The Shambhala Board

“Real fearlessness is the product of tenderness. It comes from letting the world tickle your heart, your raw and beautiful heart. You are willing to open up, without resistance or shyness, and face the world. You are willing to share your heart with others.”

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior

Dear Shambhala Community –

The past two weeks have been difficult and devastating in the United States, with two major acts of violence occurring within mere days of each other. We witnessed violence against Asian Americans and others in Atlanta, and another mass shooting rocked the Boulder community. With these incidents so close to our local sanghas, the reminder of our precious human birth and human vulnerability is very real, and our hearts go out to these communities and families.

We want to express our appreciation to all Shambhala practitioners and leaders who continue to practice, support and teach the dharma with genuineness and heart in these challenging times. We are reminded to include all the sufferings of the world in our practice as we continue to explore how to go forward with respect and clarity, knowing there is always more to do and extend.

We are writing to you today with another update on the Shambhala Board’s recent activity. To help us with our vision for the year, the Shambhala Board consulted the I Ching and threw the hexagrams “Gathering Together” changing to “The Joyous Lake.” Our reading of the text is to persevere and sharpen ourselves in order to meet the unforeseen, and to gather with others for practice and discourse. We took this to heart, and planned a short Board retreat this month to refocus our efforts and priorities for the year.

The assessor process that we described in our Joint Statement with the Sakyong Potrang has started. We look forward to seeing the results of the work of the 12 assessors and will report back to the community on their progress in the coming weeks.

2020 Financials – Year-End Results

We are pleased to present the 2020 financial statements to the community. These results are for Shambhala Global Services (SGS), which represents a portion of our global mandala. Please click here for a comprehensive overview of SGS and its work.

SGS had a Net Income of $54,038 (USD) in 2020, slightly above the budgeted goal of $25,843 (USD) This result included $69,810 (USD) in Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) funds received in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Absent those wage subsidies, there would have been a net loss of $15,772 (USD).

Revenues

Total 2020 revenues were $865,599 (USD), which were 9% below budget. Recurring and one-time donations from individuals, as well as transfers from city centers and land centers, were all below plan, due to a combination of our community’s struggles and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Released from Restricted revenues are amounts released from restricted gifts and funds to offset the costs for initiatives critical to the long-term health of the community. In 2020, these initiatives included financial support for Shambhala Centres, Care & Conduct programs, Community Grants and more. The release of restricted funds was higher than budgeted due to some initiatives and centre support being added during the year. All Released from Restricted revenues have an equal and offsetting expense associated with them, so they have no impact on the net profit.

Expenses

Total 2020 expenses were $1,233,539 (USD), which were 11% above budget. Most of the increase was due to $165,325 (USD) in unbudgeted centre support and Community Grants. Without these initiatives, expenses would have been $41,105 (USD) ahead of plan. In general, SGS has worked hard to control costs in 2020, with payroll costs 9% below budget due primarily to not filling vacant roles.

Outlook for 2021

We expect the overall environment to continue to be challenging in 2021. Based on our results for 2020 and current trends, we expect to end 2021 with a small loss. However, we intend to operate at breakeven or better in the future so the reserves can be used for strategic projects and long-term investments for the community. As we work through this time to strengthen Shambhala and its offerings, we will look to increase monthly support from donations and centre transfer fees.

Click here to review the year end financial reports.

Land Center Reopenings

Our land centers are studying how to re-open in a responsible and safe manner. Depending on the Covid 19-related guidelines, small programs are being planned for the spring and other programs for the summer. We have missed gathering together! Each land center continues to provide rich online offerings. Among other programs, Karmê Chöling is planning a series on Gesar; Dorje Denma Ling is offering a variety of programs including Mahamudra retreats online and in person, and Shambhala Mountain Center (SMC) continues with its wide array of programs. Dechen Chöling is offering regular practice opportunities for the sangha as well as three Spring programmes online on karma, death and lucid dreaming. Please check their individual websites for more information.

Karmê Chöling has also initiated a successful residency program. If you long to be safely with community with a lot of opportunity for practice and study, please learn more here. They are also offering a family residency program starting in June.

A joint SGS and SMC team is developing plans to rebuild the Stupa Visitor Center in the wake of the Cameron Peak fire last September. In addition to the design work, the team is finalizing the insurance claims process and assessing the total cost of rebuilding/remediation for the Stupa and associated structures.

Leadership Forum

The Leadership Forum for Centre and Group Directors, Council leaders, and Finance Directors re-starts this spring. In preparation, the Process Team hosted gatherings for leaders to explore various topics of interest and how to get the most out of the upcoming Forums. Susan Skjei, Interim Director of Leader Support, and Melanie Klein, SGS Director of Operations, will be hosting the Forums, and they continue to host a weekly “open door” online gathering for leaders to join at will. Please contact Melanie at melanie.klein@shambhalaglobal.org for more information.

Care and Conduct

This section contains an update on Shambhala’s current Care and Conduct activities and resources available to the Shambhala community. Over the last two weeks, there has been renewed media coverage of past harm within Shambhala. We understand this can bring up a range of feelings and responses for our sangha members, and would like to remind you of some resources available to support you. We encourage you to read more about the Therapy and Counselling Offering (see below for details), or the Shambhala Process Team’s ongoing Community Conversations.

Scholarships available for Right Use of Power Teacher Training

Scholarships for the Right Use of Power Institute’s Teacher Training and Core Training, beginning June 3, 2021, are available from the Shambhala Board for those who require financial assistance. These trainings will support individuals who wish to help expand this program throughout Shambhala and beyond. If you need financial support to attend this training, please email Tara Templin, Director of Community Care and Conduct, at tara.templin@shambhalaglobal.org and indicate the scholarship funds needed (up to 80%).There is no application process and the prerequisite to qualify for the scholarship is completion of the RUP course on Shambhala Online.

Therapy and Counselling Offering for North America and Europe

As previously announced, the Therapy and Counselling Offering based in North America, offered through the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic, is available to individuals who have experienced harm in our community, along with a counselling service for leaders working through difficult situations for themselves and with others. We are pleased that many individuals in our community have accessed this resource, and have reported appreciating the offering and finding it valuable.

We are pleased to announce, as part of the previously announced Therapy and Counselling Offering based in North America, Shambhala Europe is partnering with Ms. Irmi Jeuther, to pilot an ongoing counselling and therapy programme for the European Sangha. Irmi Jeuther is a Counsellor with the German Buddhist Union, a Dharma teacher, and a certified psychologist with expertise in counseling women who experience sexual violence. This project is in coordination with the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic. For more information on this offering, click here to read the announcement sent to Shambhala Europe Members.

Recruiting for Code of Conduct Facilitators (CCFs) and International and Regional Council members

Shambhala is recruiting CCFs and Council members in order to implement the new Code of Conduct. If you have any thoughts or questions about the roles or recruitment process, please contact Tara Templin, Director of Community Care and Conduct, at tara.templin@shambhalaglobal.org.

• A minimum of four (4) Code of Conduct Facilitators (CCFs) who will serve as reference points for those involved to navigate the Code of Conduct process. CCFs will receive and respond to concerns and complaints and coordinate the stages of the process for the parties involved in it.
• A minimum of three (3) Regional and three (3) International Council Members will receive formal complaints, and when needed, oversee an investigation. The International Council will receive complaints concerning people who have a global role in Shambhala, and hear appeals if needed. The Councils are responsible for determining what happened and deciding the best way forward, in consultation with both parties and with the community as appropriate.
• All Code of Conduct Facilitators and Council Members will participate in ongoing training in the Code Procedures, Right Use of Power, Gender Dynamics and other key areas.

You can find the full description of these roles, the qualities that are required, and how to apply, at this link.

Background checks for individuals responsible for activities with children

Are you planning any Children or Family programming in 2021? This is a friendly reminder to email tara.templin@shambhalaglobal.org to arrange for a free background check for any volunteers responsible for activities with children. The background check is a requirement as outlined in Shambhala’s Child Protection Policy, section 5.5.

Appointments and Departures

The Board deeply appreciates the extensive time, effort and expertise that John Cobb gave during the almost two and a half years he acted as a Shambhala Board member, Board co-chair, Board chair and committee chair. John retired as a Board member at the end of February but will continue as a special advisor to the Board. As the former president of Naropa University, a longtime active member of the Boulder Shambhala community, and lawyer, John brought knowledge, precision and insight to our work. He provided enormous leadership, humor and perspective. All of us on the Board feel we have developed a special relationship with him. We got to know him as an avid birder, a friend to countless people and a tireless champion of the community. He chaired the Finance Committee, worked with the Care and Conduct Committee and the Code of Conduct Support Group, and spent countless hours on legal work, governance and insurance issues. His presence and bravery was a great example and he will be deeply missed.

The Board thanks and acknowledges the deep commitment and exertion of Charlie Goetzl who resigned from his role as the Director of Practice and Education for Shambhala Global Services at the end of February. Charlie held the position as a Deputy Minister for six years and provided clarity and organization to all matters involving the administration of Shambhala practices and studies, bringing great benefit to all in the Shambhala community. Charlie provided kind and caring support to local communities, land centers, and Shambhala educators. Jeff Scott, who joined the Practice and Education area last year and has worked closely with Charlie, will now lead the Practice and Education area for Shambhala Global Services.

Departures

• John Cobb retired from the Shambhala Board of Directors (end of February 2021)
• Charlie Goetzl resigned as Director of Practice and Education (end of February 2021)
• Susan Skjei retired as an Acharya (November 2020)
• Dhi Good resigned as a Shastri (August 2020)
• Manuel Medeiros retired as a Shastri (August 2020)
• Joel Wachbrit resigned as a Shastri in (November 2020)
• Rebecca Hazell resigned as a Shastri (December 2020)
• Mark Hazell resigned as a Shastri (December 2020)
• Brett Ferrigan is no longer serving as a Shastri ( Shambhala Day 2021)
• Trinley Busby retired as a Shastri (January 2021)
• Achim Schlage stepped down as a Shastri (Shambhala Day 2021)
• John Seex resigned as a Shastri (Shambhala Day 2021)

Appointments

• Phil Cass and Susan Ryan – Co-Chairs of the Shambhala Board of Directors (End of February 2021)
• Jeff Scott – Director of Practice and Education (End of February 2021)
• Alex Van Gils – Shambhala Archives Operations Manager (February 2021)
• François Grimbert – Dechen Chöling Transition Director

 

Centres

• The Shambhala Centers of Los Angeles, Eagle Rock, Westside and Orange County in Southern California have ended their leases and gone virtual.

Please know you can continue to communicate with the Shambhala Board at board@shambhala.org.

With warm wishes,

The Shambhala Board

Mark Blumenfeld
Phil Cass
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas

Dear Shambhala Friend,

Our Shambhala principles and culture allow us to steep in penetrating and precise teachings on how to be kind, caring, gentle, and daring bodhisattva warriors. And this journey of working hard every day to create a more kind and caring society is ongoing – it should never end!

This is why the recent work of the Shambhala Office of Community Care and Conduct has been so important. It is helping us to learn more about what it means to care for others and how to work with difficult societal issues related to harm. It is allowing us as a community to not turn away, but boldly face some of our past shortcomings and do the necessary hard work to help make Shambhala an even more kind, caring, aware, and inclusive place.

We are proud of the recent work of the Office of Community Care and Conduct and the many volunteers who are supporting this work. When you give to Shambhala, you are helping us continue this good work. Please also consider a recurring monthly donation in any amount.

In Europe, we give to Shambhala Europe, which is a part of Shambhala Global Services. Almost a quarter of Shambhala Global Services staff are based in Europe and the entire SGS team works hard every day to support Shambhala Centres, Groups, and members in Europe. Please donate now to support the important work of Shambhala Europe.

Click Here to Donate

We invite you to watch this short video and learn more about the important work that has been done – and that is planned for the future – by the Office of Community Care and Conduct.

Thank you for your generosity. We hope this Year of the Iron Ox is off to a good start for you and that you are safe, healthy, and well supported.

With our best wishes and deep care,

The Shambhala Board
Mark Blumenfeld
John Cobb
Phil Cass
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas

Shambhala Europe Leadership:
Joanna Francis, Operations Manager
Helmut Krächan, Managing Director

Contact Us: You can contact us at board@shambhala.org.

Shambhala Day 2021 Live Broadcast
You can click here to view the Shambhala Day 2021live broadcast, featuring Shambhala arts and culture from around the world.

Why Ongoing Fundraising Is So Important

We are aware that some people are questioning the need for fundraising in light of the sale of Marpa House in 2019 – a residential community house in Boulder, Colorado. You can click here for an explanation of why fundraising for Shambhala remains vitally important to its financial health and longevity. In spite of the very real challenges and differences of view in our community at this time, we can feel a sense of confidence that Shambhala does have something powerful and important to offer to the world – the teachings on basic goodness, warriorship, and a good and just society, as well as the nourishment and support of the Shambhala sangha that has been deeply meaningful to so many of us. No matter our point of view, these basic principles can be our common ground and are worthy of support.

How are Donations Used?

Your donations support the Shambhala community and Center and Member Services, as coordinated by Shambhala Global Services, which provides all the critical infrastructure, support, and resources on which Centers, Groups, and members worldwide rely. You can click here to view a comprehensive overview of Shambhala Global Services.

 

Financial Reports

For information about finances, please click here to view Shambhala financial reports. (You may need to sign in to the members page and then click on the “Members” tab, then “Finance”, and then “Financial Reports”.)

You can also click here to view the 2019 Shambhala Annual Report.

Dear Shambhala Community,

We hope that you are well and safe. In this email, you will find a summary of the key points relating to the New Shambhala Code of Conduct implementation and procedures that go into effect on Shambhala Day 2021.

This communication includes:

• A description and link to the Procedure Documents
• An outline of the Phased Implementation Approach
• Links to the Code of Conduct Facilitator and Council Member position descriptions, for which we are hoping qualified volunteers will apply. This is a call for dedicated practitioners and community members like you to bring the new Code of Conduct to life.

Introduction
In July 2020 we released the new Shambhala International Code of Conduct together with its five policy provisions. Please review the Code and the Policies together with the Board’s introduction on the Code of Conduct Hub Website. The new Code of Conduct and policies are part of a large body of work done not only in response to issues of past conduct, but to provide reasonable guidelines, structure and human resources to create a common understanding and a reliable container for members to move forward on our mutual path towards a good human society. (See Board Introduction to the Code dated August 3, 2020.)

Other elements that have been introduced include the Therapy and Counselling Offering,  the Right Use of Power training, the earlier training with Robert Wright, Sexual Harm, Trauma, and the Healing Journey, and ongoing work around issues of discrimination and inclusion.

The Code of Conduct Procedures
The new Code goes into effect on Shambhala Day, February 12, 2021 (the “Effective Date”). The new Code will not be retroactive. The Code covers all activities within Shambhala and applies to everyone. As such, it is a tremendous undertaking to make sure that the Code is applied equally and fairly.

Since we released the Code, the Code of Conduct Support Group (CCSG), members of the Board, and the Director of Community Care and Conduct, along with many consultants and advisors, have been hard at work developing the Procedures to accompany the Code (the “Code Procedures”) by which complaints and concerns will be handled in Shambhala. In addition, the Board has drawn heavily upon the many years of experience of the Care and Conduct Panel in applying and working with the current Care and Conduct Policy. The Board and the community owe these individuals a huge debt of gratitude for this work product.

• Click Here to access the Code of Conduct Procedures
• Click Here to access “What to do if you have a concern” document

The new Code Procedures are designed to help address the many difficult experiences reported in the 2019 Care and Conduct Survey.

How we deal with misconduct in Shambhala in the future needs to be trustworthy. For this to be possible, we must work together in a way that is caring, while ensuring accountability, transparent, yet respectful of individual privacy. The Code Procedures aim to address complaints in a way that is just and fair, that serves and provides protection for communities, and actively supports reconciliation and rebuilding trust wherever possible.

To a certain extent, the Code Procedures draw on traditional civic and internationally agreed-upon principles of dispute resolution and procedural fairness, such as notice and opportunity to be heard, fact finding, and investigation. This also includes application of standards (the Code) to such facts by impartial, trained people, a decision which involves both kindness, accountability and consequences, and then a limited appeal from the initial decision. The CCSG viewed these values and standards, which could be summarized as due process or fundamental fairness, as worthy, if not essential, to the Code Procedures. The Code Procedures build upon these norms in several very important ways:

• The Code and its Procedures are founded on and immersed in the Shambhala principles, practice, and experience of basic goodness, warriorship, and working with others in order to create and make manifest good human society. The Code is both path and practice. In this regard, we intend to incorporate our considerable teachings and inheritance from both Sakyongs and the years of experience and training of the Dorje Kasung and the Desung corps.
• The Code Procedures attempt to lessen the first resort to an adversarial method in a number of ways, such as: a.) the initial emphasis on local resolution, the presence and active involvement of “facilitators” at the local level; b.) the training in, and options to use, a number of “restorative processes”; and c.) lastly, differentiating accountability from “punishment” in the “protective and rebalancing measures”.
• Related to the above, we have tried to balance, as have so many other Western institutions: a.) the initial credibility accorded to a “reporting person” and the protection of a responding party from unfounded claims; and b.) the accessibility and transparency of the process (even with “Anonymous Claims”) and the necessary confidentiality required to protect all involved. For example, in that regard, we have provided for cases to be “removed” from the “local” level where conditions are unworkable; c). We have also tried to balance an efficient, confidential, and expeditious process with open communication and genuine care for the parties involved.

A Phased Implementation
The Board, after reviewing the plan to roll out the Code and infrastructure with many people, including the CCSG, has decided to implement it in stages. The Covid crisis gives us the opportunity to devote needed time to recruiting, training and putting in place the people required to implement and administer the Code.

During this phased roll out, the current Care and Conduct Panel has generously agreed to continue to serve on an interim basis as the panel (equivalent to the international Council) as a way to support the transition to the new Code of Conduct.

As situations arise under the new Code, the Code Procedure will be tried, tested and refined. We encourage the community to give feedback on these procedures. The Office of Community Care and Conduct, in consultation with the Panel and new Council members, will serve as a resource and help desk to support centres and groups as situations arise under the new Code (contact codeofconduct@shambhala.org).

A Call for Volunteers
We are recruiting at this time for people to be trained and fill and carry out certain roles who will serve as the core personnel of the Code Procedures and its application: Code of Conduct Facilitator, Regional Council, and International Council Member. The roles are not new, in the sense that they have been carried out at various formal and informal levels in the past, but they are critical to the credible functioning of the Code. We would like to hear from people who are inspired to fill these roles. We seek to recruit ten (10) people at the outset.

•  A minimum of four (4) Code of Conduct Facilitators (CCFs) who will serve as local reference points for those involved to navigate the Code of Conduct process. CCFs will receive and respond to concerns and complaints and coordinate the stages of the process for the parties involved in it. The CCF role is critical to the experience of individuals involved, for the community affected, and for progress to a successful conclusion. Responsibilities may include arranging local reconciliation or group processes, when desired by parties, and following through and monitoring the success of outcomes. CCFs liaise with the Council roles below. While CCFs may be based in a local centre, they will be serving multiple communities as the need arises.
• A minimum of three (3) Regional and three (3) International Council Members  will receive formal complaints, and when needed, oversee an investigation. The International Council will receive complaints concerning people who have a global role in Shambhala, and hear appeals if needed. The Councils are responsible for determining what happened and deciding the best way forward, in consultation with both parties and with the community as appropriate. Protective measures may be needed; remedies may need to be applied. The Code of Conduct procedures are aimed to ensure to the greatest extent possible that the process is managed impartially, equitably and efficiently, and that the wellbeing of the individuals and communities affected is safeguarded and promoted.
• All Code of Conduct Facilitators and Council Members will participate in ongoing training in the Code Procedures, Right Use of Power, Gender Dynamics and other key areas.

You can find the full description of these roles, the qualities that are required, and how to apply, at this link.

Why volunteer to serve in one of these positions? First, it offers an opportunity to bring benefit to individuals and communities in our sangha. Second, you will have opportunities to apply your expertise and skillful means in an area of sangha life that needs repair and increased confidence. Third, the training will deepen your understanding in many areas of communication, care and dispute resolution. A small monthly stipend is also offered. If you wish to ask any questions regarding the roles, please write to tara.templin@shambhalaglobal.org

If one of these opportunities resonates with you, you are warmly invited to apply.  We also encourage you to explore the new Code of Conduct Hub, which sets out all the new policies, and contains foundational documents, training materials and in the future, contacts for key people across Shambhala, available to all locations.

In the Vision of the Great Eastern Sun,

Shambhala Board of Directors
Mark Blumenfeld
Phil Cass
John Cobb
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas

With deep appreciation and thanks to:

Code of Conduct Support Group
Jim Fladmark
Claudia Arnau
Jan Frans Sturm
Kristine McCutcheon
Susanne Vincent
Gregory Lubkin

The International Care and Conduct Panel
Dan Peterson
Claudia Arnau
John Sennhauser
Ute Reinhart-La Haye

Dear Shambhala Community —

The Board would like to offer the following in regard to topics on which we have received many questions and comments since our last update and that are of particular significance to the community.

Governance Matters 

We have been asked by center/group leadership, the community and the Sakyong Potrang to articulate our view of the role of the Sakyong, the relationship of Shambhala to the Sakyong Potrang, and related matters. We have spent a great deal of time on these issues, sought independent advice, interviewed many, reviewed the results of the survey(s) (see below), had in-depth meetings with the Process Team Government Models Group, and examined in detail what has worked or not worked in the past.

The Shambhala Board recently surveyed our community’s leadership and understands that the majority of leaders believe that we need to have governance changes in order to have decision-making that reflects the best interests of all parts of the sangha. We believe such changes would: assure the continuity of care and healing initiatives; help restore the reputation of Shambhala; and ensure Shambhala’s sustainability in the future. Our policy views as presented in our August Update and at our October webinar for leaders, appear to have wide support among the sangha.

Over this past year, the Shambhala Board has communicated these views through discussions and in writing to the Sakyong Potrang Board. In July, we sent the Sakyong and the Sakyong Potrang a list of legal and charitable status concerns about Shambhala USA, Shambhala Canada, the Sakyong Potrang USA and the Sakyong Potrang Canada. In October, the Shambhala Board sent a comprehensive proposal to Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and the Sakyong Potrang Board with a proposed restructuring for a more independent Shambhala Board, the role of the Sakyong, and resolution of many issues which have divided, and could continue to divide, the sangha in its recovery and revitalization. It remains our intention to continue working with the Sakyong Potrang and the Sakyong on a way forward. We know you will all have many questions, and we will continue to communicate with you about these efforts.

Practice and Education 

Recently, the Shambhala Board learned that Acharyas and Shastris will no longer be authorized to give the vows and lungs that they previously could give, and that the Sakyong would be offering teachings that started in November called Foundations of Dharma and Refuge. This course, which is being offered outside of Shambhala, includes refuge vows with the Sakyong, and a subsequent course will offer the bodhisattva vow.

We are getting many questions about the meaning of these decisions. Like many of you, we were not informed in advance of them. We are deeply concerned that these decisions, when combined with the resignation/retirement of many Acharyas and Shastris, have already led to the cancelation of scheduled vow ceremonies, and will result in a contraction of access and opportunity for many in the sangha who do not wish to study with the Sakyong. We seek to ensure that opportunities for study and taking vows are not reduced within the sangha and will explore opportunities for those who are not studying with the Sakyong.

Care and Conduct

We have taken steps recently to try to mitigate the impact of past harm, and avoid recurrence of harm in the future, by initiatives such as the Right Use of Power training, the new Code of Conduct with its training and recruitment of Panel Members, our community grants program , and the recently announced Therapy Offering. We are now considering other initiatives depending on feedback, the continuing impact of COVID-19, and funding.

We have recently learned of reports of harm that apparently were not earlier reported. The Shambhala Board acknowledges issues of members being harmed in the community have not been fully addressed, and we are further exploring a path forward.

The Shambhala Board apologizes if we have contributed in any way to any person’s being badly treated and then ignored. We recognize that this applies to individuals and groups on all views of their relationship with the Sakyong and the organizations. We know that these issues have made it very difficult for some, whether they felt safe to stay in the Shambhala community or whether they felt they had to leave. We recognize that the care and conduct initiatives are only part of an offering to heal. We must continue to work on these issues, which are important for the organization as a whole. We are considering what can and should be done further with a renewed awareness. We are happy to receive your ideas and proposals on future actions.

Recent Shambhala Board Decisions:

• Sent a proposal for governance changes to the Sakyong Potrang and the Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. (As described above.)
• Completed a new employee Handbook for Shambhala USA and Shambhala Canada.
• Issued a comprehensive Annual Report for 2019 with the expectation that Shambhala will continue to publish one annually.
• Continued to fund community and diversity grants. (See Community Grant Recipients below.)
• Began to define “What is a Shambhala Center” and address policies regarding centers or groups wishing to dissolve or suspend operations.
• Went forward with a Therapy Offering for sangha members who have experienced harm and leaders wanting counsel. (See Care and Conduct Update below.)
• Created, distributed and analysed a comprehensive survey of global leaders on the state of their centres’ finances, online offerings, relationship with the Sakyong and other priority issues. We also interviewed 15 centres globally in-person concerning the survey questions. (See Survey to Leaders below.)
• Went forward with selling the parcel of land behind the Windhorse Retreat Center, which had not been used or developed, with the proceeds to benefit other centres. (See Windhorse Retreat Center Land Sale below.)
• Developed and approved priorities and allocations of resources in a 2021 Budget in response to a Shambhala Global Services (SGS) strategic planning model.

Work with Shambhala Leaders

October 11 Shambhala Board Webinar with Leaders  

The Shambhala Board had a webinar with global leaders on October 11 to both provide an update on governance, community grants, leadership surveys, advanced programming and care and conduct issues as well as to have breakout rooms to discuss current issues with our centres and groups. Please click here to view the webinar recording that includes the Shambhala Board updates with the breakout rooms summarized at the end of the recording.

Survey to Leaders

The Shambhala Board and Shambhala Global Services (SGS) sent out a 33-question survey to our global leaders in October. We asked each centre or group to make one inclusive response. 110 centres or groups sent in a completed survey.  The Shambhala Board and SGS members also conducted in-person interviews with 15 centres globally. We are very grateful for the time and effort all of our leaders spent making considered and thoughtful answers. Please find here a link to our general summary conclusions and the tabulated survey responses.

The Board is working not only on refining the results but also making recommendations on which we will continue to report in future updates.

Process Team’s Sense of Shambhala Survey

The final part of the Process Team’s Sense of Shambhala Survey report is now complete and can be found on the Process Team Website.  Part 4 analyzes the open text responses of the 3,093 Shambhalians who answered the survey in early 2020. The range of comments made about practice and study, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, our organization and our community relationships reflect the diversity of our views and experiences and the depth of our common connection to Shambhala.

Care and Conduct Update

We are pleased to announce, as part of the Reparative Process for Shambhala, we will be partnering with Robert Wright, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of the Peoples’ Counseling Clinic (PCC), to pilot an ongoing Therapy Offering and Counseling Program for Shambhala. It is our hope that an offering of counselling and therapy will contribute to a healthy and vibrant Shambhala community, as well as provide individual support for community members in their healing journey. This offering was designed with the valuable input from community members with a trauma and therapy background.  Please click here to view the informational e-mail which was sent on December 8.

Recruitment for Code of Conduct Councils and Facilitators

The Code of Conduct Support Group is currently finalizing the Code of Conduct Procedures, as well as related training and position descriptions for Code of Conduct facilitators, councillors and support people. An announcement to begin recruiting for these positions is forthcoming.

Community Grant Recipients

We are pleased to give an update on the first round of community grants. In our June Board update, we announced the first three grants, which were awarded to The Touching the Earth Collective ($22,000 USD), Expansion of the Shambhala Art Heritage Teachings ($7,014 USD), and the Technical Upgrade of the Shambhala Archives Data Management ($12,800 USD). Please click here to read more about these previously funded projects.

Since our last update, from the first round of three grants these additional four have been approved:

1. Addressing Bias & Trauma — $8,350 USD. Mindful Connections for Trauma-Sensitive Practices (MCTSP) pilot.
2. Awareness Raising Officer Training — $7,500 EUR / $8,500 USD. To create a safe space where participants can explore our Shambhala culture, share personal experiences and discover blind spots.
3. Establishing the Path of Inclusivity Warriorship & Social Liberation — $7,800 USD. This initiative develops the Path of Inclusivity Warriorship — life training in how to create brave and caring environments that welcome everyone.
4. Shambhala Archives Phase 2 – $13,072 USD. Database entry of the collection into the new database, digitization and data entry of analog audio and video assets.

A total of $79,536 USD was awarded to these seven first round projects.

We are also pleased to announce the results for the second round of community grants focusing on diversity and inclusivity. Please click here to read more about all proposals that have been approved to date.

In this second round, the projects awarded with funds are:

1. Examining Whiteness:$3,900 USD – Examining Whiteness with the heart of Warriorship and the Four Dignities of Investigating Whiteness and Racism.
2. Workshop on White Identity: $3,500 USD – Exploring Whiteness and how it shapes individual interactions.
3. Enhancing Spirituality and Social Justice for Sustainable Change: $1,500 USD – This project provides spiritual & self-preservation resources for BIPOC people and promote more racial diversity and inclusion.
4. Mindfulness and Attachment-based parenting: $3,560 USD – Incorporating evidence-based mindfulness, attachment, and trauma-informed parenting principles to serve high-risk, single mothers of very young children and further parenting discussion within the Shambhala Center.
5. Lu-Collective Active Peace Circles: $5,500 USD – Configuring an Active Peace Circle – restorative justice framework – and addressing a case of conflict within our Center.
6. Letter Writing Campaign to End Violence Against Black People: $3,000 USD – Using contemplative practice, writers are encouraged to identify incidents of violence against Black people and to connect with their feelings about it.

The total amount of funds granted in this second round is $20,960 USD.

We thank all of the individuals and groups who submitted proposals for grant funding and for the amount of energy and work that everybody has put into each project.

Third Quarter Financials

We are pleased to present the Q3 financial report to the community. These results are for Shambhala Global Services (SGS), which represents a portion of our global Mandala. For a refresher on what is included in SGS click here.

The first nine months of 2020 presented many challenges for SGS due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued challenges faced by the Shambhala Community, all of which impacted revenues and activities. SGS had Net Income of $33,198 through September 30, which is 51% below the budgeted goal of $65,634. We expect the macro environment to be challenging for the rest of 2020 and into 2021. Based on our results for the third quarter and current trends, we expect to end the year with a loss. While the loss this year can be covered in part by restricted giving and by cash reserves, we will continue to manage with the objective that expenses must be covered by operational revenues so the reserves can be used for strategic projects, long term investments for the community and to avoid falling back into debt.

Click here to view the September 30 Statement of Activities and Q3 Balance Sheet.

Planned Giving To Shambhala

We are pleased to announce that a new planned giving website for Shambhala community members in the U.S. is being launched. This website has helpful information about making bequests, as well as other ways to support Shambhala with planned giving. This project has been in development since 2019 and we hope it will be of benefit to those of you who are interested in planned giving. Please click here to view the new website with further details.

We will be working on further developing planned giving resources and support materials for Shambhalians in Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world, but this is quite complex as the tax laws and planned giving structures vary greatly from country to country. We hope to be able to provide this level of planned giving support to all community members over time.

Windhorse Retreat Center Land Sale

The Shambhala Board will move forward with an offer to buy 33 acres of land in Plymouth WI adjoining the regional Windhorse Retreat Center, which suspended operations this last year. The land will be sold back to the original owners for the same price paid in 2005 and to support their purpose to use the land for educational purposes. We have consulted with the city centers in the midwest region as well as the major donors for the original land purchase, and in conjunction with their wishes, we will use the estimated $100,000 proceeds to support other Shambhala retreat centers, city centers that are struggling, and regional needs.

Shambhala Mountain Center Update

We continue to work with Shambhala Mountain Center on their recovery from the recent wildfires. For the latest information about SMC, please continue to visit their website. We recognize that several structures that were destroyed or damaged were on Shambhala USA land. The Shambhala Board is actively engaged in the process with SMC in deciding how, when and what to rebuild.

Virtual Cushion & Virtual Chöling

Virtual Cushion is a new, online gathering place for completely new meditators through to seasoned practitioners. Hosted by Shambhala Online, Virtual Cushion features information about Shambhala Centres and Groups from around the world who are offering Learn to Meditate courses, open houses, one-off meditation and sadhana sessions (public chanting practices), discussions, and programs that can be accessed virtually, no matter where you live.

For Vajrayana students, be sure to check out Virtual Chöling – a calendar of free, daily virtual Vajrayana practice sessions. Any Vajrayana student or centre is invited to host a practice session. Virtual Choling is a gathering place for all of us around the world to deepen and connect with our practice and each other.

We are looking for more centres, groups, and teachers that want to participate in both Virtual Cushion (for public programs) and Virtual Chöling (for Vajrayana programs). To get involved in either effort (by hosting a session or having your already-occurring sessions and programs published), contact virtualcholing@shambhalaonline.org.

Appointments & Departures

Departures:

• Veronika Bauer has retired from the Boards of Director of Shambhala USA and Canada; she remains as “Special Advisor” to these boards.
• Konstanze Brockstedt has retired as director of Dechen Chöling after her seven-year term of service.
• Eve Rosenthal has retired as an acharya.
• Nick Kranz has resigned as a shastri.
• Charlotte Linde has resigned as a shastri.
• Tessa Watt has retired as a shastri.
• Felicja Hartman has stepped down as Amsterdam Shambhala Centre Director.
• Lauren Newton has stepped down as Austin Shambhala Center Director.
• Miles Parker has stepped down as Kootenay Shambhala Centre Director.

Appointments:  

• Amsterdam Co-Directors: Aart-Jan van de Pol and Ralph Wieske
• Austin Center Director: David Maynard
• Kootenay Shambhala Centre Director: Cameron Wenaus

Veronika Bauer — Retired from Shambhala Board and Director of Europe Positions

With great appreciation, we want to give all our thanks to Veronika Bauer who has worked on the Shambhala Board since 2018 at the same time she was the Director of Europe. Not being able to envision being without her strong financial, consulting, and insightful work, she will continue as a Special Advisor to the Shambhala Board to work on specific projects on a request basis. On the Shambhala Board, Veronika was the co-chair of the Finance Committee and worked on revenue generation issues, technology, and many other areas. Veronika, as the Director of Europe, worked with all European leaders and centers, brought in financial discipline and helped with Dechen Chöling. Veronika has always brought her cheerful, strong and incisive abilities to all she did. We wish Veronika everything good with her having more time to be with her family, her new leadership role on her local school board and her professional work.

We wish you all a Cheerful Children’s Day and nyida time.  May we all be safe and well in this time of the pandemic and continue to be of service and help to all.

In the Vision of the Great Eastern Sun,

The Shambhala Board of Directors

Mark Blumenfeld
Phil Cass
John Cobb
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich
Peter Nowak
Tai Pimputkar
Susan Ryan
Paulina Varas

Dear Shambhala Community,

The Shambhala Board acknowledges that healing and repair is an imperative for our community, and we aspire to do what we can to repair past and current harm, particularly for those individuals who have experienced harm due to aggression, failings on the part of the organization, or actions within the Shambhala community. We are absolutely committed to changing our culture in a way that ensures care, accountability, transparency and inclusivity in all our actions and programs.

We are pleased to announce, as part of the Reparative Process for Shambhala, we are partnering with Robert Wright, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of the People’s Counseling Clinic (PCC), to pilot an ongoing therapy offering and counseling program for Shambhala. You might already be familiar with Robert from the course on Shambhala Online, “Sexual Harm Trauma and the Healing Journey” offered to the community in 2019.

Therapy and Counseling Program Description

Several types of support are available to current or past Shambhala members in English, and we will work to develop country- and language-specific supports for non-English speakers as resources allow. We hope that an offering of counselling and therapy will contribute to a healthy and vibrant Shambhala community, as well as provide individual support for community members in their healing journey. This offering was designed with the valuable input from community members with a trauma and therapy background.

Shambhala’s Therapy and Counselling Program for community members offers the following supports:

• A Counseling Service: Individuals wishing to access a single-session, 90 minute, confidential counselling service can contact the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic voicemail at 1-902-832-1593 or thepeoplescounsellingclinic@gmail.com. Individuals will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a therapist from the PCC, who will provide immediate support, information about the therapy offering, recommendations and referrals.
• Therapy Subsidy: After accessing the counseling service, individuals may be referred to therapy. A one-time subsidy of up to $500 is available to help cover the cost of therapy sessions with a licensed registered therapist. The PCC will provide a form to the referred individual to submit to a registered therapist, who can apply directly to the PCC to cover the costs of therapy provision.
• Leadership Support: A counselling service for leaders in Shambhala looking to support others in their healing, and seeking support themselves. To access the Leadership Counselling Service, contact the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic voicemail at 1-902-832-1593 or thepeoplescounsellingclinic@gmail.com. Individuals will be contacted to schedule an appointment with a therapist from the PCC.

To access these services call 1-902-832-1593 or write thepeoplescounsellingclinic@gmail.com. Leave a message with your name and phone number or email address, as well as identify that you are calling regarding the Shambhala program. You will be contacted within 1-2 business days by the PCC secretary to schedule a 90 minute phone or zoom call with a PCC therapist.

Informational Webinar Recording
On December 3rd, 2020, the Shambhala Board and the PCC held a call with leaders in Shambhala to explain this one-year pilot program. The intention of the call with Robert Wright and James Dubé (Clinic Manager) of the Peoples’ Counselling clinic, a Shambhala Board Member and Tara Templin, Director of Community Care and Conduct was to present an overview of the program and answer questions.

If after viewing the recording, you have specific questions about the therapy and counselling offering, we encourage you to contact tara.templin@shambhala.org or jamesowendube0411@gmail.com.
Click here to view a recording of the Informational call

About Robert Wright and the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic

Robert Wright, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of the Peoples’ Counseling Clinic, offered the Sexual Harm, Trauma, and The Healing Journey course in 2019 for the Shambhala community in collaboration with Noel McLellan, and Basia Solarz. Robert is a social worker and sociologist known best for his work in the fields of sexual abuse, child welfare, trauma, cultural competence, and education. His extensive pro bono work gave birth to The Peoples’ Counselling Clinic, a non-profit mental health clinic. His pioneering work with colleagues in cultural competence and conducting cultural assessments has received national attention. For more on his work see http://www.robertswright.ca/ and for information on the Peoples’ Counselling Clinic see http://thepeoplescounsellingclinic.ca/.

In the Vision of the Great Eastern Sun,

The Shambhala Board of Directors

Mark Blumenfeld
John Cobb
Phil Cass
Susan Engel
Lilly Gleich