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Our choices at the ballot box can express our values.
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Voting and Our Practice

 

In this time of great fear, it is important that we think of the long-term challenges—and possibilities—of the entire globe. Photographs of our world from space clearly show that there are no real boundaries on our blue planet. Therefore, all of us must take care of it and work to prevent climate change and other destructive forces. This pandemic serves as a warning that only by coming together with a coordinated, global response will we meet the unprecedented magnitude of the challenges we face.”
- The Dalai Lama

 

Dear Friends,

We understand that some of you may prefer to keep politics and spiritual life separate. We wish to be clear that we are not supporting any specific candidates, ballot measures, or political parties. At the same time, we also recognize that our choices at the ballot box can be a way of expressing our deeply held values that can have a profound impact on the future of our country, and this year those choices may be more important than ever.

Some of you may have seen a letter circulated by 100+ Buddhist teachers around the country, which can be found on the Insight Meditation Community of Washington's website: https://imcw.org/Blog/buddhists-help-get-out-the-vote It includes the quote above and reads in part:

This is a truly critical time in American society. We are in the midst of a global pandemic, financial collapse, climate change emergency, and approaching a November election that threatens to exclude many eligible voters. As Buddhist teachers and leaders, we recognize that every vote and voice needs to be heard to help guide the next years of our society wisely.

A mutual caring community is one of the central teachings of the Buddha. In these times so marked by divisiveness and a lack of compassionate leadership, many of you have wondered how you and your whole community can help move us in this direction.”

 

Here are some resources for registering and voting in Arizona:

The deadline to register to vote in the state primary election is this Monday, July 6. You can find more info on how to register here: https://www.azcleanelections.gov/register-to-vote

You can check your voter registration status here: https://my.arizona.vote/PortalList.aspx

PEVL is Arizona's Permanent Early Voter List. Anyone can join it. By joining, your ballot will be automatically mailed to you, making it really easy to mail back or drop it off in person. The deadline to request a ballot by mail for the August 4, 2020 Primary Election is July 24, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Learn more here: https://www.azcleanelections.gov/how-to-vote/early-voting/ballot-by-mail

The primary election is on August 4 and the general election is November 3. You can find more information on how to vote here: https://azsos.gov/elections

You can find more election informations for Coconino County here: https://www.coconino.az.gov/195/Elections


If you feel moved to do more to help with these efforts, you can volunteer to help register voters, get out the vote, or be a poll worker. Links to get you started with these opportunities are included in the collaborative letter, which again can be found here: https://imcw.org/Blog/buddhists-help-get-out-the-vote

May you be well. May our work together bring freedom and happiness to all beings.

The FIMC Board

 

Upcoming Events

 
Special Guest Teacher Kan Yan - Thursday July 9 at the regular online sit.

Clarifying the Dynamics of Whiteness: A Study Group for Exploration and Change - begins Tuesday July 7.

FIMC continues to host regular virtual sits on Monday and Thursday, and a weekly discussion group on Wednesday.

More details about all events on our website: www.flagstaffinsight.org
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Flagstaff Insight Meditation Community · P.O. Box 3212 · Flagstaff, Az 86003 · USA

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