Mid America Dharma is looking for folks who love the Dharma and would like to express that love by serving on the board of directors.
(The following is paraphrased from an article by Marnie Hammer and John Flaherty which appeared in the Fall, 2017 MAD Newsletter)
“Approximately twenty-eight years ago a small group of meditators, met over several months to figure out how they could support their own practice and that of other Midwestern meditators. The outcome was Mid America Dharma. Since then Mid America Dharma has provided well over a hundred Insight Meditation retreats, supported the development of local teachers and sanghas, and provided thousands of dollars in scholarships to make sure that the practice was available to all who wanted to explore it.
For each member of that first board, the Dharma was precious and they were eager to share it with others. They wanted to see if Mid America Dharma could attract teachers from across the country and support students from around the Midwest.”
Those intentions continue today. Due to the pandemic, the board has gotten creative. We have been struggling to bring in-person retreats, and are still trying to make this happen. In the meantime we are offering alternatives; online retreats and we have added a sutta study course and a book group.
All of this is possible due to the generosity and efforts of our board members. We do this work because we are dedicated to the Dharma. It has brought happiness, skillfulness and wisdom into our lives and we want to share these wholesome qualities.
There is an energy on the board that is amazing. Folks share their ideas, visions and intentions and do the work to make them happen. In the process, we are building sangha among ourselves and among those who attend retreats and other events.
We are keeping the Dharma alive in our lives and in the lives of fellow practitioners. It is an integral part of our practice.
Through my experiences on the board, I have met others who are living skillfully, practicing the five precepts, practicing metta, studying the suttas, and learning and living the Buddha’s teachings. They are my Dharma sisters and brothers, such precious gifts in my life. I am reminded of the circle of generosity; as we give, we receive.
A common question when one is considering joining us is “How much time will this take?” The board meets quarterly (currently on Zoom), but our work goes beyond attending board meetings. There are committees and projects that one can volunteer for, such as the PR committee, scholarship committee, diversity committee, retreat planning and others.
If you are interested in joining a group committed to the Dharma, please contact me at President@midamericadharma.org or 314-341-0725 to find out more.
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