Albuquerque Zen Center 2300 Garfield SE Albuquerque, NM 87106
July 30th, 2017
Dear friend of the Center,
The Zen Center is supported solely through donations from the Sangha and community members. During the past two years expenses have exceeded income by approximately 25%, a situation that must be remedied to keep the Center open.
In anticipation of the forthcoming Sangha meeting, the AZC Board has organized the attached survey and kindly requests your opinions and advice about the center and your practice. We hope you will take the time to address these questions and send your responses back by August 16. They can be emailed to officeazc@gmail.com, or mailed to Albuquerque Zen Center, 2300 Garfield Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. They can also be dropped off directly at AZC.
Thank you in advance for your time on behalf of the Albuquerque Zen Center.
Gassho,
Seiju
Albuquerque Zen Center Survey
Practice and Outreach
What is most important to you regarding your individual practice at AZC and what activities and/or events currently not offered would you like to see offered at AZC?
What would encourage you to be more active in your practice and what would you like to see changed at AZC?
What role does the Zen Center serve in the greater Albuquerque community and what can it do to enhance its contribution?
What first attracted you to the Zen Center and how can we strategically attract more visitors?
Outside of the formal sitting schedule, what are your favorite activities at the Zen Center? For example: Discussion groups, Buddhism classes, Family Zendo, potlucks/social events, day sits/retreats, officer training, or samu (work practice). Why?
Are there any changes you would like to see to the formal sitting schedule? Describe the changes, and explain why you would like to see these changes.
What other classes, programs or activities could the Zen Center offer that you would attend or that you think would attract Albuquerque residents to attend? Please describe.
8) Please describe your vision for the Zen Center. How do you see the Zen Center in 1, 5, and 10 years?
Finances and Sustaining the Zen Center
In 2016 total income to the Zen Center was $27,000, which was down from almost $40,000 in 2015. Our expenses were $39,000 in 2016, which was also down from $45,000 in 2015. Our expenses exceeded our income by $12,000 in 2016, and by $5,000 in 2015. While we have some very limited savings, the current path is quite simply not sustainable. Operating costs are bare bone -- in order to properly maintain the Zen Center and provide for staff, we should be spending at least $50,000 per year. Our only source of income is through the generous donations of supporters who either attend or have attended the Center in the past. Not all who attend the Center contribute to its support. This translates to 50 members donating an average of about $80 each month, or 100 members donating an average of about $40 each month.
Do you financially support the Zen Center on a monthly or other regularly recurring basis?
10) Would you be willing to give either on a more regular basis and/or to give an increased amount?
11) What can the Zen Center do to increase its income so that it continues to serve the sangha? Describe your ideas, and what you and other sangha members might do.
You are receiving this e-mail because you subscribed to Albuquerque Zen Center events. You can update your preferences below.
