An invitation - and a challenge - from the Karuna Trust fundraising team

Khemajala, a fundraiser at the Karuna Trust, writes with an invitation - and a challenge - for all men reading FWBO News. He says -

"Would you like to live a truly meaningful and memorable year as part of a Karuna Men's Fundraising Community?

"On 29 September 2006, in Khairlanji village, central India, Surekha Bhotmange, her daughter Priyanka and her two sons, Roshan and Sudhir were dragged from their home by a mob, stripped naked, paraded through their village, beaten to death, and their bodied dumped in a nearby canal.

 Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange, the father of the family (photo opposite), escaped by lucky chance. The details of this caste-based crime are sickening, and the hatred behind it is difficult to comprehend but the viciousness is typical of many crimes committed against lower caste people in India every day.

"Most of these crimes are invisible, but this atrocity came to light through Dalit campaigns and became an international news story. The Manuski project, led by members of TBMSG (the Indian equivalent of the FWBO), and supported by Karuna, played an important part in making that happen.

"Could you tell Bhaiyyalal’s story? You could give Dalit people such as Bhaiyyalal a voice and help them escape the suffering caused by caste discrimination.

"How? Live a truly meaningful and memorable year as part of a Karuna Men’s Fundraising Community

"From September 2010 to August 2011, Karuna will be pioneering the first team of Karuna Appeal fundraisers who will come together for a year to live and work together as a community of fundraisers.

"We need a team of four or more men.

"What we’re offering:

• Community living based in London
• Blocks of 6 weeks fundraising followed by at least one week off
• A total of 10 weeks leaves including a trip to India and time for retreats
• Training in Fundraising as a spiritual practice
• A comprehensive support package
• Led by Jayaraja

"For more information -
Contact Khemajala
Phone 0207 697 3004
Email khemajala@karuna.org
Web www.appeals.karuna.org

Opportunity at EcoDharma in Spain

Maitrisara writes with news of an opportunity for anyone over50 looking for a stay in the Pyrenees this autumn. She says -

“Grant funding enables us to offer 6 expenses paid places on a volunteering project at the EcoDharma centre between 1 and 2 months in September and October 2010. (www.ecodharma.com)

"EcoDharma is a Buddhist based community living in a remote valley in the Catalan Pyrenees. The wild beauty is incredible as are the ideas talked about over supper! The influences on the centre’s philosophy include radical ecology, The Work that Reconnects, engaged Buddhism, systems theory and holistic experiential learning.

“You need to be over 50 (yes we know that’s a bit strange but that is what the funding is for!) and reasonably fit. Living as part of the community, you will be involved in the garden and building projects. If you know a bit about permaculture, building or capentry, food preserving - this might particularly suit you. Get in touch with Maitrisara - maitrisara@tiscali.co.uk if you want to know more about it and are interested.

“Please pass on to anyone you think would be interested (in the right age bracket!!)

With warm wishes
Maitrisara

The retreat centre is just visible as the tiny white dot on the plateau in the centre-left of the photograph.

New Buddhafield Project

Mumukshu writes from Buddhafield, in Devon UK, with new of a new Buddhafield project in the West Country.  She says -

"Is there anyone out there interested in talking to me, Mumukshu, about starting a new right livelihood venture in Devon?

"We are getting very enthusiastic about the idea of opening an organic vegan/vegetarian cafe, combined with a meditation/yoga/meeting space, in our local town. It would be an interface between the local community and our local buddhafield projects, such as home-grown organic produce, the tree nursery, herbal remedies. There are keen volunteers around, supported core team members and possibly others available full time all very interested in getting involved.

"However we need someone with experience, looking for something to get their teeth into and help get it off the ground. Ideally we would like a Dharmacharini, and it need not necessarily be for ever! Please call me on 07775694619 or 01363 772939 to discuss - or email mumukshu@buddhafield.com.

Windhorse:Evolution seek Maintenance Officer

Windhorse:Evolution seek Maintenance Officer.

Windhorse:Evolution are the FWBO's largest and most successful Right Livelihood business, with over 100 staff based in Cambridge UK.  And here's a chance to join them!

Click the ad for a full-size version...

Dhanakosa retreat centre seeks Kitchen Manager

Nayaka writes from Dhanakosa Retreat Centre (www.dhanakosa.com) to say -

We have a vacancy on our full time residential team for a Kitchen Manager. As Kitchen Manager you will be responsible for managing all aspects of the kitchens, food store and food ordering. You will manage, develop and train a pool of volunteer cooks and be responsible of maintaining kitchen standards according to Cook Safe. You will maintain food quality standards in the kitchen, and of course cook! You will be expected to be confident cooking for up to about 30, for a week at a time. The Kitchen Manager is also expected to provide cover and support for the Housekeeper, particularly on changeover days (normally Fridays).

We are looking for someone who is:

• A confident cook
• Able to work within systems, and support others to do so
• Can build and maintain working relationships with volunteers
• Interested in living and working as part of a Buddhist team in a retreat centre setting

Dhanakosa is situated in the southern part of the Scottish Highlands on the banks of Loch Voil in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It is one and a half hours by car from Glasgow and Edinburgh. See our web site www.dhanakosa.com for more information about us.

Dhanakosa offers a comprehensive support package, as well as the opportunity to live, work and practice in the outstandingly beautiful environment of Balquhidder Glen. You will also be living and working as part of a community with a clear commitment to making work an effective spiritual practice.

Applications are invited from both men and women. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with a clear commitment to developing their practice in the context of the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order.

Closing date 8th Jan 2010 (for interviews mid January)

For further information and an application form please contact:
Nayaka on +44 (0) 1877 384 213 or nayaka@dhanakosa.org

Two posts at Windhorse:Evolution

Windhorse:Evolution seeks people for Regional Sales Team

Windhorse:Evolution is looking for some people for their Regional Sales Team.

The jobs have not been finalised yet, but would involve -

EITHER driving a 3-ton Mercedes van out to visit customers and take orders
OR managing Vehicle Maintenance
OR some combination of office admin work and sales work on the van.

If you might be interested in being considered for any of these please email Jenny Henderson (jennyh@windhorse.biz) with your CV.

Karuna Trust seeks Programmes Manager

Karuna would like to recruit a Programmes Manager.

The role involves the development and management of Karuna's work in India. This involves overseeing and developing a programme of work that will empower the dalit community in India. This will involve individual and social transformation.

The candidate will need to be able to work effectively with the movement in India and with other partner organisations. The ideal candidate would be a mitra or order member with an international development qualification and experience of international development.  However if the candidate has transferable skills and the willingness to obtain a professional qualification Karuna would fund appropriate training.

The role will involve -

1. Reading and responding to written project funding applications
2. Participating in implementing Project Based Funding for the movement projects
3. Managing relationships with partners. The partners are often Indian order members from the Dalit community
4. Understanding and providing appropriate feedback on finance and monitoring reports
5. Capacity building of the movement trusts and other organisations and individuals so that they can run effective social work projects
6. Developing proposals that will secure institutional funding
7. Liaison with donors
8. Managing change

The successful applicant will have -

1. International development qualification or a willingness and ability to obtain a qualification
2. Experience of international development or a related field
3. Commitment to FWBO
4. Benefit from and contribute to TBRL.
5. Experience of developing and managing budgets
6. Good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate across cultures
7. Good Team worker
8. Ability to understand and critically assess written funding proposals
9. Experience and understanding of Monitoring and evaluation
10. Experience and understanding of Capacity building
11. A commitment to Diversity and to addressing discrimination

Closing date 1st December. Interviews early December.

For an informal discussion please contact John Griffin or on 0207 700 3434.
For an application form, person spec and job description contact Dh Chandrasuryapradipa

English teachers sought for India, immediate start

TBMSG's Nagpur College needs English teachers for bright students aged18-25 yrs.  Pune needs women to teach women.  If poss teachers shd be qualified, and have experience of teaching English to Foreigners.  

Teachers are welcome for as little as 2 months, but preferably 3-4, starting November 2009. 

No pay, but room & food are provided, & delightful students, between 12-20 in a class.  Classes are mornings only.

Apply to shakyajata@googlemail.com as soon as possible.    

THANX     Aryamati