Honey Locust Sangha
Omaha Community of Mindful Living
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Caretaking Council
September 15, 2019
 
Present: Mike McGann, Mike McMahon, Mark Watson, Gina Matkin, Colleen Brown,  Dave Watts
None Absent
 
Meeting began with Meditation, Check-in, and TNH meditation on meeting
 
Most of the meeting was part of our ongoing consideration of 1) the optimal shape and structure of the CTC (ie balance of OI, Aspirant, and At-Large members) ; 2)What should be the requirements for serving on the CTC, and what is the process for bringing new members into the CTC

We looked at what the bylaws said about these concerns and decided to experiment with some changes.
1) The optimal shape and structure of the CTC- We decided to make the language of the bylaws more fluid, less specific so that we could adapt to what's going on with us,  going on in the sangha- more or less the spirit of sangha as organism rather than sangha as organization.

We decided to amend the bylaws to read:
Section 1.​ The Caretaking Council will be comprised of six to nine members to include representation from Order of Interbeing Members, Aspirants, and At-Large Sangha Members. Members will serve two-year terms which may be renewed for another term or ended based on the needs of the CTC and the member. 

2) What should be the requirements for serving on the CTC, and what is the process for bringing new members into the CTC?
We decided to amend the bylaws to read:
Section 2.​ Eligibility for membership in the Caretaking Council requires the following:
  1. Must be an experienced mindfulness practitioner who has been actively involved in the Honey Locust Sangha for at least one year.
  2. Must attend Honey Locust Sangha meditations on an ongoing basis including a regular presence at Monday night meditations.
  3. Must have received the 5 Mindfulness Trainings and have a regular mindfulness practice.
  4. Must be available for and committed to meeting one time a month for two hours (Currently 2nd Sunday of month @ 12:30pm, but this is flexible)
Section 3.​ New CTC members will be selected from among those who meet the eligibility requirements and have expressed an interest in serving
  1. Sangha Members will be made aware of the purpose of the CTC and the eligibility requirements and will be invited to express interest in being considered for a seat on the CTC by communicating with a current CTC member.
  2. The CTC will consider all names who meet the eligibility requirement and will select the new members based on the needs of the Sangha and the CTC.
 
We closed as always with the question, "Is there harmony in the sangha?"   Because of different views of what is best for the sangha on these topics it has been a challenging discussion.  We continue in the practice of letting go of views, while continuing to express  those views in a heartfelt way on behalf of the sangha.  It is a lovely practice.
Yes there was harmony in the sangha
The Honey Locust Sangha / Omaha Community of Mindful Living is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All funds donated help to fulfill the mission of practicing and raising awareness of the mindfulness practice in the Thich Nhat Hanh / Plum Village tradition.

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