NCS Executive Committee Meeting - May 14, 2008

At this meeting, Amy shared the latest from the SFSC Relocation. The SFSC Directors have recommended that the SFSC temporarily stop looking at real estate for a month while they: a) identify a chairperson of the board, b) create a staffing plan for the new site,  c) develop a fundraising plan for financing a move,  d) compile a list of criteria required in a new space e) clarify the relocation plan and timeline. Amy reported that 710 Van Ness is still available and perhaps still open to negotiations. SFSC has also identified a building at 1243 Sutter which has great potential as a possible site. (This building is the same as 1235 Sutter). The Executive Committee discussed how we as a group can help mentor newer leaders and how we proceed with regional strategic planning. We also spent some time discussing oversight of Sacred Path funds. The full minutes from this meeting are here: Download File

Shambhala Directors decide to take it to the cushion

On the evenings of May 6 & May 12, Amy, Seth, Noah and Susan all met together to practice meditation! These practice sessions were very beneficial in creating the ground of benevolence and sanity for our work. Our discussions of the San Francisco Shambhala relocation project and working with a diversity of opinions on how to proceed were greatly aided by the energy of the lineage which was present thanks to our practice. We highly recommend shamatha and/or the Rain of Blessings guruyoga for other leaders who may be in the midst of intense business negotiations or even outright conflicts. On May 6th, we also spent significant time listening to one another without interruption and then repeating back what we heard. This listening practice helped make it clear that we understood each other's viewpoints, feelings and needs. After spending this time practicing together and listening to one another, we were able to move into decision-making and planning how to continue our work to relocate the SFSC. We plan to meet again this Thursday evening, May 22nd for more formal practice and our continuing practice of Shambhala governance.

NCS Exec Committee meets with SFSC Board - May 1, 2008

On the evening of May 1st, the NCS Executive Committee met with the San Francisco Shambhala Board to discuss SFSC relocation and the Dzong. This meeting focused on clarifying who is responsible for decision-making in order to sign a lease on a new building. Legally, Amy Conway, Susan Arnesen, or Noah Butter could all sign a lease after receiving a resolution from the Finance Committee of the Sakyong's Council. It was clarified that the decision to sign a lease at 710 Van Ness lease was never presented to the SFSC Board for approval. It was also clear that there were different viewpoints about what the new SFSC building would look like. The group agreed that there is a need to clarify the criteria & description for a new building. A clear process for choosing and approving a building needs to be written out and agreed upon by the Board. The idea of SFSC separately incorporating was discussed.
Full minutes of this meeting are posted here : Download File

NCS Executive Committee Meeting - April 16, 2008

The NCS Executive Committee met on April 16th to discuss next steps after receiving lots of wonderful input and participation at our April 13th regional leadership gathering. We need to continue to emphasize and encourage each Shambhala Center in the region to be strong, functional, and financially sustainable in order to create a functional region. The idea of merging centers or entities that are not yet strong themselves may not help. We, the Executive Committee will offer support to help strengthen SFSC governance and help the SFSC plan a successful move. We also touched on the planing of the regional congress and financial oversight of Sacred Path funds. Amy agreed to schedule a meeting of the Executive Committee and the SFSC Board of Directors as soon as possible. Here are the full minutes of that meeting: Download file

Input from President Reoch on the Dzong Vision

At our April 13th Regional Leadership gathering, there were several questions that we agreed to ask the Sakyong about the "Dzong" vision that Rinpoche presented to us in March. These questions were:

1. Is the Dzong a command?
2. Is the Dzong a higher priority than the Bay Area Land Center?

I sent these questions to President Reoch when he was in Germany with the Sakyong. I thought you would be interested to read (with his permission) the letter that President Reoch sent me in reply. Download Letter