Minutes of Buddhist Council meeting 2010-11-04
A Jesse Jiryu Davis
Buddhist Council of New York
Monthly Meeting @ Lalitamba Mandiram
Minutes 11/4/2010
In attendance: Judy Chen of SCBA, Soo Kyoung Lee of Chogyesa, CIZNY,
Nick Gershberg of CIZNY, Matt Egan of Chogyesa, CIZNY, Swamini Sri
Lalitambika Devi of Lalitamba Mandiram, Michelle Dunson of SI Buddhist
Vihara, Bhante Kondanna of Si Buddhist Vihara, Marjorie Markus of
CMNY, BPF.
Last meeting's minutes read and approved.
==MNYC==
-Jiryu has reported that a number of centers have received traffic
from the event :ZC for Contemplative care (6 visitors), Community of
Mindfulness, Lalitamba Mandiram (2). All agree that the event was
logistically smoother than last year. There was less action at the
member's tables- maybe because of the event's theme? Maybe create a
more separate space next year? Fewer people attended this year's
event, possible b/c it did not fall on a weekend with another big
"dharma event". But more people stayed for longer periods (at least 50
in attendance at any time). Maybe plan on more "park walkers" next
year. We've received good feedback from a number of the speakers, some
of whom have shown interest in becoming BCNY members. All agree that
the transition time between speakers should be considered next time,
and that the speakers should receive a day-of explanation of the time
constraints, etc. The sign in sheet for visitors should include a
column asking how they heard of the event. FINANCES of the event
presented by Soo Kyoung. We should try to strengthen donation element
and perhaps as a year-long endeavor, seek sponsorship for the event
and/or for BCNY at large. Finally, we should send membership
invitations to all speakers' institutions/centers.
(Jiryu adds: I very very roughly estimate 60 people attended open
houses because of Meditate NYC in the 2 weeks following the event.)
==Buddhist Forum==
-Generally positive response to having the event at Brooklyn ZC again.
It's free, and a great venue. We would need to include better
directions for attendees, and perhaps offer a shuttle from Manhattan.
Planning for February or March 2011. We need to vote on a topic at the
next meeting.
==Membership / Finance Report==
-Sound membership dues received. Report accepted and approved. We
should have BCNY officers meet with non-council groups. Term periods-
when should they begin and end? "calendar year", regardless of when
payment is made, instead of fiscal year? Why are certain centers not
participating?- We should encourage participation, at least in the
google group, via email, etc. Sangha outreach- maybe a new
letter/mailing.
==Other Matters==
-Judy Chen is the new NYPD Buddhist Liaison. The new Chief wants to
know if we want to meet. All agree YES! When? Dates? The connection is
important for recognition of the Buddhist community and it's broad
needs across the city, and to enhance the sense of diversity the NYPD
community is familiar with. Also, it is an important opportunity to
express our willingness to provide for the community and to explore
the possibilities the NYPD can offer in the way of service.
Next Meeting: December 2nd @ Village Zendo, 7:30 pm