About Us
Community Spiritual Director
The Community Spiritual Director is responsible for
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maintaining and nurturing the relationship of Portland Friends of the Dhamma with the Abhayagiri Sangha.
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creating and maintaining a respectful, appropriate place for practice, community gathering, etc.
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creating, maintaining and nurturing the relationships of Portland Friends of the Dhamma with other Buddhist groups in the Portland community and with community neighbors.
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chairs the Program Committee [see bylaws Article 8].
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and is accountable to the Board of Directors and to the Abhayagiri Monastic Sangha and elected by both.
The Community Spiritual Director is Sakula Mary Reinard. Sakula is a student of the Western Forest Sangha, the disciples of Ajahn Sumedho and Ajahn Chah, and is a Lay Buddhist Minister in association with Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery. Sakula first met Ajahn's Pasanno and Amaro in 1996. To support her frequent 600+ miles jaunt she leased a small kuti on neighboring land. Within her first many visits she made a formal request to Ajahn Pasanno who accepted her as his lay student, eventually giving her the Pali name "Sakula" meaning "One of Good Family". On April 1st, 2000, Sakula, Barbara Backstrand and Chris Robson joined forces to establish the Portland Friends of the Dhamma Center.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of Portland Friends of the Dhamma meets at least four
time a year. Meetings are open to all community members.
The board is governed by its
bylaws.
Members of the board serve a two-year term and may run for
another term after a one year sabbatical. Elections are held at the
annual meeting in May. Currently the board has eight members. The members and
their roles on the board are: Ruby Grad (Current President, photo), Greg
Satir (Vice President and Secretary), Paul Wille
(Treasurer), Sakula Mary Reinard, James Lane, Dave Forslund, Mark Reeve,
and Alistair Williamson.
Program Committee
The Program Committee is chaired by the Community Spiritual Director who together with the Board, elects its members.
The Program Committee is responsible for:
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programs and teachings offered by, at, and/or on behalf of Portland Friends of the Dhamma.
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deciding which monastics to whom Portland Friends of the Dhamma will extend invitations to teach at or on behalf of Portland Friends of the Dhamma.
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deciding which laypeople will lead, facilitate, or teach programs and teachings offered on behalf of Portland Friends of the Dhamma.
Finance Committee
The
Finance Committee is chaired by the Treasurer (pictured) of the Board
and is formed to assist with the Treasurer's duties. The committee is
elected by the Treasurer and the Board. Paul Wille (Treasurer and Chair), Ruby Grad,
Alistair Williamson and James Lane.
The Finance Committee is responsible for:
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assisting the Treasurer the Treasurer’s duties and providing the Board of Directors with an annual financial report.
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establishing and reviewing internal financial controls.
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reviewing any and all financial statements of and involving Portland Friends of the Dhamma.
Sanghata Committee
The Sanghata Committee is responsible for the
Hermitage Project. The Committee’s purpose is to advance the mission of
this project.
The Committee is Chaired by Scott Benge. Present active members include John Hines (Vice Chair), David Forslund (Treasurer), Carole Melkonian (Secretary), Greg Satir, Stephanie Potter, Joan Benge, Alistair Williamson and Ruby Grad. Inactive members include Jessica Swanson, Adrienne Fuson, Tom Palmer, and Laura Bitts.
