Principles of the ALBA Committee
Constitution
We maintain a constitution which describes our basic purpose and aims, our processes, and our Committee roles.
Our statement of aims from the Constitution
• To support a community of lay practitioners
• To develop experience of Buddhist practice.
• To disseminate Buddhist teachings.
• To support contact with the ordained Sangha
• To evolve a framework to support lay practice.
Buddhist Practice
We regard the organisation and participation in all our activities, including our business meetings, as part of our practice, seeking always to apply Buddhist principles. This is our overriding principle.
Committee Membership
Those who volunteer their time and expertise to the Committee and ALBA, do so from a motive of generosity, a key practice on the Buddhist path. We welcome help, of whatever scale, from all who wish to offer their support to the Committee. The Committee has fifteen full member positions, and effectively an unlimited number of associate roles.
Committee Roles
We adopt a flexible approach to Committee roles which reflects both the skills offered and our wish to provide opportunities for those who are interested. For example, we cycle the role of Chair every ‘few’ meetings. We aim to share tasks as equitably as possible to avoid overloading one or two members.
Development of Skills
We encourage members to develop and use their skills and expertise to further the aims of the association. This encouragement may include constructive feedback, mentoring (by agreement), and attendance at workshops, interfaith or other UK Buddhist organizations, and courses.
Inclusivity
We actively encourage people to join the Committee and to play a part in organising and leading days of practice and retreats, according to their willingness and ability, without putting pressure on them to do so, irrespective of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or social background. We consider whether the composition of our Committee reflects the make up of our membership, and bear this in mind when a vacancy arises.
Our meetings are open (subject to prior notification) to any ALBA member.
Consensus
We rarely use voting to reach a decision, always preferring consensus and agreement. In arriving at consensus, it is important that everyone’s view is heard. It is natural and healthy that not everyone will agree, and may never see things the same way. However, we have found that a willingness to find a common way forward will overcome differences and a consensus can be found.
Mutual support and respect
We try to work together both as a Committee and as a coherent and healthy community. Leaders seek feedback from their events. We are willing to offer correction and be corrected. We welcome constructive feedback on any publication, minutes, or our web site. At the start of our meetings we consider Members who are suffering or in difficulty.
Consultation
We try to consult wherever possible, rather than act independently. We delegate authority where appropriate. We ensure that proposed actions on behalf of the Committee are discussed or communicated within the Committee beforehand. Any ALBA document or information is circulated to all Committee members. We gain prior agreement for any changes which may impact the monastic Sangha (for example changes of name, new web groups, or publications which use the ‘Amaravati’ name).
Communication
We aim to provide full information on our events and programme via email bulletins, our web site (www.buddhacommunity.org), posters, and occasionally by post.
