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

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

Karuna seeks fundraisers for 2010: India needs you!

The Karuna Trust is the FWBO's principle fundraising charity, sending well over £1m/year to India to fund a wide range of social and Dhamma projects. They're seeking volunteer fundraisers for 2010.

Amalavajra says -

"If you feel strongly about helping India’s Dalit community to escape the hell of caste, then please do consider giving some of your time next year to fundraise for Karuna, or encourage your friends to do so. We offer financial support. Here is our 2010 fundraising programme:

Door to Door Appeals
Spring Men's 6th Feb - 20th March Nottingham
Spring Women's 20th March – 1st May Brighton
Summer Men's 29th May – 24th July Edinburgh
Autumn Women's 4th Sep – 16th Oct Birmingham

Telephone Campaigns (Mixed, London-based)
11th Jan – 19th Feb
19th April – 28th May
25th Oct – 3rd Dec

12 month appeal community with Jayaraja (For men, London)
Try out TBRL and community living for a year: Sep 2010 – Aug 2011

Please contact me at if you feel strongly about helping India’s Dalit community to escape the hell of caste, then please do consider giving some of your time next year to fundraise for Karuna, or encourage your friends to do so. We offer financial support. Here is our 2010 fundraising programme:

Door to Door Appeals

Spring Men's 6th Feb - 20th March Nottingham
Spring Women's 20th March – 1st May Brighton
Summer Men's 29th May – 24th July Edinburgh
Autumn Women's 4th Sep – 16th Oct Birmingham

Telephone Campaigns (Mixed, London-based)

11th Jan – 19th Feb
19th April – 28th May
25th Oct – 3rd Dec

12 month appeal community with Jayaraja (For men, London)

Try out TBRL and community living for a year: Sep 2010 – Aug 2011

Please contact me at amalavajra@karuna.org or 0044 (0)207 7700 3434, or visit www.appeals.karuna.org
or 0044 (0)207 7700 3434, or visit www.appeals.karuna.org

Priyadaka says:

I'm leaving Friends Organic after a year as manager, and joining Shakyajata with her teaching project in India. This will be for 4 months and encompass work in Nagpur, Orissa, Hyderabad and Trivandrum.

My room in East London will be free for this time [November 2009 - March 2010] and I need to rent it out, it's in a great mens community; the rent is amazing for London and the conditions are negotiable.

Please contact me on priyadaka@googlemail.com.

Thanks.

Three new opportunities at the Karuna Trust

Since 1980 the FWBO's Karuna Trust has been initiating social work and Dharma projects amongst some of India's poorest and most disadvantaged communities. The majority of funding for this work comes from thousands of individuals across the UK who, having met with a Karuna fundraiser, have taken the decision to contribute money to Karuna regularly by standing order. Jo, who works there, writes with news of no less than 3 new opportunities to contribute to Karuna's work. She says -

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know about some new opportunities at Karuna...

Phone for Karuna…

Oct 19th – Dec 4th (4th week off)
London only (3pm – 9.30pm weekdays)

Based in our London office, we will be phoning existing Karuna supporters. On average 30% of supporters choose to donate more money to Karuna as a result of their conversation with us. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in exploring skilful communication alongside other practicing Buddhists. Financial support is offered so do get in touch if you would like to join this autumn’s team.

Call Jo on 0207 697 3006 or email jo@karuna.org.

Knock for Karuna…

Appeal dates for 2010 are on our website now - check www.appeals.karuna.org . Do an appeal and fundraise for projects that build self-worth and change the lives of those born at the bottom of a harsh social system in India.
We would love to hear from you if you would like to do an appeal in 2010.
Call Pete on 0207 700 3434 or email pete@karuna.org

Live Together for Karuna…
(Men only)

We are offering:
A house to live in, in London
Blocks of 6 weeks fundraising followed by at least one week off
Total of 10 weeks leave including trip to India
A deep exploration of fundraising as Dharma practice
Contact Khemajala on 0207 700 3434 or email khemajala@karuna.org

That's it folks! Hope at least one of these whets your appetite...

Jo :)

New fundraising opportunity at Karuna

The Karuna Trust, an FWBO charity working with marginalised communities in South Asia, has been running door to door fundraising appeals for nearly 30 years. Hundreds of people from the FWBO sangha have recruited thousands of UK householders who give £1.1million to Karuna each year.

Jo Goldsmid from Karuna says:

“According to research, a lot of our current supporters would be happy to give more; we just need to ask them. So that’s what we are going to do! We will be running a telephone fundraising campaign this summer from our office in London. This means we will be phoning hundreds of our loyal supporters and asking them to give a bit more. We will run the appeal in the same spirit as our door-to-door appeals: as an opportunity to deepen awareness of ourselves and our communication with others, with a strong sense of team. So each day before beginning phoning we will meet at the Karuna office, share our experience and then eat an early dinner together. Each evening will come to a close with a rejoicing in merits.

Telephone fundraising has a lot in common with door-to-door fundraising; it develops your communication skills and you can end up having some very meaningful conversations with people. It’s possible to raise even more money than you would knocking on people’s doors, so this means we will be able to reach out to even more vulnerable children, women and men across South Asia.

So if you live in London, are available on weekday evenings between 1st June and 11th July and would like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you! Full training will be given and financial support can be negotiated.”

Contact Jo at Karuna: +44 (0)207 697 3006

The photographs show two girls, Maya and Mandodhri, going to work in the brick kiln at dawn…and later on their way to their Karuna-funded school. Education - more than anything else - helps people to take control of their lives and break out of the poverty cycle.

London women's community seeks new member

Lilamani, Santavajri, Nagarakshita, Akasaka, Helen, Sarah, Subhadramati, Jo and Muditasri are looking for a new member for the FWBO's Samayakula womens’ community. in London.

This community, which is based near the East London Buddhist Centre has been going for nearly 30 years – come and join us and be part of its future!

Our newest member, Muditasri, says ‘We are relaxed, friendly dharma practioners’

For details on how to apply please contact Helen.

Housekeeper for Rivendell Retreat Centre

The FWBO's Rivendell Retreat Centre, in the Sussex countryside, UK, requires a Housekeeper.

Tasks to include - General housekeeping, stock ordering, some administration, meeting and greeting retreatants, etc.  The job description may have some flexibility around the successful applicant's particular skills and abilities.

16 hours over two days per week. (Thursday and Friday). Salary approx. £100 per week. Applicants need to be reasonably physically fit and have their own transportation as this is a non-residential position.

Please send a letter of application by 15/3/09 to:

Nagasiddhi, Rivendell, Chillies Lane, High Hurstwood, East Sussex, TN22 4AB.
e-mail: info@rivendellretreatcentre.com
tel: 01825 732 594.

Friends Organic, London seeks Assistant Manager

Friends Organic, the London Buddhist Centre's Health Food shop, seeks a man or woman, preferably Buddhist, to be their new Assistant Manager.

Priyadaka, their Manager, says - "If you love wholefoods, have a flair for retail and enjoy teamwork we have a place for you; experience will be useful but not necessary as we want someone with the right attitude, an ability to learn and to take initiative.

"Please send in your cv and covering letter to priyadaka@googlemail.com, or to Friends Organic, 83 Roman Road, London E2 OQN. You can call 0208 980 1843".

They have a website, www.friendsorganic.co.uk/

Friends Organic Health Food shop seeks mananger

Wild Cherry restaurant in London seeks cook and manager

The Wild Cherry restaurant in London - for many years an integral part of the London Buddhist Centre's 'mandala' of right-livelihood businesses - seeks a Head Cook and Manager.

Click on either of the adverts to read them...

For a copy of the ethos statement, job description, and application form, please contact Subhadramati at the London Buddhist Centre on +44 (0) 208 709 9975 or email her at subhadramati@lbc.org.uk.

All applications should be in by 17th Sept, interview will be held on 19th Sept in London.

Dharma cassettes available by donation...

A message from Sukhavati Community at the London Buddhist Centre -

"We are trying to find a home for a complete - or virtually complete - set of Dharmachakra cassette tapes of talks by Bhante, as well as some seminars by Bhante plus some talks by Order Members.

We have CD copies in our library and do not need the cassettes any more. If you would like to have these (no charge, donation welcome) please email Graham Patterson at gjpatterson49@hotmail.com.

Three vacancies in Friends Organic

Friends Organic is urgently looking for enthusiastic and friendly people to work in its team-based, right-livelihood business. We are an eco-friendly, organic, vegetarian, wholefood shop, linked to the London Buddhist Centre. We are looking for two full-time team-members and one part-time person (3days a week).

Friends Organic has been around for almost 30 years and has always operated on the basis of Buddhist principles. We would therefore prefer applicants who are Buddhist, as we wish to continue running the business on the same basis.

Please visit our website at: http://www.friendsorganic.co.uk/ for more information.

Job applicants should contact:
The Manager
Friends Organic,
83 Roman Road,
London
E2 0QN

Tel. 0208 980 1843

Would you like to live in a men's Buddhist community in London?

Sukhavati currently has 2 spaces.

Based above the London Buddhist Centre (LBC), Sukhavati is a community of 9 practicing Buddhists. We are a friendly group of men who enjoy living together and aim to support each other in our practice and to overcome differences through communication. The community has a long and distinguished history going back 30 years. It is being refurbished at the moment and should be shiny and new by this August. We're looking for people who would enjoy living with others and who are willing to engage in communal life.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to experience the richness of the LBC mandala. The LBC is at the heart of a thriving local sangha and close by is the lovely Victoria park. We are very close to a tube station with good connections to central London.

Interested?

Contact us to find out more or come and visit us!

Sukhavati
51 Roman Road
Bethnal Green
London
E2 0HU
Tel. +44 (0)208 980 5972

The LBC at 30: looking for Men and Women of Vision

The London Buddhist Centre is the FWBO's largest and most successful Buddhist Centre. It is thirty in November and is currently in the middle of the most exciting phase since its inception. We are improving all six floors of the Centre in a building project costing over £1.5m so that we can reach out to even more people.

We are:

- creating Breathing Space, a 'mindfulness for health' centre
- creating an access from Roman Road - making the centre's work much more visible
- building a new glass-atrium entrance, thereby enlarging our reception and bookshop
- making the centre much more accessible for people with disabilities
- completely refurbishing the community on the top three floors
- providing central heating to both communities above the LBC for the first time.

The new office for the LBC team has recently opened - alongside 'The Sangharakshita Study Room' - providing a beautiful and bright new environment in what was Bhante's flat.

We are looking for men and women of vision and commitment to join us.

Do you want to:

- play your part in an enthusiastic team of Order Members and Mitras trying to realise Bhante's vision?

- teach meditation and Dharma, or learn how to teach?

- lead or support retreats at Vajrasana, our retreat centre?

- learn to teach Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy or other 'mindfulness for health' initiatives.

- help to manage and expand Breathing Space, which is attracting significant funding and media interest (Guardian, The Times, The FT, The BBC, CNN)?

- actively go out to 'hard to reach' groups and help them benefit from the Dharma?

- help run the expanded LBC bookshop?

- work in the women's team at the Wild Cherry restaurant or take part in one of our other businesses, which we are also hoping to expand and revitalise?

- develop new projects and initiatives for Dharma work?

We have places for men on the Centre Team and for men and women in our businesses. We believe that we have a precious opportunity for the LBC to expand and to become a much greater force for good. We need your energy to help make it happen.

Contact us -

Maitreyaraja (020 8709 9984)

or Vidydaka (020 8709 9983) by 30 June.

Finance Worker for the North London Buddhist Centre

The North London Buddhist Centre Sangha has created a lovely, welcoming environment in a prime location accessible to 2 million plus Londoners. We have a beautiful building and an established sangha. We offer lots of classes in dharma and bodywork and more besides.

We need a part time finance worker to join our team. The work includes day to day financial admin,(bill payments, wages, monitoring income and expenditure etc), processing gift aid tax claims, working with our book keeper to oversee the day to day data entry, working with our treasurer to produce financial reports and budget updates, and other miscellaneous responsibilities.

We are a small and friendly team. We're open to you simply taking on the financial administration. However if you wish to get involved in other aspects of the centre's work, there is plenty of opportunity for initiative and enthusiasm.

Part time support package available.

If you're interested get in touch: visuddhimati@gmail.com or ring
Visuddhimati at the centre on 020 7700 1177.

Job Opportunities at the Wild Cherry Restaurant, London

Get a taste of what it's like to work in a full-on team environment. Come and join the creative and vibrant women’s team at the Wild Cherry restaurant, one of the oldest FWBO Right Livelihood businesses. Working in the heart of London’s Buddhist village, right next to the London Buddhist Centre, you can prepare and serve up mouthwatering meals infused with metta. Our customers are a lively and loyal mix of people from the sangha and East London community.

What a fantastic opportunity to follow the Bodhisattva path, with constant chances to practice all the paramitas: the joy of providing for and nourishing others, the ethics of working and communicating honestly and openly, the patience needed when a customer can't choose between our wonderful cakes!, the energy required to engage with people and undertake so many physical tasks, the mindfulness and awareness called upon from pouring a cup of tea to remembering orders, and as always wisdom - however you frame it.

You need to be physically fit. Full time preferred but part time very possible.

For more info, ring Sassirika, Aida or Maitripushpa on (UK) 0208 980 6678 or email Maitripushpa.