Emergency Community Meeting - Future Of Shambhala Bangkok
Details
Instead of our regular Cafe Shambhala we would like to invite you to an emergency community meeting to discuss the future of the Bangkok Shambhala Meditation Center.
A few days ago our landlord informed us that the building is under new management, and as a result, our rent will increase by 7000 Baht per month, effective immediately! We need to either move out or pay the higher rent.
Over the past year, the center has been operating with significant financial challenges. We have been sustained almost entirely by donations, and despite attempts to introduce paid courses and encourage increased contributions, the income has not been sufficient to cover our ongoing costs. Several expenses have been personally covered by Jamie to help keep the center running, for which we don't have enough money to reimburse. Under these circumstances an increase in rent is not sustainable for us.
Maintaining the center requires consistent daily effort, and more volunteer support is needed to keep the space functioning, not to mention expanding the programs & classes we offer.
Because of these circumstances, we feel it is important to come together as a community and openly discuss the way forward. During this meeting we hope to openly explore questions such as:
- What's your vision for the Shambhala Center in Bangkok going forward?
- Would it be better for us to stay here or relocate? Possible locations or ideas to relocate?
- What ideas do you have on how to increase the financial support to a level that's sustainable to keep the center open?
- Are people willing to volunteer time to help keep the organization functioning?
The intention of this meeting is to have an open and constructive conversation about what the Shambhala center means to our community and what future might be possible together.
For those who are unable to attend in person, we have created a Google Meet link so community members can also join the conversation online.
Join online via Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/ryj-qvkf-jrt
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HOW TO GET HERE: We are located in Young Place Plaza on Soi Sukhumvit 23. Under the big sign for Young Place, we are in the green-painted building immediately to the left. Go up the stairs to the lobby and turn left to find the elevator. Hit the button for the 3rd floor, and our suite will be visible to the left, #118/79.
You can tell taxis and motorbikes to go to Young Place on Soi 23. From the Asok BTS and the Sukhumvit MRT stations, a motorbike costs about 30 baht, or about a 15-minute walk.
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