BPF | 2004 Annual Report

The Buddhist Peace Fellowship’s last annual report was published for the year 2002. Since then, both the world and BPF have changed. War has torn apart Iraq, violence in the Middle East has erupted all too often, human rights in a number of countries (including many with Buddhist populations) are in jeopardy, the gap between rich and poor is widening, and the destruction of the environment continues.

And yet, we can take heart in the fact that the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, along with hundreds of other kindred organizations, persists in working toward a more just and sustainable world. With nearly 4,000 members and 45 chapters around the world, the BPF community remains committed to offering a Buddhist voice for peace and helping to shape a path of progressive activism rooted in compassion and lovingkindness.

This report will give you an overview of how BPF’s leadership and organizational structure has been strengthened over the past year, and will describe some of the many ways that our programs and publications have contributed toward realizing our mission and purpose:

Below: BPF members offer a witness for peace in Seattle, San Francisco, and Boston

BPF Staff, September 2004. Top row: Colette DeDonato, Susan Moon; middle row: Alan Senauke, Jenesha de Rivera, Tempel Smith; bottom row: Charis Khoury, Maia Duerr, Diana Lion.

Since 2002, BPF has undergone several leadership transitions as we sought out a leadership structure appropriate to our current developmental stage. As is the case with many organizations that have had to cope with the departure of a long-term and beloved executive director, the transition has been bumpy since Alan Senauke stepped down at the end of 2001.

In 2003, with high hopes, we decided to try a three-person leadership team rather than hiring one executive director. This structure proved to have its own challenges. By the year’s end, two of the original three people on the team–Robert Lyons as National Coordinator and Janice Baker as Administrative Coordinator–stepped down from their positions. We remain grateful to them for all their good efforts during that year.

At the beginning of 2004, the BPF board and staff reflected again on what was most needed. Gradually, our conversations led us to believe that the wisest course of action was to return to an executive director leadership model that balanced accountability with collaboration and empowerment.

In the spring of 2004, Maia Duerr was invited to take the position of Executive Director. Maia had the unique perspective of having served on both staff and board since 1999, as well as being a member of the Western Massachusetts BPF chapter. Her skills, dharma background, and familiarity with BPF’s strengths as well as its challenges made her the right candidate to help stabilize the organization and lead it forward. Maia accepted the offer and began work with BPF in September 2004.

Maia came into the job with a three-part vision that she shared with the BPF community:

In August of 2004, Jenesha de Rivera was hired as BPF’s Administrative Director, to replace Melanie Phoenix, who had very capably filled that position since Janice’s departure. At the end of the year, Diana Lion was promoted to Associate Director of Programs. Maia, Jenesha, and Diana provided a much needed dose of stability and harmony for BPF. Alan Senauke continued on staff part-time as a mentor during Maia’s transition, and currently serves as BPF’s international liaison.

Reflecting on the lessons learned in these years, we are both grateful and humbled. The arrival of several new board and staff members in 2004 ignited a sense of renewed commitment to our work. As we turn toward 2005, optimism and excitement are in the air, and staff and board work together toward this vision, with our members and chapters across the world as close partners in fulfilling BPF’s mission.

With gratitude, we honor the contributions of those who served BPF in 2003 and 2004 who have since left: staff members Janice Baker, Marianne Dresser, Faith Fuller, Robert Lyons, Melanie Phoenix, giovanni singleton, and Llewellyn Wishart; and board members Martha Boesing, Elizabeth Cheatham, Trena Cleland, Noriaki Fujimori, Ruben Habito, and Lewis Woods.

May we continue to cultivate compassion and lovingkindess as we work to bring peace to the world.

Anchalee Kurutach, BPF Board President

BPF Board of Directors, May 2005

Robert Joshin Althouse (Secretary)

Anushka Fernandopulle (Vice President)

Anchalee Kurutach (President)

Chris Wilson (Treasurer)

The Work of 2004:
The BPF Community Offers a Buddhist Voice for Peace and Justice

“I am proud to be with a peace organization

such as BPF. This is the kind of active Buddhism

I have ‘preached’ almost all my life and

I am happy and relieved to be home at last.”

~Jean-Jacques Vellino, BPF Chapter, Barcelona

During the lead-up to the war on Iraq in 2003, BPF members joined with millions of others to voice opposition to the war and to express hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Seattle BPF held a five-day and night vigil in front of the Federal Building before the start of the war. Massachusetts BPF members converged in Boston to join walkers from the Nipponzan Myohoji Peace Pagoda in calling for peace. And Buddhists and friends in various locations across the world committed acts of civil disobedience to express the depth of their commitment to preventing the suffering of war.

Although the war was not stopped, we witnessed the birth of a global peace movement, which the New York Times called “the world’s other superpower.” Our work now is to continue catalyzing this powerful contingent of citizens who understand that peace and justice must be built from the ground up.

In the past two years, BPF members have continued to bear witness to the cost of war in Iraq, as thousands of soldiers and Iraqi civilians have been killed. In Chicago and other locations, we organized vigils in conjunction with “Eyes Wide Open,” the American Friends Service Committee’s powerful public exhibit on the war.

2004 Focus: Electoral Politics

During a pivotal election year in the United States, BPF created resources and organized non-partisan events to encourage Buddhist communities to participate in the electoral process, and to link peace and justice issues with this process. In 2004 we published and distributed:

BPF members around the U.S. got involved in a variety of ways:

In recognition of the fact that chapters can be powerful vehicles for expressing BPF’s mission, we have renewed our commitment to these groups and doubled our efforts to stay in contact with chapter leaders. During 2004, Maia Duerr and Diana Lion visited chapters in Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, Tampa Bay, Vancouver BC, Washington DC, and Western Massachusetts. These visits are part of a larger process of listening to the ideas and needs of the BPF community and developing more methods of participatory decision making.

Two major regional BPF gatherings were held during 2004 by chapters in Seattle and New England. Both gatherings demonstrated BPF’s role in bringing together Buddhists of many traditions as well as other spiritual activists to address war and peace and to develop effective actions:

Here’s just a sampling of other chapter activities during the year:

During 2005, we will continue to seek ways to better support our chapters so that they can effectively carry out our shared commitment to help beings liberate themselves from their suffering.

Buddhist Alliance for Social Engagement (BASE)

Program Coordinator: Tempel Smith

BASE Program Website

BASE develops communities focused on socially engaged Buddhist action, with trainings in ethics, meditation, and wisdom. Since 1995, BASE has trained close to 200 people in Boston, Vancouver, Knoxville, Arcata, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Marin County. BASE is open to people of all ages, sexual orientations, races, incomes, and physical abilities.

In 2004, we compiled an extensive BASE Reader in CD format covering 23 topics of socially engaged Buddhism (issues of class, race, gender, globalization, etc.) in over 80 articles written by Buddhist authors. During 2005, we will make this reader available to our chapters.

Also coming in 2005, we plan to develop BASE programs focusing on transformational communication skills and a BASE program for People of Color. We are developing a new form of a BASE program that people can attend for a year from across the country, and from outside of the U.S. as well. We plan to identify key people in locations across the U.S. who may be mentors for future groups, so that we can expand BASE’s scope beyond the Bay Area.

Established three years ago, the BASE House in San Francisco is thriving, and has three new members. Having spent the last three years building and exploring the BASE principles of service, meditation, wisdom, community, and strong dedication, we have worked out a healthy and sustainable model of community living. The BASE house is home to nine residents, hosts a weekly sitting/dinner/discussion group and day of meditation practice, and has become the center for a developing community of engaged Buddhist teenagers.

International Work

BPF International Liaison: Alan Senauke

BPF has joined with various Buddhist communities in the U.S. and internationally to create a new International Buddhist Peace Service (IBPS) , designed to provide material aid and political/humanitarian support for Buddhists in need around the world. IBPS hopes to establish itself as the first ecumenical Buddhist NGO with consultative status at the United Nations.

In the wake of the December 2004 tsunami disaster in South Asia, it became clear that the heart of BPF’s work is about building relationships. For years, BPF has made connections across Buddhist traditions and between activist and dharma groups in Asia, the U.S., and other regions. Immediately after the tsunami, we received messages from Dr. Ariyaratne, founder of Sarvodaya and member of BPF’s international advisory board, with details about what was needed in Sri Lanka. Our colleagues at the Foundation for the People of Burma also contacted us asking for assistance. We worked quickly to broadcast these requests to the BPF community via our website and e-mail lists.

Within a few days, the responses from BPF chapters and members around the world was heartening. Chapters in Berkeley, Chicago, Toronto, and Western Massachusetts organized benefit events and/or sent thousands of dollars to Sarvodaya. We bow in gratitude for everyone’s kindness and generosity in response to this immense tragedy.

Toward the end of 2004, we began to form BPF’s new International Advisory Council. This group, comprised of a circle of teachers, elders, and former BPF board members around the world, will be invaluable in drafting positions and offering international perspectives on peace and justice issues. In turn, we offer Council members BPF’s support, resources, and recognition.

Program Director: Diana Lion

“I hope that you know and feel all the joy you bring to people such as myself through your work. If none of the others have thanked you, please let me do so for them and myself. I hope and pray that each day of your life is better than the day before.”

~ Letter from a prisoner

Chicago BPF Death Penalty Vigil at Indiana State Prison

Seven years after its inception, the BPF Prison Program now serves thousands of prisoner members. The number is rising rapidly through word of mouth amongst prisoners. The program includes ministry, advocacy, correspondence, and education, with allies in the dharma, activist, and faith-based worlds. People from the U.S., Argentina, Canada, Chile, Italy, England, France, Germany, and Thailand have sought our advice, resources, and assistance.

Highlights of 2004

Our main focus continues to be ending the death penalty:

People in approximately 22 BPF chapters around the U.S. are involved in prison dharma work.

Thanks to the generous leadership of BPF volunteer Elizabeth Cheatham, our correspondence volunteers responded to over 100 requests each month for dharma books, resources, Turning Wheels, and information.

The latest project consists of contacting prison chaplains to place Buddhist material in prison libraries in all states.

Program Coordinator: Tempel Smith

Youth Program/Teen Retreats Website

“The summer retreat was a turning point in my life.

I had been struggling with body image and an eating

disorder. The retreat gave me a sense of peace and ease, and showed me
what’s really important. It gave me some tools to work with in my life…
I learned you have to have compassion for yourself before you can have
compassion for others, including people you don’t get along with.”

~ 17-year-old Youth Program participant

After offering Teen Retreats through our BASE Program for the past several years, BPF officially recognized the existence of our Youth Program at the end of 2004.

These retreats have grown, and now include 25 teenagers in each retreat. Tempel and others in the BASE community have developed the six-day retreat format to include an afternoon workshop on politically engaged Buddhism. A grant from the LEF Foundation has enabled us to support lower-income and activist teens to participate. The teen sangha has developed to a point that the teens are sustaining their community between retreats, including taking part in many day-long practice sessions.

As the Youth Program continues to grow, we will experiment with longer teen retreats, wilderness retreats, and a college-age retreat in the coming two years. We are also exploring the idea of bringing young activists to a service and practice session in Asia for the summer of 2006.

Editor: Susan Moon

Managing Editor: Colette DeDonato

Turning Wheel Website

TW’s “Black Dharma” is particularly notable as a ground-breaking issue and has been used as a resource by many groups, by and in support of African American Buddhists and allies and to encourage diversity. Featured authors included Charles Johnson, Alice Walker, and Jan Willis. Our Fall 2004 pre-election issue on “Dharma and Democracy” was also particularly appreciated.

TW published two young writer’s award winners and one old writer’s award winner during this period of time. We also published a comprehensive bibliography on socially engaged Buddhism that Donald Rothberg prepared especially for us, and which is now on our website.

In April 2004, Shambhala Publications published an anthology of Turning Wheel articles titled Not Turning Away: The Practice of Engaged Buddhism, edited by Susan Moon. We had a flurry of readings in the Bay Area and one in Vancouver in the spring and summer of 2004. The book received enthusiastic reviews, and readers love it. Once we pay back our advance, sales will benefit BPF.

In 2003, giovanni singleton came on as TW’s managing editor, a newly created full-time position. Highly skilled, giovanni offered a lot to TW, but the collaboration between her and Sue Moon sadly did not work out and giovanni left BPF in May of 2004. For a couple of months Sue worked without a managing editor, assisted by a wonderful summer intern, Rebecca Turnbull. In July, 2004, Sue hired a new managing editor, Colette DeDonato, who regularly honors us with the gift of bringing her new baby, Lucia, into our office! So after some staffing bumps in the road, TW is settling down nicely.

BPF Website and e-Newsletter
Web Coordinator: Diana Lion

The BPF website, www.bpf.org, has evolved into a hub of information and communication, including a calendar of events, a resource center for papers and essays, and online discussion forums. In March, 2004, we started a monthly e-Newsletter to inform BPF members and the larger community about action alerts and events in the engaged Buddhist world. The newsletter began with 1,500 subscribers; by the end of 2004 more than 2,100 people had signed up.

In 2005, we will launch an interactive events calendar, which will serve as a virtual community bulletin board and will enable people all over the world to post and view socially engaged Buddhist events and actions.

Administrative Director: Jenesha de Rivera

Membership Coordinator: Charis Khoury

Fiscal year 2004 could have been one of great challenge for the Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF). Our nation’s uncertain economic climate and the ongoing turmoil through out the globe unfavorably affected the conditions of many non-profit organizations. In addition to this challenge the Board of Directors were faced with the task of finding a new Executive Director. In combination, these two factors could have damaged BPF’s operating budget. Instead, the organization was blessed by a generous bequest from a long-time member and donor Judith Stronach. The summer of 2004 brought a second blessing to the 27-year-old organization: a new Executive Director.

Although the passing of Judith Stronach brought great sadness to the BPF community, her enormous generosity came during a time of great need. Short of staff and without a leader, the majority of BPF’s resources were invested in filling crucial staff vacancies. The organization struggled to find the time and energy to create an effective fundraising effort. Fortunately, Judith’s generous donation allowed the board and staff to thoughtfully consider the future leadership and direction of the organization.

By the end of June, Buddhist Peace Fellowship hired Maia Duerr as its new Executive Director. In August, Jenesha de Rivera started her role as BPF’s Administrative Director. After filling these positions, the board and staff participated in a retreat. We can all attest to the energy and spirit that was rekindled during that fall weekend. Shortly after, an end-of-year fundraising appeal raised slightly over $50,000 and before the close of the fiscal year the second installment of Judith’s bequest came in to carry the organization steadily to the next fiscal year. BPF ended the year with over $275,000 in the bank.

By the end of the fiscal year BPF had a 2005 fundraising plan that included the launch of a three-year pledge program called the Bodhisattva Circle. By December 2004, slightly over $11,000 had been received and close to $15,000 was pledged in response to the program.

For more than two decades, BPF has been blessed with the presence of dedicated individuals. BPF currently has a base of nearly 4,000 members whose commitment to our work has grown BPF into an organization with over 40 chapters worldwide.

Clearly, our effect and our presence in this world depend on our constituencies. This is why in the coming year, BPF plans to focus our efforts on growing our membership base. At the end of 2004, 14% of our income came from membership. By 2006, we hope to increase that number to 25%. Our goal is modest: to have a quarter of our work supported by the constituencies we represent.

You’ve read about what BPF has accomplished so far. Imagine our efforts growing by two, three, or even four-fold!

Membership plays an important role in the vitality and strength of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship. It is a measure by which the world views our organization and it is the base upon which we can rely on for continued annual support. Your membership dues help to sustain us and keep our operations running. Without this kind of support, the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and the great change we offer to the world cannot exist.

Your donations over and above membership dues enable us to develop programs that serve thousands of prisoners, young people, and engaged dharma practitioners everywhere. Thanks to these kinds of contributions, BPF’s work for peace and justice is able to grow and thrive.

From all of us who work at BPF and for all of those who are affected by our work, we offer a deep bow of gratitude to our supporters, volunteers, and members. We thank you for sharing our vision, for becoming a part of our work, and for believing in BPF’s ability to make a difference in the world. We look forward to years of fruitful partnership.

May all beings be free from suffering.

In 2004, we offered our supporters an opportunity to sustain BPF through a three-year pledge program called the Bodhisattva Circle, at amounts ranging from $10/month and upwards. We gratefully acknowledge the people listed below whose membership in this Circle and consistent giving provides a strong foundation for our work:

Catherine Abel • Laurel Adler • Miriam Del Duca Adlum • Judith Alper • Constance L. Anderson • Rita Archibald • Derek Bailey • Ann Baker • Bob Balderson • Andris Baltins • Claudia H. Banta • Bonnie Ruth Barrett • Elsie Bartelt • Jan Chozen and Hogen Bays • Jim Becker • Steve Bergman • Stefano Bettera • Monica Biondi • Julie K. Bisbee • Irene Bowie • Edward Breslin • Karen Burkhardt • Regina Bussing • Mary Carnell • Steve Carson • Eugene Cash and Pamela Weiss • David S. Cassells • Mark T. Celedonia • D. Victoria Chapman • Melody Ermachild Chavis • Whittnee Chen • Tenzin Chogkyi • Mollie Clarke • Sally Clay • Trena M. Cleland • Karen T. Connelly • Joanne Connelly and Cathy Cockrell • Elaine R. Conners • Margo Cooper • Patrick Cunningham • J. M. Cushing • Linda Cutts and Steven Weintraub • Linda Davis • Donald Davis • Linda and Russell Delman • Catherine DeLorey • Priscilla Dornath • Naome Dragstedt • Mary Edwards • Peter and Stella Elliston • Paula England • Mary Fabri • Nancy Farr • Thomas Ferenczi • Mark Ferguson • Robert Festa • Dr. Cynthia Florin • Denise Flowers • Dr. Maryalice Forester • Frank Fredericks • Craig Friend • Tabitha Fronk • Noriaki Fujimori • Jodie Garay • Dr. Sandra Garcia • William Gardner • Doug Gary and John Wiskind • Charles Geiger • Michael George • Charles Gibbs • Sheilah Glover • Beth Goodman • Julia Graf • Donna Graves and Chris Duncan • Kathy Grayson • Tova Green • Diane Gregorio • Ruben Habito • Bob Koshin Hanson and Karen Ingvoldstad • Donna Harada • Lynn Harmet • Puanani Harvey • Alice Ryerson Hayes • Barry Heath • Anne Hietbrink • Gary Hill • Barbara Hirshkowitz • Peitsa Hirvonen • Helen D. Hobart • Olivia Hoblitzelle • Sandra Hodson • Will Holcomb • Donald and Marjorie Holland • Donna Honings Simmons • Margaret Howe and Gary Pace • Dorothy S. Hunt • Allan and Marion Hunt-Badiner • Thanh Huynh • Mildred Ikehara • M. Anne Jennings • Kristin Johannsen and Kevin Millham • Peter Johnson • Breck Jones • Elwyn Jordan • Henrietta Kaimmer • Agnes Kaji • Toby Kasavana • Stephanie Kaza • Charles and Angeliki Keil • Annice Kenan • Patricia Kennedy • Michael Keown • Joan Kerr • Roger Keyes • Lucy Khoury • Mary A. Kiedis-Keough • Charles B. King • Janet Kious • David and Bethany Klug • Susan L. Koen PhD • Dr. Helen R. Koepfer • Kenneth Kraft • Pamela Krasney • Bill and Beth Krumbein • A.J. Kuntze II and Elizabeth A. Mills • A. J. Kutchins and Mari Mayeda • Sidney Leck • Reiner Leibe • Lucy Leu • Mark Leventer • Linden • Jake Lorfing • David Loy • Leonie W. Luterman • Lilla Lyon • Lynn MacDonald • Anne Macquarie • Barry Magid • Jennifer Mancini • Nancy Mangum • Alan Marlatt • Peter Matthiessen • Michael and Mary May • Kam McCallum-Gesher • Tenzin McClain • Michael McDonell • Delia McGrath • Jennifer McKnight • Mary Jo Meadow • Anne Metrick • Lance and Ann Miller • Myrna R. Miller • David Mills • Phillip W. Moffitt • Jim and Sheila Molnar • Joseph R. Murphy • Margaret Murray • Kachina Myers Spyros • Ulla Neuburger • Nancy O'Connor • James Ogilvie • Natasha Palmaer • Paul Parris • Lucinda Pauley • Richard Pearce • Ron Powell • Walter Powers • Carolyn Prentiss • Jim Priest • Kathleen Purrington • Helen and Dan Quinn • Nancy Ranney • John Rask • Cynthia A. Read • Mary Renard • Richard Reoch • Lee Robbins • Felix J. Rogers • John B. Ross • Brady and Ira Rubin • Nancy Rudolph • Dr. David and Joyce Sanford • Freddie and Jim Schrider • Seth Segall • Mary Selkirk and Lee Ballance • Brad Shapiro • Judith A. Sharp • Robert B. Shea and Kate Weisskopf • Raymond Shepard Jr. • Sheila Shives • Annie Silverman • Jody Slocum • Alex Smith • Tempel Smith • Susan Snider • Nan Soule • Heidi and Daniel Spitzer • David B. Spurgeon • Paul Squassoni • Janet Standard • John Steiner • Susan Stordahl • Karen Sundheim • Carl Swallow • Robert Swanson • Michele Tae and Scott Woodbury • Kenneth Tanaka • Beverly Tangri • Denise Taylor • Anna Marie Taylor • William Taylor • Mary Thompson • Gordon and Margo Tyndall • Terrell V. Voss and Donald Weston • Roberta Wall • John Walsh • Eric Watson • Steven J. Weisman • Judith M. Weitzner • Judith White • David Kozen Williams • Betsy Williams • Lyn Willwerth • Haley Marion Winter • Robert Wist • Jessie Wood • Jonathan Woodbridge and Diane Steingart • Lori Wright • Nicholas Yardley • Edith Young • Erik Young • Rebekah Younger

BPF Fundraising Mission Statement

BPF views fundraising as an important aspect of the Buddhist practice of dana (generosity),
which has the potential to transform scarcity into sufficiency, and which is based on principles
of interdependence, gratitude, and inclusion. In all our fundraising efforts,
we vow to hold the quality of relationships over attachment to outcome.