Totally Volunteer: Staff Changes at NWDA

As of July 1, the Northwest Dharma Association became an all-volunteer organization.

June marks the end of Timothy O’Brien’s four-and-a-half year tenure as the single paid staff member of the Northwest Dharma Association. It does not, however, end his activities or connection with NWDA.

“When I began,” he says,” I didn’t know exactly what was needed. It’s really only in looking back that I understand now what has transpired.

“We have made progress in all these areas. With the help of many remarkable people over the years, I have been able to play some part in this.”

In the short term, NWDA will function as an entirely volunteer organization. There will be a need for paid staff again in the future. It is important that NWDA generate the financial support needed to employ staff to carry out its unique mission. The organization is fortunate, at this time, to have people willing to perform these roles without compensation.

David Forsythe, the Association’s long-serving volunteer office manager and webmaster, is the sine qua non of NWDA’s day-to-day existence. His work includes checking incoming email daily for inquiries from members and the general public, then answering them or forwarding them to the appropriate person. Also checking daily for submissions to the website calendar; processing and welcoming new group, individual and teacher members; and making revisions to the website group directory.

David picks up mail at the Center House near the office weekly, sends out membership renewal reminders, and processes membership renewals. He maintains the financial records from these and all other transactions, including donations, and keeps up to date with the requirements of various government agencies. As NWDA’s use of electronic communication has increased, David has acquired quite a toolkit of internet skills which he uses in creating and maintaining web pages, News archives, databases, and email announcements.

Julie Welch, recently retired board president, will continue as volunteer editor of the Northwest Dharma News and “editor-at-large” of NWDA communications. She will also continue to be involved in event planning and outreach.

As a volunteer, Timothy will continue to supply the board of directors with regular financial statements and various other forms of support, including helping with fundraising and other development projects. He will also assist David in the many administrative and web-related tasks demanding attention.

On Volunteering for the Northwest Dharma Association

Timothy O’Brien:
“The board members and other volunteers (of which I am now happily one myself) exemplify one of the most important practices in the Buddhadharma: the giving of dana. I have been so inspired by the generosity of these folks! The hours I have spent in the company of these devoted practitioners have benefited me beyond measure.

“The 2010-2011 Board that began its term this June is a remarkable group of people, drawn from diverse lineages. These twelve will move us further ahead. May they and all beings benefit from their deeds!”

David Forsythe:
“Working for NWDA doing office work and website work over many years has become part of my practice. The work that I do is mostly done behind the scenes. It’s just the ongoing work that any organization needs and must have. Over the years, it’s become second nature to me. I am deeply sympathetic to the mission of NWDA.

“Among the many benefits of doing this work are the people with whom and for whom the work is done. From those who call, email and use the website looking for help finding a sangha, a teacher or just to find out more about Buddhism to the bodhisattvas who give of their talents, it is always an enriching experience. I learn constantly from them.

“Giving can take many forms and is one of the Ten Perfections taught by the Buddha. And it’s a value and practice honored by almost all religions. David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, calls gratitude the heart of prayer. I am grateful for the opportunity to give in this way and happy to do it.”

Julie Welch:
“I’m a lucky dog.”

Message from NWDA President, Nick Vail

In the spirit of new beginnings, I write to you with the aspiration that the Dharma flourish in these lands of the Pacific Northwest.

Among non-profit groups, the Northwest Dharma Association is unique. It is our mission to support the Dharma by connecting the diverse sanghas of our region.

This truly is your organization. Being composed of individual members and member groups, NWDA exists to be of benefit to your and indeed all beings' path to awakening.

To engage this way in North America, we depend upon your generosity. Your donation will go towards nurturing the Dharma and promoting peace and harmony in a world that is in need.

Please consider giving what you can to help.
May all be auspicious!

Sourcebook Listings Free as Benefit of Membership

Sourcebook, NWDA’s online directory of Buddhist-friendly businesses and service professionals is now offered free as a benefit of membership in the Northwest Dharma Association.

Sourcebook listings offer the possibility to advertise in the categories of: Professional Services, Psychotherapy & Counseling, Well-Being & Natural Lifestyle, Dharma Supplies, Retreat Centers, and Dining & Lodging.

If you have a business or service and are an individual or teacher member, or a member group, you can place a listing at no additional expense beyond your annual dues.  Membership for individuals/teachers remains $25/year and starts at $50/year for member groups.

You can place a listing here.

Please spread the word to friends in your sangha or meditation group or to anyone you think might be interested in this offer.  This is a great way to reach the Buddhist community throughout and beyond the region while supporting Northwest Dharma at the same time.

Dharma Teachers: Mark Your Calendars for October 2nd

The 2010 Northwest Dharma Association’s annual Teachers Meeting will take place as usual on the first Saturday of October. This year that means October 2nd.

The meeting is open to monastics, teachers and sangha leaders of all traditions. You need not be a Northwest Dharma member to attend.

More information about the Teachers Meeting will be available soon. If you would like to receive email updates about the event and/or volunteer to help with planning, please contact us at info@northwestdharma.org.

NWDA Teacher Members can receive information and participate in discussions via the online Teacher Forum. Information about joining as a Teacher Member is here: www.northwestdharma.org.

Welcome New Member Groups

Membership is crucial to the survival of the Northwest Dharma Association. We thank, anonymously, all those who have joined as Individual and Teacher members this year. Listed below are the Dharma Groups who have become members of NWDA since January 2010. We are very grateful for your support!