Planning Meeting Minutes January 12, 2003

Present were:  Bob, Jody, Jon, Mark and Tony (Minutes written by Tony). Location:  Mediation First (Mark’s Office)

Topics Discussed and Related Comments:

·        DOM        

Details of the Jan. 26^th DOM were discussed.  It was generally agreed it is preferable that a group of sangha members plan for DOM’s rather than an individual for purposes of distributing both input and responsibility.   The DOM will be held at Thich Hanh Dat’s retreat center in Corydon.  $50 from the sangha account will be paid to Thich Hanh Dat for use of his facility.  We will also take up a dana offering to present to the monastery.  Even though he conveyed that no fee was necessary, those in attendance at the planning meeting felt that it would be appropriate for us to pay what we typically pay for the use of Mt. St. Francis (a frequent DOM site).

Other DOM details:  The meal will begin as a silent meal, with quiet talking during the last half of the meal.  A “bell master” will be assigned during this DOM.  This is one who will from time to time invite the bell throughout the day, as is typical with other retreats.  Mark will be taking on this role.  It was also recommended that attendees bring boots.  If the ground is wet, they might have to walk the up the last portion of the road, which can get muddy.

·        Web page

Those present looked at the web site and were pleased with its appearance and content thus far.  Possible links to other Buddhist related sites were discussed.  Feedback from all sangha members regarding the site’s content, links and structure is requested. 

A name for the URL was discussed.  Suggestions included: Mindfulliving.org, SanghaLou.org, BuddhaLou.org, and LouSangha.org.  A URL that expresses who we are and one that is easy to remember was desired.  Even though there was some concern that it did not contain a reference to “mindfulness” or “mindful living”, the group consensus was with sanghalou.org. 

 Related to the sangha’s online presence, those present decided that we needed to update our contact information that is listed on the Plum Village web site with that of a current facilitator .  It currently has Bronson’s name, address, phone number and email address.  It was also decided that the currently link/page devoted to Bronson’s efforts will remain as a link, rather than a part of the sangha’s site. 

·        Communication to Bronson

Given that two of the points above are related to Bronson, those present felt it important to communicate these decisions to Bronson, in a manner that is consistent with our practice.  Jon agreed to meet with Bronson to inform him of the group’s decisions. 

·        Quarterly Resource Meeting

Currently no topic has been chosen for the upcoming quarterly resources meeting. 

·        Treasurer’s Report

The sangha account currently has a balance of $291.06.  It was also announced that an anonymous donor has provided the sangha with a gift of $150 to cover the cost of the web site for one year. 

·        Buddhist/Psychotherapy Book Club

Jon will soon be informing those sangha members who are on the email list for the book club of the next selection and of a meeting date.