The Latest From Town Hall: Membership Drive Emphasizes Generosity and Radical Inclusivity
“Generosity is self-existing openness, complete openness. You are no longer subject to cultivating your own scheme or project. And the best way to open yourself up is to make friends with yourself and with others.” – Dorje Dradul of Mukpo
by Andrea D’Asaro
The second Town Hall, on July 30th at the Seattle Shambhala Center took us deep into the view of Shambhala as a place of social liberation, creating Enlightened Society and cutting through the systematic forms of oppression that keep beings from experiencing basic goodness. This emphasis on Radical Inclusivity was a direct response to the many voices in the Sangha that are calling for a more rich expression of the totality of human experience being represented in our Center.
The occasion for having this conversation was the presentation of the membership drive now underway at the Center. Those in attendance appreciated hearing from multiple people presenting together as a team. It was evident that the membership team had done a lot to prepare for the day. Director Michael Busby, Annica Crouse, Richard Eng and Jill Avey all presented at the Town Hall. Sam Taylor and Meli-Tashi Happy are also on the team but were not in attendance.
According to a July survey that went out to all members, most donate monthly to “provide stability to the center,” and “offer the benefit of meditation and teachings to others,” reported Annica Crouse, the membership project manager.
As the Shambhala Center extends out to reach new people, increased monthly membership donations are a crucial way to create stability. By reducing our dependence on programs to provide income, we are able to focus more on cultural and social activities and on outreach into the greater Seattle community. This in large part is also pointing to our need to hire more staff as we continue to grow, to keep up with our expanding activity and support our volunteers.
Director Michael Busby described how our individual effort and generosity is what allows our community to be generous in the world. To really fulfill the intention of Shambhala—to create a good human society—will take immense effort and generosity.
Jill Avey, the communication coordinator, showed off a sleek new flyer to encourage donations within five new giving categories, which form the center’s complete tree, starting from $5 – $500 per month. “We will also be working to improve our website to make it easier to become a member,” she informed us.
Our new development coordinator, Richard Eng recently returned to Seattle after many years in Manhattan. In addition to being a member of the New York Shambhala Center, he was active in the art world and helped lead fundraising efforts for theatres and music organizations.
Richard reported that currently, 74% of members give $80 or less per month. He outlined our current breakdown of our 127 members:
- 39% at the Bud level ($5-$29)
- 35% at the Leaf level ($30-$79)
- 19% at the Branch level ($80-$199)
- 7% at the Trunk and Root levels ($200 and up)
Sam Taylor, our membership coordinator, and Richard are speaking at Open Houses and Satellite sittings. They hope to attract 50 new members in August and September, donating an average of $40 per month, for an estimated $2000 monthly increase. As well, if half of our current members in each category increase their giving to the next level, monthly income will increase by $3300 from them.
The membership team envisions that this holistic approach is the key to reaching our goals of financial stability and a foundation for reach and growth. They aim to increase total monthly donations by $5500 altogether.
Many left inspired to share this message, to increase their donations, and to support outreach in their satellites and affinity groups. You can see the results of these initial inspirations in the “treemometer” posted in the community room.
If you’d like help fill up those branches by increasing your donation or if you’d like to add a new leaf by becoming a member, please join in by connecting with Sam at [email protected] or visit our newly updated webpage here.