HOW we develop our weekly programming and special events
Program Categories
Programming at Gar Drolma is divided into two categories: Core Programs and Community Programs.
CORE PROGRAMS
Core Programs are the foundational activities of the center. They are designed and created by the lamas in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
CURRENT Weekly/Monthly Core Programs
Weekday meditation practices
Sunday morning practices
Regular sangha meetings
Bookstore
Fundraising Events
CURRENT CORE Special Events
Each year Gar Drolma sponsors at least 4 special events in which we invite lamas from out-of-town to visit and teach at the center.
Evaluation of Core Programming
Core programming is evaluated by the lamas and the Board according to the following criteria:
- Our desire to provide the basic practices and teachings necessary for individuals to begin and maintain participation in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Our desire to have as many people participate in the program as possible.
- Our ability to afford the program financially.
- Participant response. There must be at least 3 regular participants in order to maintain a core program.
Final Responsibility
The lamas and the Board of Directors take final responsibility for maintaining core programs.
- Developing changes or adaptations to the program
- Finding replacements for facilitators in case of absence
- Maintaining chant leaders when necessary
- Writing up program descriptions for marketing purposes
- Maintaining at least 3 participants in the program
Support
- Marketing and PR for the program through web, email and print
- Availability of Gar Drolma Temple & facilities
- Office Support: answering questions, maintaining financial records
- Garbucks support: Core programming will be supported through the Garbucks workers
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Community Programs are designed and developed by individual sangha members. The Board of Directors supervises these programs, but responsibility lies with the sangha members. Community programs are seen as vital additions to our core program. Members of Gar Drolma are welcome and encouraged to imagine, formulate, develop and carry out community programs!
Current COMMUNITY Programs
Monthly Vajrayogini Practice
St. Vincent De Paul's
Easter Food Service
Examples of other possible community programs
- Any deity practice- carried out either weekly or monthly
- Open meditation time
- Advanced Book Discussion Group
- Interfaith Discussion Group
- Youth Group
- Community Gardening Project
- Food drive in coordination with Catholic Social Services
- Pet food drive in coordination with local animal shelters
- Animal liberation projects
- 2-day Calm Abiding Retreat
- other - use your imagination!
ResponsibilitY OF COMMUNITY PROGRAM FACILITATOR/S
The community program facilitator takes responsibility for maintaining community programs. As such, the group itself is in charge of the following:
- Submitting a program proposal to the Board within deadline
- Checking out a key from the Office Manager
- Returning the key at the end of the quarterly session
- Recruiting participants to begin the program
- Developing changes or adaptations to the program
- Maintaining facilitator replacement list in case of absence
- Finding a replacement facilitator in case of absence
- Maintaining chant leaders when necessary
- Writing up all program descriptions for marketing purposes
- Submitting all PR materials at least 1 month before new session
- Maintaining at least 3 participants in the program
- Gathering names, address & emails of participants for further contact
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
Community programs must be authorized by the Board of Directors in order ensure proper preparation and accountability for the program. The deadline for all program proposals is aproximately one month before the beginning of the new session. (Please see exact dates above.) In order to gain authorization for a program, a proposal must be submitted in writing. Your proposal may be submitted in person or via email. (sangha@gardrolma.org) Please include the following:
- A title for the program (does not need to be fancy)
- A 1 paragraph description of the program for PR purposes
- The proposed time and date/s of the program
- The objective/s of the program
- A summary of the program's activities
- The name of primary facilitator with complete contact information
- The name of the alternate facilitator in case of absence
- List of required materials and texts
- Please feel free to use our proposal form located here...
Evaluation CRITERIA FOR NEW Community ProgramS
Community programming will be evaluated by the Board according to the following criteria:
- Our desire to provide extended practices, teachings and community involvement which enrich the spiritual lives of our members and our community.
- Compatible and not redundant with current core programs.
- Our ability to afford the program financially.
- Participant response. There must be at least 3 regular participants in order to maintain a community program.
- Programs will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. There will be an oppportunity for new programs to begin each quarter.
Support for Community Programs
- Board Support: The Board will evaluate all community programming proposals
- Availability of space within Gar Drolma Temple & facilities
- Marketing Support: PR support will be given for community programs through web, email and print
- Office Support: answering questions, maintaining financial records