VICTORIA SHAMBHALA CENTRE
Guiding Values of the Victoria Shambhala Community:
- Practice and Study – This is the basis of all our thoughts
and actions. Progress for our community depends on practice
and discipline and the embodiment of the teachings in all our
interactions.
- Inclusiveness – We value all those who have been drawn
to the dharma. The old and new members and our visitors have
a stake in our community to varying degrees. We welcome contributions
and participation from all to the degree they choose. We offer
opportunities for feedback and engagement.
- Hierarchy and order – As co-directors, part of our leadership
role will be to articulate in writing a cohesive structure --though
consultation with those who know how it all works. This will,
over time, lead to a clarification of the form and activity of
the organization. The practice of discipline and community building
will call us all to bring accountability for our actions and direct,
honest, and effective communication to our relations with each
other.
- Flexibility – Our teachings spring from the ground of
flexibility, openness and warriorship. Accordingly, we embrace
and move toward the obstacles before us with agility, compassion
and courage. We take a view to bring resolution, meaning and
purpose to benefit all involved. To achieve this, the resourcefulness
and strength of the entire community is called upon.
- Upliftedness – We greet each new idea with a sense of
“yes” and then modify as required. We will encourage and support
inspiration, innovation and enthusiasm. We celebrate at every
appropriate opportunity.
- Appreciation – We show gratitude for each contribution
offered to our community; this is the task of all members whenever
a contribution is noticed. We show gratitude and appreciation
for all those who have joined us and have taken the step to practice
meditation, serve and participate in the community.
Priorities -- as proposed by the co-Directors
GROUND:
- Clarify roles and responsibilities
- Meet with council and leaders of committees to understand the
tasks and boundaries.
- Gather input and suggestions from groups: council, elders,
MI’s, guides, new members, and the whole community.
- Write down task descriptions and lines of communication
- Establish a comprehensible hierarchy
- Communicate the resulting amalgamated and refined view to the
whole sangha.
- Create clear and open financial planning and budgeting
- Each committee and department will have a budget
- Graduated financial decision-making and accountability
- Regular summary financial reporting to the council from the
treasurer
- Regularly communicate our financial situation to the sangha
- Gather all our tools and talents
- Establish order and fluidity
- Explore, cultivate and draw on the richness and diversity of
the community.
- Poll and troll for strengths, talents and interests.
- Incorporate our findings into action and inclusion.
PATH
- Expand the sense of inclusiveness
- Encourage volunteerism – Yes, first
- Encourage delegation
- Be receptive to and incorporate feedback
- Engender a sense of belonging for elders, members and visitors
through communication and listening.
- Strengthen the community structure and spirit
- Encourage practice as the base of our community
- Engender participation and communication
- Create containers and boundaries
- Move toward the obstacles with courage, unity and clarity
- Encourage and support celebration
- Strengthen our ties and profile with affiliated Shambhala
Centres
- With the Pacific Northwest Region Shambhala centres
- With Shambhala International
- Invite visiting teachers
- Communicate this to all members and to others as appropriate
FRUITION
A hospitable, inclusive, harmonious, vibrant and prosperous Shambhala
Centre for the Victoria community, which is well connected to the
larger mandala and is a brilliant manifestation of the Great Eastern
Sun vision.
Co-Directors’ workplan
1. Articulate values, priorities, and workplan – By April 1,
2003
- Seek approval, feedback and support from the Shambhala Council
- Communicate this to the community by July 2003 and elicit feedback
2. Review all roles and responsibilities - By end of
summer
- Establish “who is on first’
- What they do
- Where the boundaries of their roles are
- What decision-making authority they have
- Who they are including in their efforts
- When and who will be ready to report to council on their activities
3. Share the holistic structure and vision with the entire
community - mid –September
4. Plan next steps and present to council – October, 2003 council
meeting
Respond
to this report online or Return
to Discussion Paper Page
|
