NWDA community meeting hosted by the Seattle Koyasan Buddhist Temple, February 6, 2019. From left: Riaz Khan, Washin, Imanaka Taijo Sensei, Sharyn Skeeter, George Draffan, John Guy, Susan Greenfield, Lama Rangdrol, Timothy O’Brien.
Photos by: Tim Tapping

Over the past several months, the Northwest Dharma Association team has been convening a series of community roundtables. We met with a wonderful cross-section of people and heard about what matters most to them. We’re pleased to report a growing sense of collaboration and mutual support, among many different Buddhist and Buddhist-inspired communities.

These include practitioners and teachers bringing mindfulness into the workplace and into public education. These include people of all colors working on the difficult and liberating aspects of diversity and inclusion.

Professional and family caregivers are utilizing Buddhist principles to cultivate healthy and sustainable compassion and care. Artists are exploring Buddhist themes in traditional and modern painting, sculpture, music, dance, storytelling and theater.

They’ve all inspired and helped us to re-envision the mission and programs of Northwest Dharma Association, and for that we’re grateful. The association has a vital role to play as Buddhist practices take root in modern society.

We’re working to turn our vision (supporting Buddhist teachings and community) into reality (actionable next steps). We’ve got our work cut out for us: strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, and planning events.

See our 2018 annual report for our financials and work last year.

And that’s where you come in! We welcome the participation of the whole region, all the far-flung sanghas and groups across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and British Columbia.

Of course we always welcome new group members and individual supporters. We’re also always open to hearing from temples and groups that might like to host or co-sponsor one of Northwest Dharma’s roundtable conversations or community events.

Whether or not you’re part of an established group, whatever your talents and interests, we could use your help with events, social media, strategic planning, grant writing and more. If you’re interested in supporting the dharma, please contact Tim Tapping or George Draffan.