Challenge

Need

Possible approaches/solutions

The nature of the relationship between BPF office and chapters is unclear. Tensions between authority and accountability.

Need to better define the responsibilities that chapters have to each other and the whole organization, and the benefits of being a chapter.

Draft statement on relationship of chapters and Central Office. Develop and clearly list the benefits and privileges of being a chapter.

Unclear what it means to be a BPF chapter.

Need to better define what makes a BPF chapter – and what characterizes the organization as a whole.

Draft statement.

More support for local/regional activities

Need to better publicize what’s going on all around U.S./globally

Interactive web calendar

Confusion about BPF’s activities, how to get involved on a local level.

Tensions within chapters between practice/action.

Lack of clarity about BPF’s ties to other organizations.

Need to build ties to other peace and justice organizations; let chapters know about relationships we already have.

“Partnership Box” published in most recent Annual Report (in the mail and online).

Membership dues are too high for some.

Staff to consider different models for membership.

Difficult to get together Buddhists from different traditions.

People are so busy – if they’re already involved in a sangha or other group they may not have time to get involved in a BPF chapter too.