October 29, 2009

 

Dear members of the Halifax Shambhala Centre,

 

As many of you are aware, this is a transitional time for our Shambhala Centre. We have a great new Director and Governance Council, a strong staff and group of volunteers, and we are all working with changing realities. You will by now have received a few emails outlining the immanent and projected revenue shortfalls the Centre is facing, and no doubt are also contemplating the situation and wondering what the future holds.

 

It is evident that sustaining the Centre, fulfilling our aspirations as a community and expanding out for the benefit of others, requires a real shift in our financial operating model – from one that rides on the ups and downs of donations and program revenues to one based on dependable revenue streams. Our vision as a Governance Council is to move beyond hope and fear to build a stable and resilient financial foundation for the Centre.

 

The Principles for Sustainability of Base Operations at Practice Centers,* adopted by the Council, provided us with inspiration. For Halifax, the path to financial stability is a target operating ratio of 80% revenue from regular and recurring member dues, and 20% from programs and other revenue sources. At present the Centre’s operating ratio is around 60%/40%. We need to attain a more workable ratio and believe that the collective confidence, richness and energy of the whole HSC community can make it a reality.

 

Old members and new appreciate and rely on this jewel of a Centre, this unique place where we meet as a Shambhala family. As some of us expressed it at our Community Circle last June, “My DNA is in this shrine room…I can’t imagine my life without this place.” The Centre runs in our veins and in our being, and for that reason perhaps we sometimes take it for granted, or lose sight of the preciousness of what we have created here in Halifax.  We invite you to contemplate how, as a community, we can carry this Centre together.

 

Developing a stable financial base that supports the activity and wellbeing of the HSC, now and in the long term, really won’t take much and won’t be a burden for anyone – if we all join in this effort collectively. The simplest, most straightforward way to do this is by making a regular monthly donation as a member, or by increasing the monthly amount you currently give.

 

Bob Hastey, our Centre’s financial Bodhisattva, will be happy to hear from you and can be reached almost anytime at:

Email: bhastey@shambhala.org

HSC: 420 1118 X13

Home: 422 -8259

 

A member of your Governance Council will be contacting you to discuss any questions that you may have and invite your participation in this community effort.  You can also contact us at: hscgovernancecouncil@gmail.com

 

We see this transitional time as an opportunity to celebrate who we are and what we have – a chance to strengthen the foundations of our Dharma home. A new financial model is a necessity. Thank you for helping to create the future of our Centre, and for everything you have contributed and continue to contribute as a member.

 

Yours in the vision of a flourishing community and Enlightened Society,

Ron Renz (Chair), Thomas Ahrens, Elizabeth Berlasso, Yeshe Fuchs, David Garrett, Joe Litven, Kerstin Martin, Sharon Meadows, Jeff Torbert, Bob Vogler, Tim Walker and Ryan Watson

 

My Shambhala Centre - How Much I Love You

Great place to be and to expand

Jewel like

The Great Eastern sun shines forth

The setting sun is vanquished

This is good medicine

Biodiversity sustains nature

Human diversity sustains enlightened society

Tenacious calm

Come let us build trust and expand the work of our forefathers

Are we finally ready?

Jump in, jump in, it's your dharma home

We have much to celebrate

Skilful means - policy governance (laughter)

Flowers need to be watered

Mirrors need to be cleaned

Roof needs to shelter

Doors need to be unlocked

Windows can be opened

Hope needs to be let go of

Welcome to the ocean playground!

Halifax Shambhala Centre Governance Council

October 23, 2009, HSC Garuda Room

 

* http://www.shambhala.org/community/documents/Financial_Sustainability_pdf.pdf