New Economic Model Working Group

January 28, 2004 - minutes

REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEES

REVIEW GROUP

Connie: The Review Group had their 2nd meeting with 20 participants.

The main topic was to explore possible funding models that determine how revenue transfers occur throughout the mandala.

There was consensus (more or less) that:

  1. All members of the mandala be understood to be members of SI and not just their local centers. This will take education.
  2. Revenues from the Centers be the source of funding the Central Office.
  3. We should begin now to invite Centers to begin their contributions.

Therefore, the next step is to put together specific tables showing possible formulas for contributions. Once we get reliable data we could put together a recommendation for method(s) and circulate for feedback. Allow people to see what the impact on the Centers will be by using different methods.

If we canÕt get full data we should use what we have so we can proceed.

Important: Make sure Centers/members understand the relationship between Center contribution to Central Office based on number of members and individual contribution to Central Office. They are not the same and one does not cancel the other.

Working Principle: The Central Office will continue to fundraise for operations, special projects and reorganization.

CENSUS

Ed and Dan: Census is going to take some time. Richard thinks we wonÕt be able to get the figures we want from the Centers just by asking. They donÕt have the information. We need to identify a representative from each Center to gather the data.

Gathering of the financial data seems to be happening. However, gathering the membership data is much harder because there is some question as to what constitutes a member. The estimates of membership range from 4000 to 8000 worldwide.

Next Step: Identify Center reps.

ECONOMIC ACCOUNTABILITY

Nancy: We have to have consistent financial reporting. We have to have reliable internal controls that everyone knows and accepts. We have to have timely planning and budgeting.

We need to look at the existing North American databases and decide if we should continue using all the un-unified databases or should we build a unified database?

Question: Do we need to create a Database Sub-Group?

MAJOR PRACTICE CENTERS

Major Centers need to have reliable, accurate timely financial reporting.

Resolve this issue: Centers generate most of the cash. Does it make sense, as policy, for them to use most of the cash as well? Who determines the policy?

SETTING PRIORTIES AND TIMING PROJECTS

Jim: Do we have deliverables? If so, what are they? If not, how to we determine what they are? It is very important to build consensus on priorities. SI members need to know what the NEMWG priorities are

Richard feels strongly we need to try a few things that are relatively easy to do. This means priorities that are not politically hot. Identify them, set them as priorities, complete them, publicize them, and then build on the successes.

Next step: Identify doable priorities and set timing.

REVIEW CONGRESS

Richard: There is a clear feeling that we need to develop a process that continues opening discussion off all matters to an ever-larger group of people. This reflects the aspiration of the 1st Shambhala Congress.

Jim R comment: The initial reports coming from Central Office are good. They were well received in Boston. However, perhaps the Board should adopt a transparency statement since it doesnÕt have the best reputation for sharing and is widely viewed as operating in secrecy.

Richard: The current board is small. Some members have resigned and have not been replaced.

Question: What about an interim expansion board?

Richard: Many of the problems that emerged at Congress and that we are discussing, Europe doesnÕt experience yet. It will face many similar challenges as it grows. Perhaps we should make certain each working group has a European representative. This could be preventative.

Ed: Europe needs parallel groups.

Richard: We must be careful not to split unnecessarily. Language, culture, diversity is very important to our successful growth. We donÕt want to isolate ourselves from one another. Spanish speaking in North America is a good example.

OTHER BUSINESS

Acharya Spiegel: Issues of timing. Is NEMWG too far ahead of the other working groups? Our work must reflect what comes from all groups.

Richard: the other groups are moving very slowly if at all. NEMWG need not be in a hurry. People need to catch up.

ISSUE RAISED BUT DISCUSSION DELAYED

Do we need to coordinate capital campaigns throughout the mandala?

Good = Eliminates duplication and lessens donor fatigue.
Bad = Squelches local energy. Centers have their own donor base.

Issue deferred.

Meeting adjourned by Jim Rosen.

Humbly submitted by Bill Brauer