Gar Drolma Choling Dharma Center

2010 GAR DROLMA PROGRAMMING GUIDE
HOW we develop our weekly programming and special events

Program Categories
Programming at Gar Drolma is divided into two categories: Core Programming and Community Programming.

Schedule of Programs
All programs are organized according to a quarterly session schedule. Currently, we change sessions at the Summer solstice, Fall Equinox, Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox.

CORE PROGRAMMING
Gar Drolma Buddhist Center recognizes certain weekly activities and special events as core programming. These programs are seen as the foundational activities of the center.

CURRENT Weekly/Monthly Core Programs
Weekday Open Meditation Sessions
Sunday morning practices
Level I Book discussion group -at least 3 sessions per year
Monthly sangha meeting
Bookstore
Fundraising Events

CURRENT CORE Special Events
5-day Winter Retreat –an intensive retreat with practice component
2-day Spring Retreat
2-day Summer Retreat
5-day Fall Retreat –an intensive retreat with practice component

Evaluation of Core Programming
Core programming will be evaluated by the Board according to the following criteria:

Our desire to provide the basic practices and teachings necessary for individuals to begin and maintain participation in Tibetan Buddhism.
Our desire to have as many people participate in the program as possible.
Our ability to afford the program financially.
Participant response. There must be at least 3 regular participants in order to maintain a core program.

Final Responsibility
The Board of Directors take final responsibility for maintaining core programs. As such, the General Manager is in charge of the following:

Developing changes or adaptations to the program
Finding replacements for facilitators in case of absence
Maintaining chant leaders when necessary
Writing up program descriptions for marketing purposes
Maintaining at least 3 participants in the program

Support

Marketing and PR for the program through web, email and print
Availability of Gar Drolma Temple & facilities
Office Support: answering questions, maintaining financial records
Garbucks support: Core programming will be supported through the Garbucks workers

COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
Gar Drolma Buddhist Center recognizes some weekly activities and special events as community programming. These programs are seen as vital additions to our core program. Members of Gar Drolma are welcome and encouraged to imagine, formulate, develop and carry out community programs!

Current Weekly/Monthly Programs
Monthly Vajrayogini Practice

Examples of other possible community programs

Any deity practice- carried out either weekly or monthly
Open meditation time
Children’s Buddha School
Level II Advanced Book Discussion Group
Interfaith Discussion Group
Youth Group
Community Gardening Project
Food drive in coordination with Catholic Social Services
Pet food drive in coordination with local animal shelters
Animal liberation projects
2-day Calm Abiding Retreat
other - use your imagination!

ResponsibilitY OF COMMUNITY PROGRAM FACILITATOR/S
The community program facilitator takes responsibility for maintaining community programs. As such, the group itself is in charge of the following:

Submitting a program proposal to the Board within deadline
Checking out a key from the Office Manager
Returning the key at the end of the quarterly session
Recruiting participants to begin the program
Developing changes or adaptations to the program
Maintaining facilitator replacement list in case of absence
Finding a replacement facilitator in case of absence
Maintaining chant leaders when necessary
Writing up all program descriptions for marketing purposes
Submitting all PR materials at least 1 month before new session
Maintaining at least 3 participants in the program
Gathering names, address & emails of participants for further contact

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
Community programs must be authorized by the Board of Directors in order ensure proper preparation and accountability for the program. The deadline for all program proposals is aproximately one month before the beginning of the new session. (Please see exact dates above.) In order to gain authorization for a program, a proposal must be submitted in writing. Your proposal may be submitted in person or via email. (sangha@gardrolma.org) Please include the following:

A title for the program (does not need to be fancy)
A 1 paragraph description of the program for PR purposes
The proposed time and date/s of the program
The objective/s of the program
A summary of the program's activities
The name of primary facilitator with complete contact information
The name of the alternate facilitator in case of absence
List of required materials and texts
Please feel free to use our proposal form located here...

Evaluation CRITERIA FOR NEW Community ProgramS
Community programming will be evaluated by the Board according to the following criteria:

Our desire to provide extended practices, teachings and community involvement which enrich the spiritual lives of our members and our community.
Compatible and not redundant with current core programs.
Our ability to afford the program financially.
Participant response. There must be at least 3 regular participants in order to maintain a community program.
Programs will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. There will be an oppportunity for new programs to begin each quarter.

Support for Community Programs

Board Support: The Board will evaluate all community programming proposals
Availability of space within Gar Drolma Temple & facilities
Marketing Support: PR support will be given for community programs through web, email and print
Office Support: answering questions, maintaining financial records