A Call to Action
by Larry Steele
Seattle Shambhala’s volunteer leaders sounded a “Call to Action” in February, outlining our sangha’s commitment to preserving the teachings and community of Shambhala. In an email letter to members entitled “Seattle Shambhala Call to Action”, the Governing Council said, “we believe that many of you share our commitment.”
The letter asks sangha members to help in four key areas:
- Stabilize membership donations and finances by maintaining donations.
- Help our Practice and Education team as they modify and support class offerings, by staffing programs and giving suggestions for future offerings.
- Respond to requests for help maintaining our center and practice space.
- Attend community meetings.
The letter said, “At times of such upheaval it can be helpful to ask, ‘What is so precious to me that it will call forth my inner courage so as to preserve it?’” With this call to action is a commitment to the care of our sangha and community, and the precious teachings.
Seattle Shambhala members also received an email letter entitled “A Letter from Your Practice and Education Team.” It describes current thinking about how to prioritize class offerings “to address the diverse range of needs and desires in this incredibly challenging and painful time.” P&E invites feedback, suggestions and questions about class offerings. “It is especially important to offer opportunities for us to study and to practice together in formats that are open to all members of our community,” the letter said.
Both of these letters remind us that the future of our sangha is in our hands and that there are many ways to help. Service is an important part of one’s path, and can be as enriching for the giver as the receiver. We urge you to contact Facilities Manager, Annica Holder at [email protected] and/or P&E Director Sydney Munger at [email protected], to learn more about how you can help.
