CORE ACTIVITIES
Core activities are the activities which directly fulfil our mission.
Member Services:
Member services are the services we offer to our members. This includes advice on fundraising, governance and incorporation, visa advice for visiting teachers, and support for building projects. Achievements: In the first six months of 2007 we have provided advice or support on approximately ten occasions. Another important member service is making available our premises to our members for worthwhile activities such as meditation, meetings and Dharma talks. We have also supported member events by distributing free Dharma books at their events (e.g. Mitra Conference and Sangha Lodge Food Fair). Plans: We plan to add more services to our portfolio of Member Services, particularly in the professional areas of financial management, legal issues, governance and improving organisational effectiveness.
Education:
We have a School Education Program which supports volunteer teachers of Buddhism in government schools. Achievements: In the first six months of 2007 we have been granted tax deductibility status for our new Education fund and we have started the review of the syllabus and teaching materials. Plans: We are planning an induction course for new volunteer teachers and a periodic In-Service Workshop for existing volunteer Buddhist teachers.
Chaplaincy:
We have a Chaplaincy Program which supports volunteer Buddhist chaplains who visit hospitals and prisons. Achievements: We have conducted an accredited introductory course in Clinical Pastoral Education for 11 new Buddhist Chaplains. We believe this to be the first course of its kind in Australia. We plan to double the number of active volunteer Buddhist chaplains over the next two years. We would also like to offer assistance to chaplains in universities.
Media, Promotion & Representation:
This activity informs the general public about Buddhist issues and developments using a combination of media and promotion. Achievements: In the first six months of 2007 we assisted in the publication of articles in newspapers and magazines, both in
Interfaith & Relationships:
One of our key roles is to liaise with other spiritual/religious organisations and representative bodies. Achievements: We have been actively supporting the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils (FABC), which is the peak national body representing the Buddhist community. We also represent the Buddhist community at events such as Palm Sunday, Jewish Passover and inter-faith events of the Muslim and Baha’i communities. Plans: We will be supporting the FABC in preparing for a Policy Forum which will help to improve the dialogue with government departments on important policy issues.
Events:
We conduct events such as Dharma talks, workshops, courses and public events which raise awareness and understanding of Buddhism. Achievements: We have started to conduct events at our premises such as Dharma talks and fundraising events for the Mitra Buddhist Youth Network. Plans: We are conducting a free introductory course on Buddhism as well as Dharma talks and workshops from special guest teachers.
Resource Distribution:
We distribute free Dharma books and other Dharma resources like small pictures of buddhas and bodhisattvas. Achievements: We relocated tens of thousands of books from our old storage facility at Berala to be stored in the garages of our volunteers. We have also created a computer database so that we can more easily distribute books and order new books. Plans: We would like to have more items that our chaplains can give to patients in hospitals and inmates in prisons, such as beads, pictures, small booklets, battery operated “chanting boxes”, etc.
Enabling Activities
Enabling activities support our core activities. Without enabling activities we would not be able to run our core activities.
Member Relations:
Keeping in touch with member organisations is necessary to understand what they need. The new management committee made a commitment at the December 2006 Annual General Meeting to visit and meet with most members. Achievements: In the first six months more than half of the members have been visited. This is even more significant because the membership jumped by 20 new temples and societies during this period. Plans: The plan is to visit at least 75% of members before the next AGM.
Financial Management:
Proper financial management is required to make sure that debts are paid, that funds are properly accounted and that the financial position is sustainable into the future. Achievements: In the first six months a new financial accounting system was purchased and implemented (MYOB software) and the outstanding liabilities for the previous seven years were recognised in the accounting system. Plans: The plans for financial management are to diversify the sources of revenue so that no single source is depended upon too much.
Compliance & Reporting:
Compliance and reporting involves formal reporting to relevant authorities and complying with relevant legislation, for example the Associations Incorporations Act and the Taxation Act. Achievements: The annual financial reports for the past seven years have been reported to the State Government and outstanding taxation matters have been reported to the Australian Taxation Office. Plans: The future plans with compliance are to gradually repay the outstanding liabilities incurred over previous years.
Office Operations:
A functioning office is required for administration, accounting, answering telephone and internet enquiries, distribution of Dharma books and conducting Dharma-related events. Achievements: We have relocated our office to premises which are more accessible by train, bus and car. These office premises are open during business hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as after hours on Tuesday and Saturday. Plans: Our plans are to progressively develop policies and guidelines on all aspects of office operations and to eventually increase the opening hours.
Staffing & Volunteers:
The operation of the Buddhist Council of New South Wales is now based entirely on kind-hearted volunteers. Achievements: There are now more than a dozen volunteers in key roles. Policies for human resources and occupational health and safety have been developed. Plans: An induction program will be developed for new volunteers and further roles will be developed and filled.
Website:
The website is used to keep members informed and to communicate with the general public. Achievements: A new website has been developed which has a more attractive and contemporary design. The new website is based on software called a content management system, which makes it much easier to update the website, while the look and feel of the website is maintained according to pre-defined style-sheets. Plans: Over time, new features will be added to the website to provide extra information and features to our members and the general public.
Governance:
Governance is about who is accountable for each responsibility, how activities are monitored and how performance is reported to stakeholders (i.e. members, government authorities and partner organisations). Achievements: The newly elected Management Committee has been meeting regularly to develop the system of governance. Plans: We have plans to improve the system of governance and as far as possible, aim for what is considered “best practice” for a charitable, peak body such as the Buddhist Council of New South Wales.