BPF / Reflection List for Welcoming Communities


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Becoming a Welcoming Community:

A Checklist for Reflection

If your group is interested in joining the network of “Welcoming Communities,” we ask that you take time together to discuss the following questions, and to become familiar with the Resource List we have compiled. These questions will help your sangha to clarify your intention and take stock of what you have to offer, and the Resources will aid you in welcoming vets and their families in a skillful way.

1. How ready are we to acknowledge political and philosophical biases that we might be carrying into the program, and which might come across as not being supportive of a someone’s decision to serve in the military? What concerns about this might come up from veterans, and how are we prepared to address them?

2. Who in our dharma center or sangha is a military veteran? How well do they feel their needs are currently being met? How might they become engaged in this project?

3. What are some ideas we have about how to address the spiritual and emotional needs of veterans and their families? Some possibilities might include dharma practice opportunities, programs, social occasions, rites of passage.

4. What are some ideas we have about how to address the physical and financial needs of veterans and their families? Some possibilities might include referral to other community agencies or resources, or direct service (providing a place to stay, assistance on benefit or job applications, etc.). What are we able to offer, what are our limitations? (See Resource List.)

5. How much do we know about the rights of veterans and their families in regards to their economic, medical, and social needs? (See Resource List.)

6. How much experience do we have in working honestly and openly with diversity issues, and in supporting a multicultural sangha? (See Resource List.)

7. How can we build a "Vow Not to Burn Out" into the program, so that volunteers are encouraged to take care of themselves and to find ways to be healthy, joyful, well-rested, and grounded on a day-to-day basis?