Minutes of 2004 Annual General Meeting
Buddhist Meditation Society of
In attendance: John DeGrace, Judith Johnson, Edward Dobrowolski, Larry Steele, Nicole, Ken Bilski.
Regrets: Jim Bell
1)
Treasurers report
The treasurer has typed a report for tax purposes. He estimates that we were at $2,270 in May last year, and are now at $2,000-2100. The Vipassana retreat last year made about $300, The two Zen retreats lost about $200. We also lost money on hall rental as it is not fully covered by donations.
Ken will be assisted by John in
his duties as treasurer next year since Ken will not be in
Motion to accept the report – John, seconded by Judith, carried unanimously.
Action: John, Ken
2)
Officers
It was agreed that all officers would continue in their duties for another year.
An amendment to the constitution was drafted: officers will “usually” serve for a maximum of 2 years. The following sentence was added – “If there are insufficient active members to rotate officer positions every two years, then, as the need arises, officers may serve for more than two years.” This was done since the society is now considerably smaller than when the constitution was drafted and there are not enough active members to rotate officer positions every two years. This amendment will be included in the next newsletter so that a final vote may be held at the next AGM.
3)
Events for the next
year
Vipassana retreat – John will set this up with Adrianne Ross for February.
Action: John
Zen retreats – Judith consult with the zen group then set up zazen-kai with Eshin, most likely in October and April.
Action: Judith
One day retreats – these will be booked at Saint Michael's for the spring, and will alternate between Vipassana and Zen as before. They will be booked for November, January, February, March, April and May.
Action: Judith (book and organize zen), John (and Jim? org anise Vipassana retreats)
Yard sale – this will be held in John’s garage September 18, he will accept donations from August 17. People are to phone ahead about dropping off donations. Edward, Judith and Larry volunteered to help. Judith is to contact Tawnya and invite her participation.
Action: John, Larry, Edward, Judith
4)
Newsletters
Jim resigned as editor in an email to Larry. Judith will produce the newsletter – an electronic version will be posted to the web site. People with email will be offered an email announcement and link to the current newsletter instead of hardcopy. Extra hardcopy newsletters will be available for distribution to new people at the Willows.
It was agreed that we would regularly use the guest book to collect names, addresses and email addresses of visitors so that we can distribute newsletters and notices of events as widely as possible. We will also try and include a “social column” to help members stay in touch and feel included.
Action: Judith (contact Jim for software, produce newsletter.)
5)
Social events
Larry will host a September dinner and a Buddha’s birthday celebration in the spring.
Action: Larry (determine dates, host), Judith (publicity)