?

• It was agreed that we do not need a new subgroup, but could use the existing Review Group.
• Next steps: Connie will draft scenarios for the next Review Group meetings and report back the results of those discussions.

Discussion: Subgroup Chairs. Volunteers as follows.

• Review Subgroup: Connie
• Census Subgroup: Dan & Ed will co-chair
• Finance and governance Subgroup: to be determined
• Major Practice Centers Subgroup: to be determined

Discussion: Adequacy of representation on Working Group

• It was agreed that Karma Choling should be offered the opportunity to join the group, or at a minimum, join the Major Practice Center Subgroup. Jim will follow up.

Next Steps: Communication

• Terry will follow up on the issue of website accessibility for Working group information.
• Connie will write a Shambhala News Service announcement regarding the formation of the Review Group and extending another invitation for people to join. That, the meeting minutes and the 13 Points will be made available on the website. Terry will let Connie know when this can be done.

Next Meeting is January 28, 2004 from 2:00 pm Ð 4:00 pm EST

Note: The time will be booked for three hours in case we go over but the intention is to keep the meeting to a two-hour time limit.

Dedication of Merit