Guiding Teacher Report (Taigen)
- PCP is going well. Next weekend is the scheduled 3-day sit, 24 people enrolled in PCP.
- Dylan has been very helpful in preparations for the PCP 3-day sit.
- Taigen will be leading 2 seminars through SFZC (July 20, August 10).
- Taigen and Hogetsu are planning the next Jukai ceremony possibly in mid-September.
- The Board voted to support Taigen’s website by having a link to it on the ADZG homepage.
Letter of Complaint
- The Board received a letter of complaint from a member of the Sangha, which was reviewed and discussed.
- The Board discussed how to have a more accessible EAR council and will continue to assess this at future Board meetings.
Treasurer’s Report (David)
- Building (restricted) Fund (Money Market) as of 5/10/2024: $220,987.64
- Checking account as of 5/10/2024: $101,923.26
- The Board enquired about the Money Market account, interest rate, could a higher interest rate be achieved with a different account, and will be discussed further at the next Board meeting.
Transition Ceremony (Hogetsu, Dylan)
- Invitations to the ceremonies have been sent out and programs drafted.
- Program for the ceremonies is being drafted
- Taigen thanks Hogetsu for doing a lot of work on the planning of the ceremonies.
“Faith In Place” Donation (Beau, Hogetsu)
- Faith In Place is an interfaith group on environmental and now social justice. ADZG has previously supported FIP.
- After discussion, the Board voted to make a $500 donation to FIP. ADZG will be featured in their literature as a religious organization who supports FIP.
Tricycle Magazine Listing (Beau)
- The Board supported renewal of ADZG listing in Tricycle Magazine, $200 annual fee.
Promotions Committee (Mark)
- ADZG FB (Facebook) currently has 2,296 followers, an increase of 988 followers (38%) compared to the previous 90 days.
- 93 new followers, lost 7 followers
- Age demographics: 18-24 yrs @ 12%, 25-34 yrs @ 11%, 35-44 yrs @ 20.3%, 45-54 yrs @ 25.5% Gender demographics: 68% men, 32% women.
- Geographic demographics: USA 1,400. Chicago 221. Other significant cities include NYC, LA, and Bangkok. Countries include India.
- The Board discussed how to make ADZG more gender balanced and how to attract young people, as well as diversity in general
Honoring Taigen’s board last meeting
- Beau announces and congratulates Taigen on his last Board meeting.
- ADZG is dedicated to the growth of Soto Zen in Chicago, thanks to the leadership of Taigen through all his years of teaching and service.
- The Board is extremely thankful that Taigen moved to Chicago. It is important for the city of Chicago to have this kind of practice to practice. And it will be for many years to come.
- The Board and Hogetsu had the opportunity to individually express to Taigen their deep thanks and appreciation for all that Taigen has done for ADZG.
- Smiles, laughter, tears shared.
Date of next meeting: June 23, 2024, at 13:00 CST
Adjournment: 10:13 CST