SWOT COMMENTS CATEGORIZED From both questionnaire and meeting

1/17/12

TEACHERS Resident lama Teachers other than resident lama (KCC & guest teachers) Lineage relationship PROGRAMS AND TEACHINGS Teachings Adult programs Children's programs SANGHA Sangha qualities and characteristics Opportunities for connection and support VOLUNTEERS/STAFF ORGANIZATIONAL Governance--organization, processes, policies, decision-making, communications Finances Values/philosophy FACILITIES Urban center SCOL LARGER COMMUNITY (RELATIONS OUTSIDE OUR SANGHA) MISC.
Color code (based on Question #1 in questionnaire) New to KCC (blue) Less engaged than in the past (or mainly connected to other center--very few) (green) Regularly attend (purple) Deeply committed, KCC is most important group in my life (red) Black (unidentified) (x) Numbers in parentheses before a comment = checkmarks of SWOT meeting attendees registering strong agreement [Info in brackets is context for a comment that was divided up between more than one topic.] A few comments are placed in two places.

2 TEACHERS Resident lama S

Its lama is not only qualied, but knowledgeable and engaging. American-born lama, steeped in Kagyu tradition, intelligent, wise, and energetic Lama who excels at presenting esoteric teachings in an understandable and tangible way. The commitment of those in leadership positions. Leadership of Lama Michael The dedication of the leadership. Our teachers Michael Conklin is an outstanding teacher. Lama Michael's practical vision and instruction Lama Michael himself Accessible resident lama Teaching staff Resident Lama Michael Conklin Quality, personal involvement, dedication and accessibility of dharma teachers. Precious Lama Michael. All in all, even in the midst of turmoil or tension, it is clear that the Sangha and teachers hold spiritual growth as the fundamental goal. The wisdom of the teachers and their connections to the lineage of teachers The direct transference of the Kagyu lineage, thanks to Lama Michael. His ability to speak and instruct in jargon-less everyday speech the profound spaciousness of the teachings keeps me and others coming to KCC. Knowledgeable and wise teachers who are accessible. The commitment of the teachers is palpable and authentic. Excellent lama & asst teachers. Lama Michael is a powerful and compassionate teacher who attracts and sustains many practitioners. Lama Michael's personal example of kindness, openness, care, and humility is inspirational and elicits similar qualities in the sangha. A Lama who is a gifted teacher. Lama Michael is helpful in his instructions. Lama Michael. Great lama (5) Teacher (Lama Michael)

W
Lack of succession plan. Unwillingness/inability to bring in a paid junior lama.

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No succession plan for resident lama Not enough is said by resident lama (Michael) about responsibility of sangha to help support the Center nancially to ensure on-going programs in Portland and nish/maintain our retreat Center in Goldendale. Plan for teacher succession isn't clear, but undoubtedly requires money to pay another teacher (&/or some of the teachers we have.) So much depends on Lama Michael, and he is getting older. The resident lama does not communicate much to the sangha about the benets of supporting the center nancially or by volunteering. Over reliance on one lama, no back up lama/ assistant lama, lack of a clearly spelled out and widely understood succession plan. Overworking lama Michael, cant continue this with him or successor - ditto for other teachers

O
Provide a subsidy for visiting American lamas who wants to teach (3 months to 1 year) - if succession is a worry, lets test some merchandise. They could split time between Portland & SCOL, teach a retreat or two, and spend time helping with teaching and administrative work. Other Kagyu 3 year retreat centers in this country are "graduating" lama's - maybe we could help each other - they get to teach a bit and we get the support of another American trained Lama.

T
The loss of Lama Michael would be devastating. Once long retreats begin, will his [Lama Michael's] workload be overwhelming? It is good that the assistant teachers have stepped up to a much stronger role at KCC (we are so lucky!), but at this point, so much of the foundation of KCC relies on Lama Michael (for teachings, support, and fund-raising), that losing him would of course be a threat to the life of KCC. Yet, one looming challenge I see is that while Lama Michael is there training others to step into the dharma in a most profound way, possibly giving birth to inspired teaching through the minds of 3 yr retreat graduates, his presence then is absent from the Urban Center. I fear we will lose members during that time, or that people will not come. If they do not come, how will we build a new Urban Center? Illness or death of resident lama. Lama Michael [and our teachers] are KCCs greatest strength. Loss of lama. There is no publicly spelled out plan for sucession. So much depends on Lama Michael, and he is impermanent. Our lama could become ill or die, and wed have no lama. We could be scrambling for a new lama, and end up making a hasty choice thats not in our best interests. Lama MC might be unavailable at Urban Center if too involved with Long Retreat [MC said in meeting - during One Yr Retreat, away to SCOL < 1 week/mo] What happens when Lama M no longer here - what keeps our connection to lineage

Teachers other than resident lama (or teachers in general) S

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Excellent teachers, Inspiring teachers Excellent teachers; The commitment of those in leadership positions. Those in leadership positions seem to be fairly approachable Leadership of Lama Michael, Julia, and Bill and Dora KCC's teachers and the fact that it has 3 when MANY other centers have none. The dedication of the leadership. Our teachers The assistant teachers and other committed people help hold the group together. Supporting assistant teachers who are trained by him [Lama Michael] and Mirik lamas All [teachers] are important for spiritual and social leadership. Teaching staff Assistant teachers Quality, personal involvement, dedication and accessibility of dharma teachers. All in all, even in the midst of turmoil or tension, it is clear that the Sangha and teachers hold spiritual growth as the fundamental goal. The wisdom of the teachers and their connections to the lineage of teachers The children's teachers are included in my deepest gratitude The other teachers. Knowledgeable and wise teachers who are accessible. The commitment of the teachers is palpable and authentic. Excellent lama & asst teachers. Visiting teachers have been inspiring...a continuation of this practice would be wise. Strong, deeply committed teachers with impeccable integrity. Availability of teachers for counseling. The great good humor of our teachers, and the contagious laughter shared in Q&A. The teachers. The authenticity of the teachers[,...] [Lama Michael and] our teachers are KCCs greatest strength. Excellent teachers [& strong connection to lineage] help attract new practitioners and keep experienced ones. Knowledgable and accessible Lama & teachers. Teachers whose practice is apparent in their teaching A committed group of teachers with experience with meditation and deep connection to a lineage of teachers and teachings makes it possible for people to go into the practice deeply if they choose. We have multiple teachers who are qualied, sincere, hard-working, and compassionate. Multiple teachers provides diversity (suiting different individuals), yet the teachers maintain

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consistency (preventing confusion). The teachers are accessible--students can easily have contact and have their questions addressed, assisting them in their practice and understanding. Our other KCC teachers. I do sense that some of the teachers are overworked--maybe happily so, but I think it's important that their contribution and sacrice be seen and considered. Skilled experienced teachers, authentic in their practice Assitant Teachers Good assistant teachers. The depth of practice, commitment to the dharma, and high integrity in action among the teachers at KCC [and in the larger community] is invaluable. (3)Accessibility of the teachers, including one on one Bills classes- affordable and accessible Bills classes being able to go deeper in specic subjects

W
Although we have assistant teachers, there is a need for more "higher" teachers occasionally for inspiration. Lack of succession plan. Over-reliance on unpaid volunteer assistant teachers. Reliance on senior teachers, with uncertain succession plan. Need for more children's teaching resources[...]: for older children. The availability of associate teachers depends on their being able and willing to support themselves and having exible enough schedules. There is a great deal of administrative work involved in teaching; an undue burden falls to the teachers when committees are not strong. Aging teachers & leadership No clear training program to develop teachers (a la spirit rock's program) We need to have teachers available who could help resolve conicts, etc. without others in the sangha sticking their noses in a situation & telling one person involved what to do (using 'spiritual bribery'--i.e. "you're mature", etc.) Not enough teachers to support/ help / succeed lama Michael

O
Opportunity to complete 1 and 3 year retreat and train more spiritual friends... Bring in a teacher to the Unitarian Church, not necessarily a Buddhist space, to provide larger space If leadership is in long retreat, senior members can share what they know in their practice

T
The reliance on unpaid teachers [and a small number of long time volunteers] creates an illusion that things are working with relative ease. This is not a sustainable situation. One or more of our assistant teachers could become unavailable and leave the urban sangha underserved (especially once lama M is more tied up with serving the LT retreat).

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The LT retreat could drain off so much of the teaching resource that the urban sangha feels underserved and declines. In a rush to bring new teachers on board, we might get teachers who are not as good in terms of their practice, their teaching ability, their connection with the sangha. This could lead to a decline in members. Fear that 3 yr retreat not long enough to create authentic teachers especially in the west [jk pointed out at meeting - the purpose of 3 Yr Retreat is practice, not to produce teachers]

Lineage relationship S
Strong connection to lineage. Strong ties to Kagyu lineage Remarkable history Connection to Mirik and the lineage The strong connection with the Lineage that is maintained by relationship with Mirik, etc. is a great strength. The wisdom of the teachers and their connections to the lineage of teachers The direct transference of the Kagyu lineage, thanks to Lama Michael. Long term, very strong connection with special shangpa lineage. [Excellent teachers &] strong connection to lineage help attract new practitioners and keep experienced ones. Strong, devoted connection to lineage KCC's strong relationship with Bokar Monastery, its abbots and its programs for Westerners provides an opportunity for exposure to powerful lineage teachers, traditional teachings and rituals, and Asian monastic forms. A number of KCC members have studied with excellent Kagyu teachers which enriches the sangha. KCC has a good reputation among Tibetans and Westerners, locally, nationally, even internationally. Strong ongoing connection with, inspiration from the lineage Great lineage. An authentic transmission in an authentic tradition. (2) Connection with lineage

W
KCC's dogmatic rejection of any practice that is not 'Kagyu' is ossied, even if it's a benecial practice. Sometimes confusing position regarding new generation of tibetan teachers

O
We are involved in preparing for long retreats which could easily and signicantly raise the community understanding of this living tradition. Having connections to well-known teachers such as Ken McLeod and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche might provide opportunity to offer retreats with them to larger groups, either at SCOL or in a large venue in Portland; the NW Dharma community would likely appreciate the convenience of having

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guest teachers come to this area. Continue to invite teachers in our lineage to come teach/visit SCOL or urban center. I'm not sure why KCC doesn't have a closer relationship with the present Kalu Rinpoche. I think having closer ties with him would be a very good way to strengthen our roots. Encourage people to participate in the India program and to receive teachings from great lineage masters. To do extended retreat, great way to honor the lineage & teachers Opportunity to do long retreat brings connection to the lineage

T PROGRAM AND TEACHING Teachings S

The dharma is practiced with authenticity There are many offerings of classes. Authentic teaching. Rich and reusable prepared teaching materials. Authentic teachings People are encouraged and supported in their efforts to carry their spiritual practice between formal sessions. Cultivating a very warm hearted lay practice that continues to draw the lay community to practice and compel them toward the dharma. The teachings. too many to list. love you all. spot on. Content of the teachings I have received excellent teachings and the delivery of the teachings is consistent and reliable in form. The longtime practitioners and some teachers in the organization have provided certain teachings that have pointed me toward a happier life and have thus changed its course. I have learned some practices that I nd helpful, if not necessary, in my life, such as Seven Point Mind Training, tonglen, and some kinds of meditation. I would say this was what I came to KCC for, but now I need to "progress" with a different group. The effort, usually, to use English rather than Tibetan words so that the teachings on the Dharma are more easily understood and included in practice. Consistency; depth of instruction The Dharma is our greatest strength. [...] the profound spaciousness of the teachings... Superb teachings. The authenticity of the[...] teachings [...] The strength of KCC is the teaching that comes through a 900-year-old unbroken lineage, passed directly from teacher to student. Great teaching,

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Awareness of our own "stuff" is nurtured in practice, which gives us the opportunity to encourage it in our culture. An open environment for people to meet the Dharma. Relatively easy to ask any kind of question and talk directly to one of the teachers. KCC's programs provide excellent training and support for lay practitioners in the Shangpa and Karma Kagyu lineages. The authentic teachings of the lineage are expressed within the context of our own culture; the understanding shared is largely based on experience, and questions are allowed to remain open. The teachings at KCC emphasize practice which is the heart of the path. In all of the dharma teachings I've attended, with all of the teachers, the content matches what I read online from great teachers like H.H. the Karmapa, Tai Situpa, and Thrangu Rinpoche. Genuine teachings. The teachings are solid. (2) Warm and embracing sangha teachings, good humor Many teachings available (3) Availability of the teachings and retreat recordings on line Archived teachings

W
The use of the word mahamudra in the dedication. It will not be understood by most visitors, possibly turning them away and making the dedication essentially meaningless. Teachings not transparent, understandable enough for newcomers. When someone rst comes - not enough context. (2) Video streaming has really annoying pop ups

O
Packaging and worldwide marketing of teaching materials. We have not lost, nor been overly jaded by the living value of the Dharma. Our strategic planning committee will be faced with and gure out a workable way to expand our membership and ability to provide teaching and practice opportunities. The presentation of the Dharma at KCC in the teachings and, especially, in the Q&A sessions ts me especially well. Making this more available through streaming and, as soon as possible, a larger, vibrant urban center is a prime opportunity. Finding ways to make the availability of the streamed programs more widely known is another opportunity. Wealth of digital recordings: KCC has thousands of hours of powerful teachings that could be used for PR and for spreading the dharma Expand teachers and teachings to speak to concerns/needs of other parts of our sangha more effectively and fully: teens, elders, parents, young adults A group of practitioners stands together in a disordered culture in a genuinely degenerate time, a time of fear and confusion, and attempts to accept the transmission of precious teachings, and to bring the teachings to a new culture and set of conditions. The assembly just happens to call itself KCC. The opportunity is exactly proportionate to the size of the task. The opportunity IS the mission. With a few efforts at channeling the signicant resources already at hand, a renewal of focused, widely

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shared inspiration, and a little continued good fortune, it can be accomplished. Could have some retreats with talking More framing of service work as practice More framing of giving as practice How to engage people in a fast world in an engaging slower way Make what is actually happening during the practice more accessible to newcomers Website opportunities to nd out what certain practices are Maintaining the connection to practice/dharma

T
Without a specied standard of teachings, the teachings might become watered down or go astray from our lineage. Key (e.g., recommended for retreats, seminars) texts, books are out of print, frustrating sangha members

Adult programs S
There is a commitment to aid all practitioners at all levels in their spiritual awakening. Strong teaching program. Video streaming! Programs that are accessible to lay practitioners who work full time but like serious study Bewildering array of sub-groups both formal and informal Morning and Evening sessions on Sunday (exible schedule) Q&A session: openness Quarterly retreat schedule Live streaming Extensive teaching program and retreat opportunities Lots of opportunities for practice, classes, and retreats. A good variety of these also. Retreats at SCOL further inspire Sangha to do more retreat and enhances our practice and our center. The basic structure of puja/break/q&a works well; it helps build bonds in the sangha, not just providing teaching and practice. Strong program and instruction offerings. Q & A as part of each meditation session is extremely inviting and helpful for all levels practice. High quality & focused practice approaches & programs Strong support for practice opportunities, including classes and retreats. Individuals have the opportunity to participate in regular meditation sessions, retreats, classes and develop a relationship with a mentor. The emphasis on the three turnings, and the Mahayana especially, provides important background and context for Vajrayana practice. Regular, well-attended meditation programs.

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Well organized teachings by Michael, Julia, Bill (and Dora) Well-thought out and considered programs offered, as well as on-going weekly and monthly instruction and meditation sessions.

W
The silence of retreats is well understood as a valid part of them, yet it also tends to block the bonding that often comes from spending 3 or 5 days together in a group. Perhaps there could be a variation in the format for retreats with some or occasional ones offering a circular or semi circular setting with teachings followed by extended Q&A and personal sharings with other periods of silent meditation. I see it difcult for beginning meditators to get started at KCC. One of the reasons being that an hour sit is too long for someone just starting. Secondly, there are only two times to engage in non-vajrayana meditation, Sunday morning and evening. It would benecial (to me for sure and I've heard others) if there were other days of the week to engage in a formal meditation sit at the center. My thoughts are that there would not need to be a Q&A, but just some time with an umze. There is no succinct curriculum of study or practice for people to refer to. This makes it hard for newcomers to know what the next step is beyond attending regular meditation. People who have been around for a while but do not have a mentor relationship also do not have clear suggested direction. We could be more clear in presenting the various paths of practice available to practitioners. We don't have live-in training opportunities, nor do we have a tradition that would guide us in creating these. We don't have much support for three-year retreat graduates. As an independent center, we have to invent every wheel in teaching programs [as well as in organizational work]. Lack an annual Medicine Buddha puja for those whove died. Lack of support groups for deepening understanding of a practice - informal discussion groups (4) Lack a book study group - used to have Want more use of mantra, different pujas.

O
As practitioners develop, it would help to have more retreats geared to them. Chance to [build a broad-spectrum community through this planning process; to] deepen the understanding of the importance of long-retreat to the sangha at-large,[ and implement the longretreat program as a way to fully integrate SCOL into KCC.] Our strategic planning committee will be faced with and gure out a workable way to expand our membership and ability to provide teaching and practice opportunities. As a member of the Retreat Committee, I have advocated more retreats at the urban center or SCOL rather than using Cloud Mountain and Great Vow. Perhaps urban retreats would be an opportunity for sangha members to host retreatants for short weekend retreats. I'd like to hear recordings of every Sunday, in the event that I'm not able to make it. I believe all of the sessions are recorded. However I'm not clear how I could access them. Opportunity to complete 1 and 3 year retreat and train more spiritual friends and pastoral care volunteers

11
Completion of the one and three year retreats Cultivate interest from Dharma practitioners from outside KCC to attend retreats at SCOL or classes at urban center (ie. online communication) Our 1 yr retreat will hopefully start in 2012 I think there are likely some opportunities to develop programs designed for the younger folks, unmarried and "exploring" new worlds: social, intellectual, spiritual. It would be interesting to have ongoing small process groups to discuss their personal challenges to practicing and how Buddhism plays a role in their life. KCC has the means to begin long retreats. Practitioners want to participate in these retreats, and are ready to do so. We have the teachings, and the teacher. I really don't think anything can out weigh this opportunity. Take advantage of the wealth of books available by providing students with guidance in their reading. There are many relevant dharma opportunities for KCC students in and near Portland to supplement what we provide directly. [Consider the possibilities of a live-in community at a new urban center or near the urban center.] Reach out to a larger community w/ the dharma, calm abiding practices - [through a bigger urban center,] through more video streaming of higher quality, copies of recordings of teachings Is there an opportunity to raise funds through some kind of book project, dvd, youtube videos explaining long retreat in detail. Huge hunger for spiritual practice & support in society; it is amplied by increasingly uncertain world More honoring of personal moments, life stage commemorations, traditional Tibetan rituals or celebrations Some nights of Tibetan chanting Mindfulness walks for adults and children To be able to participate in the Mahamudra and Yidam programs Programs for young adults (9) Book study group (7) Hospice Medicine Buddha puja Personal urban retreats To delve deeper into topics, i.e. study groups, etc.

T
Urban retreats/activities should be timed so people do not have to travel during rush hours (e.g. Begin at 10 am and end at 6 or 7 pm). Can we do more outreach (e.g. "publicity" about events/activities to bring in more people)? I will say the commitment to supporting 3 year retreat is probably shaky from a business planning standpoint but I am completely convinced it's the single best thing KCC can do. I realize that the huge commitment to SCOL and the retreat programs is #1, but I do wonder what it will look like when the long retreats begin and how that will affect leadership and program planning at the urban center. Being that it is difcult for beginners to engage at KCC due to limited practice opportunities and the

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55 minute length of the sit, my guess is that most people becoming interested in Buddhism go to other centers. What do you mean by competition--for what?--members? I do agree that Maitripa may try to draw members of KCC away from classes at KCC etc. in order to get more students! I discovered this on our e-list & was very upset by whomever was trying to get members of KCC to take meditation courses at Maitripa. Timing of programs, locationif not as accessible would interfere with practice

Children's programs S
Children's program for younger children seems to be thriving. Inspiring children's program! Our longstanding children's program and daycare offerings provide great support to families and help children connect with spiritual values. As well, the sangha is enriched by the families' involvement. Providing support to families with children's program Childrens program, opportunity for kids to learn dharma values There is day care for parents on Sunday mornings

W
larger service means more resources to develop programs for middle schoolers and teens which is where the focus need to start, don't you think? Need for more children's teaching resources and space: for older children.

O
I also see our children's program as one of the nest and most experienced Buddhist children's programs in the area that could be expanded and offered more widely in the community. Programs for teen and young adult could create a new dimension of interest. Connect childrens program with other sanghas childrens programs Sponsoring a charter school, with a curriculum, not a religious school, in a new urban center, good support, more roles in community

T SANGHA Sangha qualities and characteristics S

KCC is a warm and friendly center. Active and engaged sangha. Welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Warm community Many long time practitioners open welcoming atmosphere Authentic and deep practice The commitment of the sangha.

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The love and respect (rightfully) shown to our teacher. Really, really beautiful people. Friendliness of the sangha Positive, experienced, and experimental sangha Bewildering array of sub-groups both formal and informal hospitality tolerance for outsiders apparent authenticity Friendly, approachable community of practitioners I'm not sure I know enough to comment here, however I'm most impressed by how serious and committed (to practice) a large proportion of the KCC community is. Supportive sangha Excellent practice Committed and engaged core group of sangha members All in all, even in the midst of turmoil or tension, it is clear that the Sangha and teachers hold spiritual growth as the fundamental goal. The friendly sangha The broad and deep commitment of a large body of practitioners; their depth of practice. Warm, welcoming, joyful. Many long term practitioners The value of Sangha is wasted because people their are not doing a good job of creating a sense of community that is supportive - there is an elitism - people who are having a hard life are given little support, and then none. Amazing range of talents, intellectual and technical skills within the sangha community Strong sense of 'community'--supportive, readily mobilizable for helping out members in need Creating an environment of openness and genuine hospitality. [The great good humor of our teachers, and the contagious laughter shared in Q&A.] The authenticity of the [teachers, teachings and] people attending the center. I always feel great after coming to a sit. In addition there are many committed practitioners at KCC who have a daily practice and also contribute in a practical way: volunteering at SCOLfor work parties, making a conscious effort to be friendly to people (especially someone new to you) at the Sunday sit, being eager and cheerful to help clean, giving nancial support, serving on a committee, working in the children's program. Strong committed practice, ...A steadily growing contingent of young families and practitioners under 40 Welcoming environment at urban and rural center. 1:1 outreach by many to newcomers. Positive and respectful environment. Kindness and compassion apparent within culture of KCC. Hospitable equanimous environment: people are welcomed from whatever/wherever they have been(culture/practice,etc.)

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The community is warm, welcoming, generous, and thoughtful. The sangha contains people with a wide range of practice, from brand new to nearly four decades. The insight and experience of longer time practitioners is helpful to newer members. While the importance of in depth practice and long retreat is clear to people in leadership positions, many who attend do not see the connection between the benet that they feel from Lama Michael's teachings and the long retreat that he did. People in the sangha are really practicing at a deep level, and I really appreciate the care and dedication of the long-time sangha forming a support network. Friendly community Its membership. It's a welcoming community. KCC is small enough to be informal, friendly, most people seem to know each other. [Strong leadership and committed sangha able to conceive, raise $ for, and build good quality LT retreat facility, persevering to bring it to completion, despite challenge] Committed and involved sangha Warm & welcoming The depth of practice, commitment to the dharma, and high integrity in action [among the teachers at KCC and] in the larger community is invaluable. KCC tends to attract people who are ercely intelligent and who are deeply serious about their desire to cultivate bodhichitta. The sangha itself is, on the whole, loving and inclusive. KCC is inviting and welcoming to everyone. Most (exception is rare and insignicant) know how to be supportive, encouraging and show equanimity towards everyone! I think those who are really committed, e.g. help regularly with cleaning, attend pujas, retreats & weekly sits, is quite sizable and this is essential I think! Always meet when we meet, continuity, consistency

(2) Cohesiveness
People in the sangha that can take chaos and make into a cogent whole (4) Equanimity Skills and competencies of sangha (3) Great potlucks Openness and willingness to discuss ideas (2) Felt welcome rst time walked into the door (8) Sense of community being completely grounded in the dharma Inclusive, one is still a member whether pay dues or not Underground and unseen help by members practicing, nancing People who show up to express their concern about the future of center We are heard at KCC/listened to Membership is consistently under review

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Newcomers say they feel welcome [this space supports a welcoming community]

W
Need a sangha expansion leadership team to develop a REAL please for expansion alone--a focus group. It hasn't been easy for me to make personal connections with people at KCC...I have attended Heart of wisdom sessions and they end everything in a circle, introducing everyone present by name, holding up leaets describing events and that in a large enough room to accommodate everyone has made me feel more personally connected to a group I have done little with but sit in silence. Each time I've attended, I see an 'in-group', and the rest of the people there looking ignored, alienated, unincluded. KCC could embrace so many spiritual activities that would foster a feeling of community connectedness if it offered spiritual gatherings/activities/exercises, such as: Look at the Sacred Dance Classes and Yoga Classes at Dance Mandal Temple, look at the Ruhaniat Su "Dances for Universal Peace", look at Meetup.com's groups- Healing Mantra (chanting) group, The Portland Kundalini and Song group, and the other Meetup.com groups that are about spiritual practices. Attracting, sustaining and involving the younger (under 30 year old) practitioners Aging sangha. Under-appreciation of the strengths of the community. (2) Danger of lack of young folks socializing to draw people in Lack opportunities for experienced sangha to share their experience (5) For newcomers - Need more processes to socialize and nd out how to become involved Lack of follow through on input from these sangha meetings - so less interested in coming to them. Takes too long to get something to happen Lack service retreats (Newcomer - from a different tradition) Lack of awareness re many things that happen unofcially - eg, nancial support for s/one that are hidden, done in private, not spoken

O
We have an unusually intelligent and enthusiastic community Instant social connection Some meaningful assessment of what people have to offer, ie. monetarily, time In the larger community, still need family size cells, to preserve intimacy Be a center of people who have done long retreat. Support to the urban center Support those who do long retreat Support those who are not on long retreat, by creating space as lay practitioners Do some things to be more resilient Integrating the generations in a non-threatening way, involving the younger generation (2) Membership tiers

T
Fatigue of leaders and stalwart contributors; limited frames of reference as to goals, that is, getting consumed by the immediate and losing the more abstract commitment.

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I often worry that some of the most inspiring and stable members of our community (Michael, Bill, Dora, The Parkers, Ephraim and Anne, etc.) are getting older and I wish we could nd a way to capture that same level of connection in our younger community. So much Dharma available to people that it can dilute involvement in and commitment to one center, like KCC. Neglecting to cultivate a sufcient number of deeply committed practitioners who can help carry on the tradition. The sangha could get burned out with too many demands and membership could decline. There could be a split between those who support and focus on the LT retreat, and those who focus on the urban center. We could double or triple in size and lose our cozy informality and feeling of connectedness - people might feel lost in the shufe, not seen/heard, disconnected from a sense of belonging, or of being supported in their practice. As get bigger, no longer know everyone, lose intimacy (2) Desire for close intimacy/ to hang onto that - can itself be a threat [can have cells w/in w/ more intimacy] Discussion groups Increased anxiety as KCC grows and goes through organizational change from pastoral to programmatic style [Albin Institute research re typical growth patterns for spiritual groups] W/ aging sangha - risk of loss of institutional memory, so newcomers can see where weve been Fail to get the opportunity to sit on the cushion every day Failure to communicate re tradition/lineage constraints - especially to younger community. Failure to depend on the dharma more than other people to carry one thru the rough patches, to maintain motivation

Opportunities for connection and support S

The basic structure of puja/break/q&a works well; it helps build bonds in the sangha, not just providing teaching and practice. Social/special events also strengthen community (i.e. Bodhisattva Night), though there could be even more of these. Making opportunities to celebrate and have fun (and, of course, EAT) together. Many community members reach out to those in difculty through words and deeds.

W
Though other spiritual paths also do not provide it, the absence of opportunities to share and discuss practice and learn from others is a weakness. More support for friendship/connection. After more than a year, I still nd most people cordial but still reserved. The silence of retreats is well understood as a valid part of them, yet it also tends to block the bonding that often comes from spending 3 or 5 days together in a group Lack of outreach to the poor, and the sick. Lack of support for people who identify with KCC but have fallen on hard times. Gaps in service for certain parts of the sangha - e.g., teens, young adults, elderly/hospice; unemployed/underemployed/ nancially stressed.

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Lack of a site of health practitioners in our sangha - to id someone to see Unclear how to have a wedding in this tradition Lack of connection with childrens programs in other sanghas Lack things for other life stages - e.g., retirement, memorials; lack of communications about things happening about these (6) Lack a hospice program/ committee - part of mission to care for folks in all stages of life (R) Over use of silent retreats - miss out on the bonding that could happen with less silence. Lack ongoing support network of varying cohorts Sangha not as friendly as other church experiences- not enough chance to mix w/ people and have extended conversations Lack any periodic check in w/ each other in the sangha - share how each of us is doing

O
Chance to build a broad-spectrum community through this planning process; [to deepen the understanding of the importance of long-retreat to the sangha at-large, and implement the longretreat program as a way to fully integrate SCOL into KCC.] Creation of a supportive network so that members can congregate outside of current open hours, either with expanded hours at KCC, or through smaller groups of fellowships meeting at members homes with an emphasis on rides / carpooling to services. Assignment / pairing of long-time members with new people so that they have some one to talk with. Opportunity to complete 1 and 3 year retreat and train more... pastoral care volunteers Wellness fair, networking and sharing of dharma health professionals (2) Develop cohort culture and support Create micro communities, ie. youth groups/leaders, movie night with Q&A Have an organized check-in

T VOLUNTEERS/STAFF S
Strong core of committed volunteers. [Cultivating a very warm hearted lay practice that continues to draw the lay community to practice and compel them toward the dharma.] These tendrils appear to be a huge reason why a very devoted core expend huge amounts of time and effort to continue the goals of the center. It is inspiring No expectation re: minimum commitment in terms of time The commitment of those in leadership positions. Those in leadership positions seem to be fairly approachable The dedication of the leadership. The willingness of members to volunteer. Remarkable volunteers Dedicated long term core management group. Professional level skills among sangha

18
Commitment and passion of volunteers. People's willingness to volunteer to help out (I would like to do more of this myself) Highly committed volunteers who are very skilled & organized. Volunteer work/hours phenomenal. The people volunteering to help make it run. Volunteers are a great source of strength at KCC. Volunteers with a diversity of impressive skills which can help KCC to develop & grow. A solidly committed group of older volunteers & practitioners, Dedicated practitioners, who also carry large load of running KCC and SCOL operations. Volunteers are dedicated, ethical, well-intentioned, caring of each other, and encompass a richness of skills, abilities, and creativity. Some volunteers (especially Board and PC members and several others) generously devote a great deal of time, energy and care to the affairs of the organization. Working in the organization is an excellent means of connecting with other sangha members--the joys and challenges can both be rewarding. Working in the organization is a way to help others through creating opportunities to meet and practice the precious dharma. Aging leadership. The people who volunteer, the time and energy they contribute. I see a group of very committed souls--a core group-- that seem to do everything. (But this is common in groups) Dedicated core volunteers Accomplished a lot with a relatively small group (2) Core group of volunteers that are very dedicated Acknowledging volunteerism & gratitude (by Lama Michael)

W
It is spread too thin, not enough resources. Too few volunteers doing most of the work. Difculty in engaging sangha members more widely in volunteer activities. Hence, over-reliance on the same small group of people to maintain program. Potential burnout of core volunteers, and limited integration of the next generation of sangha leaders. [Sometimes take too long to make decisions.] Sorry, I don't have time to volunteer anymore. [Lack of technological prociency among volunteers leading to poor document control, duplication of effort, over communication or under communication depending on the task.] I also feel this old school mentality is a SIGNIFICANT deterrent to involving the younger members of the community as volunteers and a primary reason why (because tasks are so poorly organized) that the success of our projects depends, largely, on the heroic effort of a few people who have the time and inclination to continue to reinvent the wheel. Poor acknowledgement of the changing role of volunteering in society (i.e. KCC puts too much emphasis on nding volunteers that spend long/indenite periods of time volunteering versus the new way geared more toward short campaigns of well-dened, project based volunteering). This lack of adaptation to the new reality comes across in some volunteers as exasperation and, I feel, unrealistic

19
expectations. That is to say the attitude toward volunteers seems to be that an ideal volunteer is one like Bill, Dora, Kathleen Benz, The Parkers or the Alworths. It would be great if everyone had the time and inclination to dig in that way, but I think expecting that kind of commitment will scare away most potential volunteers. If we had a well dened strategy, plan and the people like those mentioned were responsible for connecting many volunteers to small, well dened tasks I feel we'd move farther faster. When I look at Punlop Rinpoche, Maitripa, etc. I see other dharma communities in our very vicinity who have adapted more rapidly to the changing ways we use technology/organize volunteers in today's society. We still get a lot done at KCC but from my perspective it seems it is because we have a handful of dedicated people. I see some of those very same dedicated people aging before my eyes and very few young people in place to learn what they have learned and carry on the activities of the center. Previous to being involved in KCC, I was in a leadership role in another spiritual group for over 35 years. I see the same weaknesses of people (including me) mistaking the activities of the Dharma for the Dharma itself. Also, there is the tendency for people to want to "own" a certain responsibility or activity and a lack of openness to new ideas and input and ways of approaching tasks. Many volunteers are either over extended or "burned out" Not enough volunteers--too few people doing too much and adding to risk of burn out. I.e.: same people on multiple committees Absence of strong youth or 'less senior' adult recruitment; retention. we probably quickly eat up/burn out those who come forward with a tentative willingness to help, being so hungry for their skills, energy, etc.... Who will carry on while the leaders, committed volunteers are doing long retreat? There is some feel of a degree of 'inbreeding' (poor articulation)or subtle 'close-mindedness' that may repel some retention. Since my engagement with leadership has been virtually nil, there are few arenas in which I have encountered issues/problems listed above. Ineffective invitation, recruitment and integration of new volunteers. Limited people resource, with a core group carrying the load of urban/rural operations/planning for future. Low volunteer numbers Numbers of volunteers and volunteer time available is very limited compared to the work load. Volunteer systems need improvement--job denition, training, communications, recruitment, and management. We have very few people who can focus full-time (or signicant-time) attention on the organization's work which seems to contribute to a lack of cohesion, difculties with follow-through, and limitations on quantity of work that can be done. Our Tibetan tradition does not give us models for volunteerism or life styles of a work-practice mix or ways of mixing work and retreat. We need to create these ourselves. The only weakness I can think of is that the windows really need cleaning of spider webs and stuff. Maybe I'll be able to take that on over the summer. Too few volunteers

20
Lack of true appreciation by key KCC personnel for certain volunteers, or an overloading of work on certain volunteers. This results in good people either leaving KCC altogether or pulling way back on their willingness to participate. Too few volunteers - need more on most committees, shallow pool of needed expertise - eg, nancial; organization/admin. skills, expertise; fundraising; marketing/ PR/communications; video streaming/lming/broadcasting expertise. Main volunteers stretched too thin Question of some urban center paid staffer instead of virtually all volunteer A volunteer culture that diffuses responsibility and in which lack of follow-through is completely acceptable; an unwillingness to intervene in cases where a volunteer or group of volunteers is failing to carryout its responsibility to the detriment of fullling the mission. Difculty in understanding and approaching the vulnerability and fragility that accompanies applying ones energies voluntarily in a spiritual community and so largely avoiding the problems that result. (2) Maintenance man needed at KCC - UC (Dean C - Happy to help out but not be in charge of it) Lack someone whos available at all times to lock/unlock door at KCC (e.g., for volunteers) Lack internship program for people to volunteer, get training, get mentored by teachers Lack a greeter - when all are sitting, facing the shrine with backs to the door its unwelcoming to newcomers who arrive later. Re lack of volunteers - not enough acknowledging and thanking - e.g., none done at the annual sangha meeting. Limited human resources - already not enough volunteers - what if get a new bigger center Lack good gateway into Volunteering Aging sangha, less able to do all the work, [contribute $] Volunteering not framed enough as practice Over reliance on (small) core group of volunteers, others need to step up to the plate Lack of inventory of things that need to be done, so people can do something briey (2) Really slow response to submitted volunteer applications, unclear process re how to plug in as a volunteer We have a weak volunteer culture and not enough support for volunteers. Essential committees are possibly overworked or not supported enough. Retreat committee, board, audio recording, video streaming, even housekeeping. The board members seem overworked leading to possible burnout, and no time to communicate to community members about things.

O
Our strategic planning committee will be faced with and gure out a workable way to expand our membership and ability to provide teaching and practice opportunities. The community is on the verge of useful and healthy growth. The sangha has a great pool of past experience with KCC business and activities as well as outside experience--develop ways to tap this, especially in the early stages of big projects or decisions. Expand the sangha, more inclusive, more robust pool of volunteers - increased awareness of volunteering as carrying practice

21
Getting an inventory of what needs to be done and giving assignments Mentorship of volunteers (5) Training of volunteers on non-violent communication Internship program that integrates work and relationship with teachers

T
When the rst one year retreat starts, several key people will be leaving. There will be some big gaps in committees. Not having more volunteers step up will jeopardize the quality of what we offer now. Fatigue of leaders and stalwart contributors; limited frames of reference as to goals, that is, getting consumed by the immediate and losing the more abstract commitment. Leadership burn out Aging sangha membership which will soon have both physical and nancial limitations to continue to actively support the organization Too much responsibility on a few people seems to be a threat (burn out, disillusionment etc). The constant nancial and human resource strain that KCC faces (and has struggled with for quite some time) because of the daunting task of building (and now running) a retreat center creates an ongoing tension within the Sangha that could be threatening to its stability. We need to look at the impermanence of our voluteer leadership - getting older and some not able to do as much - back to the encouragement of younger leadership. We don't have a volunteer coordinator to build our volunteer base so that we have people to move up into critical positions (for instance, when a number of core volunteers practitioners go on long retreat.) From a recent personal perspective, I felt conicted with the clear KCC need for additional volunteering and impact on my orientation towards practice and life. Due to meeting the needs of a loved one's health change, I have had to stop all volunteering, after realizing that feeling frazzled is counterproductive towards realization. I wonder about others perhaps having similar challenges, especially those who volunteer so much of their time and energy. Loss of already low number of volunteers. Loss of people who are committing to long retreats. The reliance on [unpaid teachers and] a small number of long time volunteers creates an illusion that things are working with relative ease. This is not a sustainable situation. Busy lives in a busy culture--highly committed volunteers are scarce. We could have too many key people in long retreat with too few with too little skill and/ or organizational memory to keep KCC running - worst case would be a nancial or stafng crisis which would require ending the retreat prematurely We could loose key SCOL staff (site manager, cooks) and be at risk of shutting down the LT retreat, and/or burning out volunteers. Commitment phobia. Signicant number of volunteers going on long retreat could leave gap at center A number of long-time, key volunteers are just plain tired. (5) Felt no room for any of my ideas as a volunteer - need training on ways to collaborate thru non violent communication - causes young ones to leave - If we each lose our motivation to practice to participate

22
Failure to match/integrate younger generation (<38) - mismatch of styles / life demands - re volunteering, different from older generation - retired, done with child raising, work etc. Not enough volunteers If teachers and committees are overworked then something needs to be done to encourage and fully include volunteers!

ORGANIZATIONAL Governance--organization, processes, policies, decision-making, communications S

Collaborative organization Stresses working groups, sometimes called "committees", where Mostly balance common sense/wisdom with understanding that some things need to get done by a specic date. Transparent communication re: goals for SCOL Financially responsible/conservative leadership Committee structure allows for people to nd a volunteer position that is a good t (though there are weaknesses with this structure as well), and it allows for a broad division of tasks. The willingness to make changes after thorough investigation The overall management. Strong organizational structure and process, supporting leadership Focus on the mission instead of individual agendas, Democratic leadership system inspired by the lama, Good outreach via usable Website and streaming. Commitment to consensus decision making within the leadership groups encourages a range of ideas. Decisions are typically made in groups which helps prevent misuse of time and money for poorly thought-out projects or spurred by y-by-night volunteers. A history of over 35 years has given KCC a wealth of experience, learning, and accomplishments as well as showing that the organization can and will change. Strong leadership and committed sangha able to conceive, raise $ for, and build good quality LT retreat facility, persevering to bring it to completion, despite challenge Separation of "church" & "state" (2) Access to the web and large communication possibilities, expanded opportunities Very easy to nd via website List serve useful

W
This organization was once very weak in understanding and using a process approach to management and decision making (10+ years ago). Over the past 7-8 years, KCC has moved into a deep love affair with process at a sometimes deep cost to intelligent and quick decision making. As a result, many worthy projects never get started or, if started, die on the processing vine without ever being harvested. Sometimes take too long to make decisions. Sorry, I don't have time to volunteer anymore. Lack of technological prociency among volunteers leading to poor document control, duplication of

23
effort, over communication or under communication depending on the task. Way too much emphasis on "Democracy"; making sure everyone is happy with an outcome. Some times, things get discussed to death. I feel that a group needs a head who will, at times, say, "this is how we're going to do this." I often wish Lama Michael would do this. I also feel that there is an alarming lack of oversight and accountability at SCOL. Was amazed to see that the committee set up to provide oversight was disbanded when things got a little uncomfortable. Really? I actually no longer feel comfortable making donations to the SCOL (sorry to say, but there it is). Need a sangha expansion leadership team to develop a REAL please for expansion alone--a focus group. I would say that lack of transparency, shifts in proposed action, and sometimes the will to act, seem to be the main weaknesses. It is not clear how decisions are made at KCC. In my experience, there is always an "answer" at KCC for problems/questions that are brought to the attention of those in leadership positions. It can be an arbitrary and capricious way to advance the organization, and I doubt that it will change. There seems to be a public face, and then there is a face behind the scenes. Committee structure -- there are weaknesses with this structure as well) Long term core leadership group. Not enough new blood. Make the rest of sangha . An ongoing communication with the sangha. There is a great gap between the leaders and the rest of the sangha. Way, way over-processing decisions Takes too long to do things Non-prot administrative organization and structure are inefcient and bureaucratic Process, process, process---it takes forever to accomplish even the smallest decision and task which saps volunteer time and contributions Lack of utilization of available technology (donor software system, computer hardware improvements, communication tools, etc.) Lack of robust communication, donor and volunteer committees Leadership (Board, Committees, PC) often display insular point of views in terms of internal evaluation and need for organizational change. Communication between committees could be stronger--committees often have little idea what the others are doing, decisions made, goals, etc. There should be a more integrated connection and working relationship between SCOL staff and KCC leadership. Also: the slow pace of process (decision making, etc) of the Board, of leadership in general is something that is ingrained in the culture of KCC, but maybe there is a way to re-examine how some of those processes work (or don't work) that could help KCC be more effective (instead of just accepting that that is just the way we work). Unsure if board meetings are open to the wider sangha, I am interested in attending to learn more about the inner workings of the organization. Decision-making process can be slow and cumbersome. KCC tends to over think things. Greatest weakness: moving too slowly, not striking while the iron is hot. I think the planning process should continue but rm dates for decisions and actions should be

24
set. They should be in the very very near future. Lack cohesive management structure--we'll probably need to pay someone, since it requires more time & energy than volunteers usually have. No transparency in decision making: sometimes it looks like it's being done by one person instead of the group?? Culture of a certain group of people that 'run' the organization which has been there for a long time...which can't be penetrated by the 'new' comers. The consensus approach can be slow. While it strengthens inclusiveness within the decision making groups, paradoxically it can cut off others from a sense of what is going on because it is cumbersome to communicate the sense of the extended discussion. There is no venue for community wide discussion of issues facing KCC apart from the annual sangha meetings. This is not adequate to maintain a community wide sense of vision and a ow of ideas about how to KCC should evolve. It also contributes to lack of clarity about the volunteer and nancial resources required. The activities required to keep KCC and SCOL going and growing are fairly complex, yet there is little formal management to track progress. This makes it hard to know what is going on and how to plug in. It also places a burden on the board and certain individuals to manage things ad hoc. The fact that the Dharma is relatively new here and that KCC is basically independent means that the leadership has to invent quite a bit on the y - even when we can share knowledge from other centers it is still time consuming. As an independent center, we have to invent every wheel [in teaching programs as well as] in organizational work. Management of volunteer work is sometimes weak; for example, there isn't a mechanism for following up on a task neglected by a committee. Inter-committee coordination is sometimes weak. Communications in many areas could be improved. There is little awareness in the Sangha of Board or committee activity. Our web site is limited and looks a little clunky. Inefcient management structure. Lama is too inuential, often in ways that are not transparent - this weakens the Board and contributes to its ineffectiveness. Dysfunctional/ unstaffed communication committee, lack policy, guidelines Top down functioning under engages, under informs non leadership sangha. Lack of transparency to sangha; eg, "unless you're on the board, it is hard to know what's going on"; Seems like small fairly insular core group makes most decisions even though we talk like we are an open group. Lack of sustainable model for the organization; Aging [teachers &] leadership; Not fully developed conict resolution & human resource policies can lead to confusion, conict, & burnout Website could be made much jazzier. Weak institutional self-awareness that would support changing course and correcting process.

25
Management that oscillates between ineffective, too diffuse, and non-existent. Difculty in estimating the relative priority of any given task and so wasting time and energy. Involving more members in really contributing time and ideas needs development, e.g. perhaps through a step-by-step (levels) of serving in/for the sangha, i.e. training to do such things as sew cushion and mat covers, omzes who are regular attendees and who will keep candle 'vases' clean & who will arrive at least 1/2 hr earlier so others may be encouraged to check for any cleaning that needs doing! Language of the Mission/Visionn statement may be limiting - e.g., acquire urban center - maybe wed rent, not buy. Immutability of the M/V statement a problem. (3) No communications director No graphics standard / style sheet Nothing re service to the broader community. [1 idea is that practice itself is a service to the community] Lack of Communications committee (3) Lack membership / hospitality committees Over reliance on high tech communication - eg, email - Not everyone has the technology to use the technology - (so didnt get email re center being closed for Chenrezig last week) Unclear how to access archive of past retreats - lives at a distance, teachings available for those at a distance Lack a membership committee, just one person (Lynn) doing it. (10 yrs ago we created a membership comm. that only went for awhile - unclear why it doesnt happen - consistently under review.) Lack of awareness/communication of current KCC policy/ rationale re whats a member (2) Unclear when can put KCC label on a project Lack of communication - people are doing work that no one hearing about it, and not being give credit for it. [JKT added in meeting - old boss said if you do work and no one knows about it then the work isnt nished] Friction re change in policy re cleaning - unclear, lack of communication, transparency, people who were very involved not consulted in decision making process Disproportionately low # of younger people at meetings like this. Community list serve is overwhelming [jkt said in meeting this is unmediated, unedited dialogue, chat] Communication - the listserve - frustrating lack of focus, categories (2) Redundant email if on more than one list Lack of forums, etc. for special projects - eg. the cleaning changes (5) Unclear how decisions are made in the sangha

O
Cloud computing, project management, communication - many volunteer organizations make very good use of these cheap and free technologies to organize huge groups of distributed people. I think KCC needs to organize some central goals and then chunk those long term goals into smaller (annual/quarterly) milestones. Each of these milestones should endeavor to use technology to communicate and organize work/donations. I would say that KCC has missed out on taking advantage of a few opportunities and that it's too late to create the kind of organization that at one point may have been envisioned. By now there could

26
have been three or four new lamas (from the three-year retreat that was announced a decade ago) situated in communities of their own, whose students would be enriching KCC and helping to lead the way. Making this more available through streaming and, as soon as possible, a larger, vibrant urban center is a prime opportunity. Finding ways to make the availability of the streamed programs more widely known is another opportunity. We could make better use of technology for communicating with the sangha about activities, needs, plans, ideas, problems, questions. I'd like to be involved in an electronic newsletter. Strategic Planning process if the core sangha members and teachers are willing to "look inward" and make needed changes Strong commitment to future leadership development of new and younger sangha members Strategic Planning Committee--with a broad base and focused commitment--has a chance to identify, prioritize, & address issues that we haven't been able to devote attention to up to now. The Board, by default, has done a lot of management and it's not always clear about when to use slow process & when to move forward. We need to carefully put people in key positions and then trust their authority. There is a huge opportunity of looking at 'how' and what is contributed that above weaknesses continue to exist. Transparency in decision making: strong possibility to create inclusivity for people who are wanting to be deeply involved...and maybe they'll stay. Update outreach. The current vision for KCC and the long retreat project were the result of community wide discussion. Reinvigorating community discussion of major issues could create a new shared sense of vision and greater engagement. The fact that KCC gets as much done as it does without structured management indicates that the center could operate more effectively with a more structured approach, maybe a paid executive director. Plenty of people nd us, a lot of people come through KCC. Better advertise the retreats we currently run. Create two separate, but interconnected income models - SCOL and Urban - each has its own objectives, challenges, champions, and fallback plans. If one falls short of expectations, the other one can ll the gap. To create a comprehensive plan that anticipates and prepares the way for future needs, and takes into account all of KCC's responsibilities Alban model materials of other religious organizations on growth Institutional memory, put this together in a written record, before too late More tools, categorizing communications Development of a vision supported by sangha-wide consensus. Adoption of a tested model to facilitate and guide the creation of a vision/long-term plan and to engage sangha-wide support nancially, physically and spiritually.

T
[I realize that the huge commitment to SCOL and the retreat programs is #1, but I do wonder what it

27
will look like when the long retreats begin and how that will affect leadership and program planning at the urban center.] An inability to act in a timely manner. Creating a strategic plan which then takes years or decades to implement, thereby leaving KCC vulnerable in the intermediate years Wide spread, fear-based decision making. Inability to prioritize, getting overwhelmed. Lack time/talent/$ assessment - when hit a rough patch, need to re-evaluate - develop a tool for people to use to do this. If we fail to connect the UC and SCOL in our lives and as a communities, wont have enough support for the people out there Taking on a task that is not sustainable Too many meetings w/ not enough follow-up makes one not want to spend time at another meeting.

Finances S
KCC has not incurred debt. Careful handling of money and nances. Never getting into debt. Ability to stretch dollars No expectation re: minimum commitment in terms of money Debt-free I hear The lack of debt (not that I know much about KCC nances) No debt. The organization is careful with spending money and has proper nancial processes and recordkeeping practices in place. Financially solvent, able to resist collective pressures to incur debt. Good nancial management systems No debt Debit card for membership Quarterly membership Sundays where the nancial breakdown is available KCC has kept from incurring debt There is now a group who is looking at the retreat land/SCOL & urban center and how to organize KCC to support what is built

W
Lack of awareness around the nancial situation has caused us to get in a nancial crisis. We cannot sustain SCOL the way we are going. Unwillingness/inability to bring in a paid junior lama. Lack of sustainable nancial plan. Illiquidity looms if not corrected. Poor effort, limited success, in achieving nancial support from within sangha. Rigidity [of rejecting any practice that is not 'Kagyu'] makes KCC's eventual nancial demise more

28
likely. Sell SCOL and use the money to build a proper Temple- that will generate more membership an income. Lack strength in development Three years of substantial revenue shortfalls each year Financial instability The overall economy takes its toll, no fault of kcc. I am curious about fund raising efforts. Not enough is said by resident lama (Michael) about responsibility of sangha to help support the Center nancially to ensure on-going programs in Portland and nish/maintain our retreat Center in Goldendale. Thin resources for developing both Urban and Long term retreat facilities. Financial limitations/challenges in fullling long term mission of rural center (cloistered 1 and 3 yr retreats), especially in current USA economy that has so directed impacted individuals and families. There is little awareness in the Sangha of KCC's nancial needs. Little participation is asked of sangha or attendees. Attendees of Sunday programs are rarely presented with opportunities to help support KCC. The number of people pledging is small compared to attendance. The current pledge system is confusing and gives little guidance concerning the support needed. Belief that fund raising is the only viable income source. Our fundraiser in chief does not like to ask for money and often doesn't have the time to follow through with potential donors. Living way beyond our scal means. Limited income barely keeps up with expenses, over reliance on too few big donors, not enough paying sangha members, undercharging for retreats and classes. Under funding/ sidestepping of real costs - e.g., lama retirement fund, needs for paid (vs volunteer stafng (e.g., cooks), underpayment of existing staff (SCOL manager and assist. mngr). Money - limited resources for maintenance and purchase of new UC Lack of framing nancial giving as practice Fundraising could be more robust - (we should look at what other groups do) (5) Need more clarity re how to see the nancial status of KCC - more transparency Limited human resources - already not enough volunteers - what if get a new bigger center [Aging sangha, less able to do all the work,] contribute $ (2) Lack tiers of membership, different choices of amount to give - would make it clearer what one gets for what one gives (5) Lack of nancial clarity - having a sheet available @ 2-3 months not enough - people dont get it that we really need people to help - lack understanding of needed level of contributions - [JKTnoted in meeting: e.g., that it takes about $100/month/person to serve a person keep doors open, lights on] Unclear what average $ contribution is

29 O
Better marketing of long and short retreats to those outside KCC Tithing, fundraising campaigns, there are many ways and means these things are done creatively now. The same tools and techniques that large political organizations use can be used by tiny non prots and individuals. As long as these were employed in the service of a larger, well organized plan it seems they could present great opportunities. the economy enables good deals right now for buildings to grow the sangha. sure, money is always the issue, but SCOL is an example of intention met by "miracle." if there is a will... I think KCC might take advantage of it's remarkable teachers to publish some Dharma books as a way of raising money. The number of people pledging is small compared to attendance. Economy is picking up; folks are feeling a bit better about jobs/works opportunities Donors & volunteers want to put $$ & energy into projects that matter -- we are one of those [First focus funds to benet our great teachers so their offering would have no burden for them. Then focus funds for SCOL.]

T
Need for continuing nancial support from outside KCC. Dependence on continuing effort to procure major outside donations. Changing demographics of neighborhood and city. Continuing deep economic recession further threatening nances. Questionable ability to muster adequate nancial resources due to historical reliance on large donors, limited ability of many sangha members to provide regular ongoing support due to poor economy and personal cognative dissonance of practicing the Dharma and making money. Economic: limitations on time and money to contribute. Though I am not privy to the behind the scenes operational news it seems to me that many of our large donations came from outside of our community. I worry that in the current economic climate those random acts of kindness will be less forthcoming and small donations from our members might also dry up. Splitting the resources between city center and SCOL programs potentially could result in the compromise or dilution of teachings at one or both. Long term nancial resources. This sangha is pretty tapped out. Downturn economy The constant nancial and human resource strain that KCC faces (and has struggled with for quite some time) because of the daunting task of building (and now running) a retreat center creates an ongoing tension within the Sangha that could be threatening to its stability. I'm not sure how aware new members are of the intensity of the nancial challenges facing KCC, but it seems like there is a ne balance to be struck between pushing people to be more involved and give $, but also allow them to feel that KCC is a refuge for them. Aging sangha membership which will soon have both physical and nancial limitations to continue to actively support the organization Deep economic recession which will most likely continue in the near future Money, money, money.

30
Anybody mention the economy? I guess I wouldn't want KCC to take on a lot of debt at this time as I have my doubts about our ability to pay it off. Fund raising in challenging economic times Another global or US economic downturn Failure to communicate nancial needs clearly and repeatedly Down economy. Overall economic situation is obvious. There could be a worsening economy with increasing demands for scholarships which exceed our reserves. Lack of succession planning & inability to grow sangha sustainably lead to organizational & nancial collapse. How are we going to raise all that money? (unclear how KCC raises $ - other sanghas produce things for sale) Not diversied enough in fundraising. [Adele pointed out that much of our funds for capital campaign have come from outside the sangha]

Values/philosophy S
Tenacity in realizing long term vision of SCOL People are encouraged and supported in their efforts to carry their spiritual practice between formal sessions. The openness to all What I understand to be the careful and deliberate ethos of the board and working committees Love Strong commitment to engage in the long term experiment of bringing the dharma to life in this culture makes KCC an attractive and vital place. Willing to wrestle with interesting and serious questions. Recognition that long term, in depth practice must be nurtured if the dharma is remain a vital and alive in the coming generations. KCC's vision is long term, and the center is trying to contribute to a deep planting of the Kagyu tradition in this country. In volunteer and community life, values of honesty, humor, self-reection, and mutual respect are encouraged and demonstrated. I'm fairly new to KCC but to comment on the culture, attitudes and philosophy, I just want to express gratitude. The culture is embracing and inclusive, the instruction is authentic, all the while managing to maintain a very laid back attitude. I tell my friends and neighbors that KCC makes you feel right at home and offers intimacy without expecting it in return. I also mention how it feels informal and uniquely poised right on authentic dharma all at the same time. Amazing. And i also say that the things i learn here are immediately applicable to my daily life - which is as important as any of the above.

W
KCC caters to self-indulgent people with money.

31
Reluctance to start long retreat - too many excuses not to fulll KCC's mission and in turn, support KCC's scal health. Failure to remember that the vision of KCC is highly ambitious and generous, in terms of offering long-retreat and high quality high frequency teachings, classes, and support to practitioners at all levels, and so getting discouraged when we face difculty.

O
Hunger to have church provide avenue to express love, compassion for self & others; place for spiritual development & community; be a refuge from the world as well as way to transform the world

T
Fear of abject failure, nancially and otherwise, threaten our ability and perhaps the likelihood that we will make full use of our resources. We do not have a development culture yet, though we are also not without signicant development successes. Still, we need to develop this much more. Also, we don't trust each other enough to carry projects and tasks and experiments forward without continuous high level oversight. This has cost us dearly in the past 10 years or so and, unfortunately the cost is largely invisible and unrecognized. Finally, the opposite of the above paragraph, we have sometimes trusted people we shouldn't have trusted and that has cost us dearly. We would be beneted if we could carefully select the right people to do certain jobs and then give them extended authority to carry projects through to conclusion with minimum oversight. Fatigue of leaders and stalwart contributors; limited frames of reference as to goals, that is, getting consumed by the immediate and losing the more abstract commitment. All threats come from lack of true love and deep compassion in the heart--no external threats have much signicance compared to the internal ones of imbalanced self-cherishing. Not appreciating the threats that exist like our continuing scal shortfall. An unwillingness to compromise in the short run, despite the potential long term benets. For example - not running long retreats or not making adequate money on retreats because we don't have enough male participants. (Samsara is imperfect, do the best you can and then get over it - run the retreat, do what is necessary to ll the beds.) Inability to believe in ourselves and each other; difculty with trust. Fear of retreat itself. Self-sabotage. Speed of the culture is a threat. Slow pace in the teachings and practice is out of step w/ the very quick pace of change in society - turns off newcomers. How to bridge this in authentic way.

FACILITIES Urban center S

I have been amazed how much KCC has accomplished at SCOL while keeping the urban center in place. Land rich: urban center, SCOL The urban center is in a good location. The current center location is very central. The current center facility is beautiful, warm and comfy.

32
Homey environment which I really appreciate. Crowded, poorly zoned Urban Center, limits number of people who can participate in sits, hear the teachers face to face, and experience connecting with the sangha. Not enough room for a lending library, bookstore, classroom(s) for other age groups, apartment for emergency shelter for a sangha member in need, or for an ofce to welcome newcomers. (2) Convenient location (3) Practice center [Newcomers say they feel welcome] this space supports a welcoming community I love this house and the intimacy it encourages.

W
The absence of a vibrant urban center capable of accommodating new people attracted by the teachings and helping to provide the resources to support activities at the retreat center. Perhaps the lack of space, although it has never bothered me KCC has outgrown its current urban center. People who once came have stopped, to allow newer folks to come. The parking situation at KCC makes access difcult. Aging urban infrastructure. For practitioners who don't have the ability to participate in SCOL retreats, the in-town programs are limited by the lack of space in the city center; though a fair number of people can participate, the arrangement of the main room makes sitting on the oor near-impossible unless one is pretty young and fairly small. It would be nice to have a larger "gompa" at least. size of the monroe house [Urban center] it would be nice to have a larger space with our own parking lot. It seems to me that the money spent to create SCOL would have been better spent to have a main Temple that was designed to be a Temple, not a too-small victorian house with architecture not suited for a Temple- the Meditation Hall is way too cramped. Poor facility in town Aging and inadequate urban facility Legal zoning problem with urban center Inadequate space for puja at center and for children's program Small urban center, could use more room for meditation or for holding meetings. We are outgrowing our Center House, and it would appear our members are about tapped out for funds. Or am I mistaken? I think we really could use a new place to practice, and I'd love to be a part of that effort. It could be a very inspiring place. Space is an obvious issue to accommodate demand. Space is limited while i love this building I am now supportive of nding larger space given all that's going on during any one evening--classes, meeting, green tara, etc . Urban center too small, not centrally located. Urban Center is too small to support an organization with 2 locations--we've reached the limits of our growth at Monroe Street.

33
The center is too small for the existing community not to mention the potential pool of people who might attend if facilities permitted. The current center is too small--it limits growth, makes people uncomfortable, makes walking around perilous, etc. Limited space in Monroe St center (parking). Not enough space at the Urban Center. I wish the urban center were bigger so more people could benet from the rare opportunity i presently enjoy. I'm concerned that SCOL diverts funds and attention away from the urban center. On the other hand i feel strongly that having teachers trained by Lama Michael on 3 year retreat is likely the most benet to sentient beings, perhaps even more than a larger urban center. I don't know. Too small an urban center which limits number who can attend meditations which means smaller group for $$ & energy Also not all sitting in same room can limit sense of connection & engagement Not fully accessible building New center--no residents in building where shrine room is, etc.! (2) Lack of collaboration w/ other centers for use of space (3) Not enough space at Urban Center (UC) for our activities Hard to be welcoming when room is full UC too small, need message of expansiveness (that a large enough space conveys) (4) Not enough cushions when a lot of people come, some folks use more than 1 cushion. Lack of a policy re bringing ones own extra cushion vs. using 2 of KCC cushions Lack space to host an outside teacher Lack enough space for noisy kids to not disturb other activities (e.g., puja, class, meetings) Lack nooks for private meditation We dont have enough room to offer a good place to stay to those in crisis. The parking is hardno off street parking.

O
The location of the center is good, but having a bigger center somewhere in NE would serve us better. If that isn't possible, then renting bigger spaces to hold classes would allow more people to attend. Need to look into if & where to move Urban center. The economy enables good deals right now for buildings to grow the sangha. sure, money is always the issue, but SCOL is an example of intention met by "miracle." if there is a will I have wondered if there could be a combination of income producing property in the urban center with the teachings. Making this more available through streaming and, as soon as possible, a larger, vibrant urban center is a prime opportunity. Finding ways to make the availability of the streamed programs more widely known is another opportunity. Opportunity to take advantage of cheap real estate for new urban center I see a lot of open property near KCC on MLK, Vancouver/Williams... I'd love to have you stay close

34
to the current location. Unsure of the nancial situation of KCC with respect to planned growth, my experience as a member of ZCO and the formation of Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple involved the sangha gently stepping into expanded building capacity by renting a space that could accommodate shared use. This was extremely helpful in building sangha consensus that the purchase of a new building could be supported and model to facilitate the progress was crafted. That and a little luck with the right building showing up at the right time. Major and intense fund raising efforts were dovetailed with the growing consensus to cement commitment from sangha members. With a larger urban center with a shrine room large enough to seat 150 people we could invite and take more advantage of the many ne teachers available to us today and open our doors more to the general public. With a larger center we could offer meeting space to 12step groups. I also think with a larger center we could offer more programs for the newcomers we see. As I mentioned at the annual sangha meeting I think the old "Natures" store on Division at about 35th is the size and location of what might be a good property for our needs. Bigger urban center with the possibility of more sessions for practice. A larger urban center would permit the entire community to meet at one time and could also support a wider variety of activities including SCOL. Consider the possibilities of a live-in community at a new urban center or near the urban center. I feel that this site is wonderful. I wonder if anyone has considered expanding this facility--it might take a year of construction whereby we could rent another space nearby. But in the end we would have a much larger space in a great geographical area. I think it's important to consider the energy of this space, all the years of practices and how important it might be to be in the same spot--so to speak. Reach out to a larger community w/ the dharma, calm abiding practices - through a bigger urban center, [through more video streaming of higher quality, copies of recordings of teachings] Build/nd a new UC that doesnt violate zoning codes, with off street parking Develop our own facilities for short residential retreats - e.g., at a new urban center, and to support people transitioning out of long retreats as well as sangha members who may need crisis housing. A caretaker who is available all the time (as at SCOL) to lock & unlock bldg/access to shrine room, classrooms & kitchen. I'd be willing to be that caretaker if I'm still around & my accommodation (housing is free). I don't believe in huge wages & would be content with min R&B & would not complain about cleaning! Consider buying an old church, school (as Zen Community did!). It'd be nice if we could collaborate with Maitripa but then it may help me reconcile with them! No outreach on the west side of town, more central location would bring more accessibility Add a new center and keep the one weve got Use the current center as a place for a charter school, rent source Stable zoning place, in compliance To have a message given by character of urban center facility Meditation center with co-housing/hospice center Urban center site manager/caretaker on, but not living in main sangha building, as is the case now, minus the caretaker, makes accessibility easier. Like caretaker (s) similar to SCOL

35
There could be real space for childrens program meetings, etc.keeping the shrine hall for meditation. It would be great to have a comfortable space for social events and space for meditation each on their own. [Retreat facilities could be rented by other dharma groups.]

T
The center is vulnerable to city zoning. There isn't enough parking. Very overcrowded at certain times. Inadequacy of urban facilities to permit growth of sangha. Low but nonzero probability of losing urban facility to use restrictions. Current KCC center seems to limit growth. Not a very welcoming space when its noisy, cold and crowded. Again, size of the monroe house. The fact the service is held in a house may cause others to question the teachings going on in there. "if they've been stuck in this little house for how many years how can I take this serious?" (not me, but you get the point). And if spreading the Dharma is a mission, it will not happen as rapidly where it's at. Monroe is limiting the 'potential' to help many more end the causes of their suffering. Many people are struggling economically. We can keep the cost of retreats down by using our own facilities rather than others (see above). Zoning and size of urban center in particular at this time when we are trying to nish SCOL. I fear we will lose members during [the three year retreat], or that people will not come. If they do not come, how will we build a new Urban Center? This is not exactly a "threat," but I am concerned about the lack of space at KCC. There is so much to offer to so many, but when it gets so "crowded" that is a problem. A larger urban center with broader activities could support a larger community which in turn could more easily support the retreat land operations and perhaps more paid teachers or an executive director. However, the process of moving, scaling up the delivery of dharma programs, getting long retreats underway and revamping management is a large task. Getting started on this without rm long term commitment from a signicant number of individuals could be a disaster. Believing that a larger urban center will solve our volunteer and nancial challenges. There could be a split between those who want a new UC and those who dont want to move/change. What if KCC moves - as a parent, location is key, worry re loss of others in community, threat to own practice The UC location isnt central enough, especially for those living in Tualatin Zoning - the UC is in a residential zone, could be shut down, not secure

SCOL S
Having its own long retreat center.

36
Excellent retreat facilities. I have been amazed how much KCC has accomplished at SCOL while keeping the urban center in place. Land rich: urban center, SCOL SCOL retreat center is a huge accomplishment and asset. Its design is highly supportive to retreat and especially long retreats. The remote setting and wild natural environment of SCOL is conducive to retreat, renunciation, and being immersed in nature. SCOL is undoubtedly a blessing from the lineage combined with the serious efforts at virtuous activity and sincere aspirations of the KCC sangha. Having a retreat center that now actually holds retreats is great. The retreat facilities at SCOL Retreat Center--a unique facility designed for a unique use--built to last a long time. In the future, it could provide us with a wealth of experienced practitioners in the sangha. (2) We built SCOL without going into debt

W
SCOL reminds me of a Country Club or a Spa for the well-to-do, too expensive in terms of total cost for admission, transportation, etc. Need for a residential spiritual community at SCOL that supports staff and retreatents to make SCOL a stable retreat center (how to achieve this??). Physical distance between urban center and SCOL (?) (2) SCOL programs too separate from urban lives, lack felt connection for putting so many resources there instead of here (UC)

O
Chance to [build a broad-spectrum community] through this planning process; to [deepen the understanding of the importance of long-retreat to the sangha at-large, and] implement the longretreat program as a way to fully integrate SCOL into KCC. Almost done building long-term retreat facilities. Completing SCOL for long retreats will bring much attention and support. Opening the non-cloister part to other organizations will do the same [bring attention and support]. We have and enjoy a wonderful opportunity in SCOL. So much of our resources have been poured into this place that is more than a place. It is a particular owering garden of dharma, possible by the millions of efforts great and small over the millennia... Extend SCOL facilities to outside groups. Make money from use of SCOL when we're not using it. Gain support for SCOL through hosting other Dharma groups there. What are the possibilities for an enhanced live-in community at SCOL? Rent out SCOL - i.e. either put people in retreat or rent it out to people who will. Both options should be available to KCC so that they can be implemented as needed. This is our greatest opportunity and our most pressing obligation - people in retreat. The benets: social and organizational benets that come from a people who complete a successful long retreat //nancial stability // solidied connection of those people or organizations involved //interconnection //tendral //fulllment of our mission statement.

37
Run at least two retreats at SCOL with well known outside teachers - it broadens our exposure to the world at large, generates revenues, and uses the facility. Initiate and continue to hold long retreats at SCOL. Long retreats Space in SCOL to build a short- term retreat center Use portions of SCOL for short-term retreats by using the large tent, like we used to do, while Long Retreat in session SCOL provides us the opportunity of a lifetime body of practice while working and long retreats To get more teachers through supporting SCOL [Retreat facilities could be rented by other dharma groups.] [First focus funds to benet our great teachers so their offering would have no burden for them. Then focus funds for SCOL.] I thought nishing SCOL was rst priority! What happened to agreement made during Annual meeting?

T
Also, once the 1 yr retreat begins, it will be important to nd ways that the rest of the Sangha can engage with the retreat center. When long retreats start, we won't be able to use SCOL for short retreats. This could be an opportunity, but I don't know what it would look like. Loss of SCOL due to inability to support ongoing operations and maintenance costs. Fuel shortages make it harder to travel 2 hrs, accelerating gap between urban & rural centers Imagine an amateur mechanic and aviation buff who by natural talent, hard work, and sincere dedication over the course of decades, has managed to build a fully functioning, self-designed $2 million ghter jet in her garage. Shes never own a plane before but she has read and thought a lot about it and she has extensive experience using her car to pick her kids up from school. As she brings the jet screaming into the air on its maiden ight, imagine the moment when she realizes the gravity of her success, the inability to turn back and the felt lack of prior experience in such things. Keeping a steady hand in that moment is vital. Unclear to see the effect of SCOL, its needs, resources - risk of big drain on human resource base as some go into long retreat (LR) there.

LARGER COMMUNITY (RELATIONS OUTSIDE OUR SANGHA) S

No chance of a Buddhist president in 2012 Buddhism-friendly town Good connections with the larger sangha The social benets of a spiritual community.

W
Don't see true humanitarian efforts happening in any American Buddhist groups, so have been led on my own path to focusing on concrete ways to help the poor gain hope, honestly, have trouble understanding why the meditations and recitations on generating bodhicitta do not result in more charity activity, so I nd it better to do micronance projects and create change and hope this way vs. spending money on personal retreats or facilities for those who already have so much more than the

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truly poor and destitute on our earth. Limited connection with other Kagyu centers (?) Current vision mentions only practice facilities & programs, those are essential, but the mission seems like it could also include social concerns too, with services, like end-of-life or helping the needy, as well as activism info. Lack of clarity re making larger community aware of who we are as Buddhists (2) Isolated from our community - lack of giving, providing services - outreach mechanism Lack of transparency/ awareness of what we do do for outreach Lack good communication w/ larger Buddhist comm.

O
Better marketing of long and short retreats to those outside KCC. Seeding other sanghas with graduates of long retreats. Outreach to other sanghas, particularly Kagyu sanghas. We could be an example to other dharma communities. Having connections to well-known teachers such as Ken McLeod and Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche might provide opportunity to offer retreats with them to larger groups, either at SCOL or in a large venue in Portland; the NW Dharma community would likely appreciate the convenience of having guest teachers come to this area. Strengthen communication with other Dharma centers (?) Collaborate with others and/or engage in more 'social services', ie 'engaged Buddhism' I don't know what this would look like exactly, but feel like somehow we could be returning some services to the community beyond teaching. I would love to see a collaboration, perhaps with ZCO, that provides us all with opportunities to address some issues, esp with regard to social justice and engagement in the needs of Portland's struggling population. In other words, OUTREACH. Depends on the real goal--compassion for all sentient beings, or self-serving? I wish I could add to this but I really don't know other than perhaps outreach to other centers and/or Sanghas in the area,(or out of the area) that might be able to utilize and contribute to the mission and vision for SCOL. There is quite a bit of interest in meditation and Buddhism in US, and especially in Portland. Possible opportunities in collaboration with other Portland-area Tibetan buddhist centers (esp Kagyu / Nyingma). Imagine KCC's future in collaboration with non- Kagyu partners. This should not be so hard for an organization that purports to question duality and, whether such a partnership comes to fruition or not, it opens our minds to possibilities. Like the possibility of imagining a collaboration with a Kagyu partner. Just imagine - thats all I'm suggesting. Have more interaction with other Kagyu centers. Why are we so isolated? I wish KCC had a stronger outreach to the larger national dharma community. Something so wonderful and unusual is happening here that i want everyone to know. A need in the culture around us to redene meanings along the lines of the fantastic teachings given & manifested at every practice session at KCC. Collaborations of space in other dharma centers

39
Co-ordinate with other groups

T
Possible unreceptiveness to outreach efforts. What positive difference is KCC making in the community? Especially about homelessness, poverty, hunger, and isolation? Major societal disruptions caused by climate change, economic meltdowns, etc. Competition - there's lots of other tibetan & other buddhist & spiritual centers now. It's a sad thing when one group/lineage, school of Buddhism either pulls people away or excludes them. I'd hate to see those active and dedicated to KCC be drawn away &, likewise, I would not want KCC to deliberately draw others away from other sanghas & lineages. I do not think this is happening now & with deliberate, careful collaboration with others, especially people like Kalu Rinpoche, this can be avoided, I think!

Misc S
Not sure about the current situation, attended in 1993-95 You tell me... I'm grateful this center exists. The magical combination of the rst three [Lama Michael, Assistant Teachers, and committed and involved sangha]. KCC is extraordinarily strong in almost every measure compared to most western dharma centers of comparable size.

W
I denitely don't know enough to comment here. Still new to KCC, I don't feel I have intimate knowledge to assess weaknesses on a granular level. To much of a newbee to know [weaknesses]. Wait till i get on a committee, then maybe i'll let you know.

O
Much to be upbeat and grateful about.

T
Loss of key people, natural disasters. Water shortages Cities become unlivable Volcanoes