BWZ Strategic Plan FAQs:

What is the path to owning our own building?

First, a New Home committee will need to inquire with potential lenders to see what BWZ could afford, and what needs to be done to get us in a position to make an offer on a property. Chances are good that will involve approaching Sangha members individually and privately about whether they would be willing/able to make a substantial contribution to a property fund when a property we wanted became available, and/or would be willing/able to make substantial low-interest/no-interest loan.

At the same time, the New Home committee will come up with a prioritized list of BWZ’s needs and desires when it comes to a property we would own. Then we’ll start searching! Note that we have to get our financial ducks in a row before a meaningful search, as owners will not be interested in having a dialogue with us (or may not even show us a property) unless we have that done first.

Note: It is likely that we will not be able to afford a property we want at this time. How soon we can purchase a new home depends on member enthusiasm for fundraising/loans, increased income and membership growth.

How can cloud Zendo members best participate in helping to achieve the plans goals, outside of contributing to membership fees? 

Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the Sangha both in-person and online! We can always use more Cloud-specific roles during our meetings like Zoom hosts, videographers, and recording editors. You can also let us know if you have specific skills you can volunteer to meet Strategic Plan goals, such as social media, graphic design, hosting workshops, financial planning, fundraising…the list goes on!

How is the current money being stored? Is it invested in the market or in a high-yield savings account? 

As of November 1st 2024, we have $23,000 in a checking account (0.08% APY) and $26,000 in a savings account (0.05% APY) at Rivermark Community Credit Union. We should keep at least $10,000 immediately accessible, but might put the remainder in a CD that would earn between 2% and 2.2%, but obviously we’re not talking about much income from interest. As the Sangha savings increases, we will investigate the possibility of wise investments that might increase the interest our money is earning.

How was the goal of a $75k annual comp and benefit package for the teacher determined? Were any comparable data sources considered?

We are working toward a teacher salary that falls in the average annual pay for clergy for the Portland area. As of November 2024, the average annual salary for Clergy in Portland, OR is $113,300, with a range from $74,709 to $142,148, with most earning between $93,100 and $128,400. (https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/clergy-salary/portland-or). With the annual fundraiser, we aim to increase the salary by $5,000 each year, which, if maintained, would be at $76,000 in 8 years (2032). 

Other considerations, for comparison:

• $36,000 – the teacher salary in the 2024 BWZ budget
• $55,016 – the living wage for Portland (as of February 2024) is $26.45/hour, or $55,016 at a full-time rate (1 adult, no children) (https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/41051) 
• $33,176 – the minimum wage for Portland (as of July 2024), is $15.95/hour, or $33,176 at a full-time rate

Who decides which approaches will be included in the final plan?

Responsibility for making any changes to the plan and finally adopting it lies with the Board of Directors. However, it is the intention of the board to be responsive to the will of the Sangha as whole. If there is sufficient support, the final version of the plan will be presented and adopted at the Member’s Meeting on November 17.

Do I have to give more money?

No. We are committed to making sure the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are available to anyone, regardless of their financial situation. Therefore, if you need to pay less than the Suggested Donation, simply do so. Remember, too, that volunteering your time and skills is a valuable way to contribute to the Sangha!

How do we raise volunteer engagement, not just money?

We are aspiring to make sure our volunteers feel like a valuable and included part of the Sangha so they have a sense of ownership. We are working on having good volunteer coordination, giving careful thought to match people with appropriate volunteer roles and taking advantage of their natural interest and enthusiasm. We also are working to have good communication to support volunteers and offer mentorship in roles when that’s beneficial. 

Just over the last year or so, we’ve had a volunteer coordinator who meets with Domyo on a weekly basis to ensure the volunteer program is running smoothly.

Suggestions:

• Have more opportunities to sit zazen at other times (3) – 3rd Zoom channel?
• Expand our social media like X or Bluesky; start YouTube channel (2)
• Have SP be simpler and get into more details in a separate Tactical Plan (2)
• Beef up SEO and Google Ads (2)
• Bring in younger members
• Fundraise with merchandise
• Have we considered retention as one of our focuses? 
• I would love to see more about diversifying the sangha as it seeks to expand its membership.
• Have a short term buddy/mentoring program for new members (but should be voluntary to participate)
• Introduce ZSP members to BWZ via email and invite them to a class
• Reach out more to BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and disability communities
• Design and print a 1 page invitation flyer about BWZ which can be electronically posted on Instagram and other Social Media sites and good for hanging on bulletin boards or taped to windows of all book stores, community colleges, universities, yoga centres and offices in the surrounding areas. Start with only 50 and if you reach interested individuals expand from there. I have a roofed tent with sides for farmer markets etc that I can deliver for the spring, all we need to do is make a banner for it.
• More opportunities for lay or informal study.
• Establish committees for the goals
• Do another continuous practice retreat
• Do volunteer activities as a group, e.g. clean wetlands

Many people are excited about the possibility of owning our own building, and to have a place for Cloud folks to stay when they come to Portland.