At our Special General Meeting in May, it was explained to members that we need members to renew their membership, so we can update our records.  Another reason for membership renewal is to raise funds.  Our budget this year will include costs to establish the new office of approximately $10,000 and operating expenditure of $50,000 to cover electricity, telecommunications, rent, insurance and the costs of handling, storing and distributing the free Dharma books.  There are no staff costs now because we no longer pay office staff.  Instead, the Buddhist Council now depends on the kind hearts and generosity of our un-paid volunteers. 

The Management Committee has also discussed the need for a renewal fee for membership, so that we can raise donations to support our work.  We decided that we would use the Buddhist principle of Dana (Generosity) instead of setting a fixed fee.  In other words, when you renew your membership for 2007/08 you can choose to donate any amount of money to renew your membership.