Planning Meeting Minutes

June 26, 2005

Present: Tom, Tim, Jody,  Mark, Dan, Tony, Chris, Josh, Rosey, Lenore.

1. Dan – Leave of Absence

Dan Wolverton stated his intention to take a 3 month leave of absence from his duties as facilitator.  Dan stressed that at this time this decision is temporary and in three months he will assess whether he’d like to resume facilitating or not.  It was agreed that the facilitator who has administrative duties in mid-September will contact Dan to see if he’d like to be placed into the facilitation schedule for the last quarter of the year. 

2. Aspirant Policy

Those attending discussed the need to inform Sangha members of the procedure for indicating interest in becoming a facilitator and the selection process.  It was decided that having the procedures in writing and posted on the website would be helpful.  Also, due to discomfort with the term “aspirant”, the term “facilitator candidate” was preferred, and will be used from now on.  

3. New Facilitator

Tim is now a regular facilitator and will be included in the schedule rotation.  Tom stated his interest in being a facilitator candidate. 

4. Peace-Pole for 10,000 Buddhists Monestary

Tony surveyed those attending to see if there was interested in donating an International Peace Pole to the monestary in Corydon.  The group was interested, but need more details, such as costs, the nature of the organization, etc.  Tony will bring gather those details.  

5. Tithing to Plum Village

During the previous planning meeting there was discussion about how the sangha might spend any funds that accumulated beyond what is needed for rent.  The group felt that donating such excess to Plum Village as a way of showing gratitude and support to Thich Nhat Hahn, was most appropriate.  It was decided that there should be a “prudent reserve” in the account before any donations were made.  This reserve, it was determined, should be 3 months rent, or $300. Then, 10% of any collections beyond that reserve, would be forwarded to Plum Village on a quarterly basis.  This procedure it tentative, pending discussions with Bob Woolridge, the Sangha Treasurer before the next planning meeting.   

6. DOM

October 23 was decided upon for a day of mindfulness.   Mt. St. Francis was decided upon as the location due to it’s convenience and ample facility.   Jody volunteered to be the coordinator, and Mark, Tim, Josh, Lenore, Chris and Rosey agreed to help with the planning.  Tony will contact Mt. St. Francis to confirm the date.  

7. Posting of Facilitator Schedule

A restatement of the decision to not post the facilitator schedule was made.  There was agreement that this prevented a splintering of the sangha, and that the schedule is actually more fluid that and posted schedule would suggest.  

8. Incense

Being unable to determine who might be negatively effected by stick incense, it was decide to ask before it is lit, if anyone is allergic to or bothered by the use of incense.