Monday, November 1, 2010
Tsok-day today!
Tsok-day again! Remember to think, speak and act in an "empty-divine" manner. Offer all that you see, hear, smell, touch, taste and think as divine substances "delightful to the senses," to the enlightened-deities. It is also most beneficial to see the root-guru as the embodiment of all deities.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Progress....
From the "Timeline" post a month or so ago, this is what I hoped then we will accomplish for October:
OCTOBER
1. Begin scouting out potential spaces & putting the word out there that Urban Dharma is looking for space. This process will take a while since it's not quite like looking for an apartment to rent and move in.
2. Complete promotional website. This means completing a) Mission statement (defines the organization's purpose and primary objectives, defines the key measure or measures of the organization’s success, mostly written for the leadership team and "stockholders"), b) Vision statement (communicates both the purpose and values of the organization, gives direction about how we are expected to behave and inspires us to give our best. Shared with "customers," it shapes their understanding of why Urban Dharma is needed, is where they want to be), c) Profiles of Who's Who (who's involved and why and how perhaps the reader see him or herself as part of Urban Dharma, d) Sample of Weekly Program offered, e) How to Get Involved (articulating what kind of financial, professional, help Urban Dharma needs).
We have done - sort of - both. Most pressing right now is to try to get 2. completed so that on November 7 we can direct people to the website, show people the website. The November 7 event is a very important event - in a way, that is when we have to decide as a group if we are going to be serious about Urban Dharma.
OCTOBER
1. Begin scouting out potential spaces & putting the word out there that Urban Dharma is looking for space. This process will take a while since it's not quite like looking for an apartment to rent and move in.
2. Complete promotional website. This means completing a) Mission statement (defines the organization's purpose and primary objectives, defines the key measure or measures of the organization’s success, mostly written for the leadership team and "stockholders"), b) Vision statement (communicates both the purpose and values of the organization, gives direction about how we are expected to behave and inspires us to give our best. Shared with "customers," it shapes their understanding of why Urban Dharma is needed, is where they want to be), c) Profiles of Who's Who (who's involved and why and how perhaps the reader see him or herself as part of Urban Dharma, d) Sample of Weekly Program offered, e) How to Get Involved (articulating what kind of financial, professional, help Urban Dharma needs).
We have done - sort of - both. Most pressing right now is to try to get 2. completed so that on November 7 we can direct people to the website, show people the website. The November 7 event is a very important event - in a way, that is when we have to decide as a group if we are going to be serious about Urban Dharma.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Sketch: Joseph Nabholz
I grew up in Pennsylvania with two brothers and a sister, wise parents, and lots of land. In our own order, we were home schooled, fed vegetables, and sent out into the world. I then received an English degree from Warren Wilson College in 2008, and more recently, I taught ESL in Taiwan for two years, where I also studied Mandarin and ate as much food as possible.
I have always been interested in the arts, especially acting and writing, and I look forward to an opportunity to incorporate them with my larger plans. Otherwise, sometimes I ride a bicycle, or sketch a picture, or drink imported teas, or do any other number of things that pass the time pleasurably.
My curiosity in Buddhism really took shape in college and quickly became a strong influence for what I chose to do with my other interests. I journeyed through Tibet, Northern India, Taiwan (where, for a short time, I lived and studied in a monastery), and other parts of Southeast Asia. I experienced, for the first time, culture—not simply influenced—but rather infused with Buddhism, which was manifest in each country in its various forms and colors.
Following this broad—at moments, quite specific—familiarization with Buddhism and Buddhist culture, I’m more inspired than ever to find ways for the Dharma to arise more naturally in America.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Nonprofit Status- What We Need to Get Started
Checklist for establishing a 501(c)(3) in North Carolina
http://www.ncnonprofits.org/faq/HowToStartA501%28c%29%283%29Nonprofit.pdf
1. Establish a Board of Directors
“NC law requires only one board member, but best practices recommend that you have no fewer than five; seven or more are preferable.”
Roles and Responsibilities of board members: “selecting and reviewing the performance of the chief executive; recruiting new board members; ensuring effective organizational planning; evaluating organizational performance; providing financial oversight; and ensuring legal and ethical integrity”, etc.
2. Establish the organizations mission and purpose, short- and long-term goals identifying who the organization will serve, clarifying the driving values behind the organization, and planning for how the organization’s mission may evolve.
3. Create organizational bylaws (“It’s helpful to review those of existing non-profits and to have a lawyer review them before they’re finalized.”) (“In both membership and non-member corporations, a set of rules known as the bylaws governs the internal administration and regulation of the affairs of the corporation. The bylaws may contain any provisions not inconsistent with the law or the Articles of Incorporation. The initial bylaws must be adopted by the incorporators or board of directors. A complete set of the bylaws, however, will not be filed with the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State.”)
4. Incorporate by registering with the NC Department of the Secretary of State
(www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations)
Articles of Incorporation for NC then require:
-Corporate name: “The exact corporate name, including abbreviations, punctuation, etc. must be used consistently in all documents files”
-A statement to the effect that the organization is a “charitable or religious organization.”
-Registered office and agent: “A nonprofit corporation is required to have a registered office and a registered agent…The duty of the registered agent is to forward to the corporation at its last known address any notice, process, or demand that is served on the corporation.” A registered agent, in most cases, must be an individual who resides in North Carolina and whose business address is identical to the registered office. “The Articles of Incorporation must set forth the street address of the registered office, as well as the county in which the registered office is located, and the name of the initial registered agent. The registered office may, but need not be, the same as any of the corporation’s places of business.
-Incorporator: “the person who signs and files the Articles of Incorporation is known as the incorporator. There must be at least one incorporator. The name and address of each incorporator must be indicated”
-Members: Under NC law, a non-profit may or may not have members. If it is to have members, this must be specified in the Articles of Incorporation. If it is to have no members, this must also be specified.
-Provisions for Distribution of Assets: Must include provisions regarding distribution of corporations assets upon its dissolution and termination. A fair amount of flexibility, but do have to be consistent with NC law (consult N.C. Gen. Stat. 55A-14-03 “Plan of Dissolution”)
-Principal Office: A nonprofit corporation is required to set forth its principal office address in its Articles of Incorporation.
-Optional Provisions: Can include:
A statement of the purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized;
The names and addresses of the initial directors;
Provisions relating to management and regulation of the corporation’s affairs;
Provisions which define, limit, or regulate the powers of the corporation, its directors, and its members (or any class of members);
Provisions defining the qualifications, rights, and responsibilities of. its members; and
Provisions limiting or eliminating the personal liability of any director for monetary damages for breach of any duty as a director.
That last one about eliminating personal liability is important.
-Statutory Powers (all nonprofits in NC have these, and they don not need to be stated in the Articles of Incorporation)
Among these statutory powers are the following: to sue, and be sued; to complain and defend in the corporate name; to have and affix a corporate seal; to purchase, lease, acquire, hold, use, own, or otherwise deal in and with any real and personal property; to make contracts and incur liabilities; to elect or appoint officers; to make and alter bylaws; to lend money for corporate purposes; and to have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes for which the corporation is organized.
Filing the NC Articles of Incorporation – must be submitted by mail or in person to the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State, along with check, money order, or cash for the required $60 filing fee.
Tax-exempt Status
“It is crucial to keep in mind that not all nonprofit corporations are automatically tax-exempt. Before commencing its operations, the corporation must decide whether it can qualify for tax-exempt status. This may be necessary in order for the corporation to avoid paying taxes on its income and in order for donors to claim tax deductions for contributions. Whether a corporation has obtained federal tax-exempt status is a relevant factor in the state’s decision to also grant exempt status. Thus, the federal application should be made first. Often, this will have a substantial bearing on any subsequent grant of exemption by the state.”
So, first: Board of Directors, bylaws, and NC Articles of Incorporation.
Then, we have to begin Federal IRS paperwork.
It is strongly recommended that we have an accountant or CPA familiar with nonprofit tax law review our application before submission- Does anyone know one of these?
And, we will then hear back from the IRS in 3-24 months.
Time to get started now, I think.
http://www.ncnonprofits.org/faq/HowToStartA501%28c%29%283%29Nonprofit.pdf
1. Establish a Board of Directors
“NC law requires only one board member, but best practices recommend that you have no fewer than five; seven or more are preferable.”
Roles and Responsibilities of board members: “selecting and reviewing the performance of the chief executive; recruiting new board members; ensuring effective organizational planning; evaluating organizational performance; providing financial oversight; and ensuring legal and ethical integrity”, etc.
2. Establish the organizations mission and purpose, short- and long-term goals identifying who the organization will serve, clarifying the driving values behind the organization, and planning for how the organization’s mission may evolve.
3. Create organizational bylaws (“It’s helpful to review those of existing non-profits and to have a lawyer review them before they’re finalized.”) (“In both membership and non-member corporations, a set of rules known as the bylaws governs the internal administration and regulation of the affairs of the corporation. The bylaws may contain any provisions not inconsistent with the law or the Articles of Incorporation. The initial bylaws must be adopted by the incorporators or board of directors. A complete set of the bylaws, however, will not be filed with the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State.”)
4. Incorporate by registering with the NC Department of the Secretary of State
(www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations)
Articles of Incorporation for NC then require:
-Corporate name: “The exact corporate name, including abbreviations, punctuation, etc. must be used consistently in all documents files”
-A statement to the effect that the organization is a “charitable or religious organization.”
-Registered office and agent: “A nonprofit corporation is required to have a registered office and a registered agent…The duty of the registered agent is to forward to the corporation at its last known address any notice, process, or demand that is served on the corporation.” A registered agent, in most cases, must be an individual who resides in North Carolina and whose business address is identical to the registered office. “The Articles of Incorporation must set forth the street address of the registered office, as well as the county in which the registered office is located, and the name of the initial registered agent. The registered office may, but need not be, the same as any of the corporation’s places of business.
-Incorporator: “the person who signs and files the Articles of Incorporation is known as the incorporator. There must be at least one incorporator. The name and address of each incorporator must be indicated”
-Members: Under NC law, a non-profit may or may not have members. If it is to have members, this must be specified in the Articles of Incorporation. If it is to have no members, this must also be specified.
-Provisions for Distribution of Assets: Must include provisions regarding distribution of corporations assets upon its dissolution and termination. A fair amount of flexibility, but do have to be consistent with NC law (consult N.C. Gen. Stat. 55A-14-03 “Plan of Dissolution”)
-Principal Office: A nonprofit corporation is required to set forth its principal office address in its Articles of Incorporation.
-Optional Provisions: Can include:
A statement of the purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized;
The names and addresses of the initial directors;
Provisions relating to management and regulation of the corporation’s affairs;
Provisions which define, limit, or regulate the powers of the corporation, its directors, and its members (or any class of members);
Provisions defining the qualifications, rights, and responsibilities of. its members; and
Provisions limiting or eliminating the personal liability of any director for monetary damages for breach of any duty as a director.
That last one about eliminating personal liability is important.
-Statutory Powers (all nonprofits in NC have these, and they don not need to be stated in the Articles of Incorporation)
Among these statutory powers are the following: to sue, and be sued; to complain and defend in the corporate name; to have and affix a corporate seal; to purchase, lease, acquire, hold, use, own, or otherwise deal in and with any real and personal property; to make contracts and incur liabilities; to elect or appoint officers; to make and alter bylaws; to lend money for corporate purposes; and to have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes for which the corporation is organized.
Filing the NC Articles of Incorporation – must be submitted by mail or in person to the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State, along with check, money order, or cash for the required $60 filing fee.
Tax-exempt Status
“It is crucial to keep in mind that not all nonprofit corporations are automatically tax-exempt. Before commencing its operations, the corporation must decide whether it can qualify for tax-exempt status. This may be necessary in order for the corporation to avoid paying taxes on its income and in order for donors to claim tax deductions for contributions. Whether a corporation has obtained federal tax-exempt status is a relevant factor in the state’s decision to also grant exempt status. Thus, the federal application should be made first. Often, this will have a substantial bearing on any subsequent grant of exemption by the state.”
So, first: Board of Directors, bylaws, and NC Articles of Incorporation.
Then, we have to begin Federal IRS paperwork.
It is strongly recommended that we have an accountant or CPA familiar with nonprofit tax law review our application before submission- Does anyone know one of these?
And, we will then hear back from the IRS in 3-24 months.
Time to get started now, I think.
Monday, October 18, 2010
A Sketch of Jeff
Jeff Richey
I grew up in a suburb north of Pittsburgh, PA, near where I am currently residing.
For a couple of years after high school I moved from Pittsburgh to southern California where I worked and lived with a couple of friends from school. I returned to Pittsburgh and delivered pizza for about a year before applying to college. I had visited Warren Wilson College once to see a friend and go to a concert in Asheville. I guess it wasn't long after that visit that I decided I had enough of the pizza delivery thing and I should continue my education. The public high school I attended did not do much to appease my drive for higher knowledge, and after looking at WWC's degree programs I thought that Religious Studies and Philosophy seemed to appeal to me most.
Dr. Lye was one of the first faculty members I talked to at WWC. During orientation week he was representing the Religious Studies faculty at an event for students to learn about the different academic programs and to meet faculty. In my first semester I enrolled in two Religious Studies courses, both with Hun, on Buddhism and Hinduism. I found both courses to be very compelling and engaging, and at times I remember feeling like a tug-of-war was occurring in me over which of the paths seemed to be calling to me most, as I was getting many signals from all angles.
In the end, the profound dharma of the Buddha seems to have prevailed, with perhaps some influence coming from the instructor's bias. But bias or not, I can't deny the multitude of ways I have been transformed by the dharma, initially by Dr. Lye's course, and in the many opportunities he and others have extended to me to continue engaging this path. As a freshmen in Dr. Lye's course, I read along and followed lectures that evoked an inner analysis of my own experience and every day I realized how much my own thoughts reflected and resonated with the Buddha's teachings. With Dr. Lye's consistent encouragement and prodding, I became involved in -be-, the Buddhist interest group co-founded by Dr. Lye and his devoted cult of students at Warren Wilson.
Among the other major influences on my thought and development from Warren Wilson, I have to acknowledge the radical critical philosophies of Prof. Mark Cobb, the enraged populist politics of Dr. Frank Kalinowski, the ludic and illuminating depth of dialog and dialectic as only Sam Scoville could inspire, and countless others who have given me sincere encouragement and inspiration.
But at the heart of it all, I have to say I can only truly take refuge in the Buddhist path. Radical politics and philosophy can be a vital form of expression and communication for realizing social justice and equality in the world, but in order to not lose sight of the boundless wisdom and compassion it will take to realize those goals, only the dharma can provide that.
It has been a joy and a real honor to continually be involved in something I have watched blossom and helped form, from the early days of -be- to what it is becoming now with Urban Dharma. I look forward to getting to know more about all of you and hearing some of your ideas for how we can spread the luminosity of the dharma to change minds and transform cities.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tsok-day in Davidson
It's tsok-day again. This time, I stayed home in Davidson and Valerie and Brian joined me to offer Gurupūjā and Gaṇacakra. And Valerie came with great news - she's engaged and the big day is in May! Yay! Congrats Val!Here are some pictures from tsok-day today.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Short Visit
Emily and I were in Asheville for a short weekend visit. It was really amazing to be back and I was glad to be able to meet up with some fellow Urban Dharma friends for the first time since UD's conception. I had a great time hanging out with Hun, Josh and Bri, and it was a pleasure to meet Hun's friend Jay for the first time. We looked at a few of the prospective spaces for UD downtown. I'm really excited about all of this beginning to take off.
I'll try to get a profile written up some time this week. And I finished reading Mishra's An End to Suffering. Now I'm going back and reviewing some of the material to gather some reflections to share with you all. Look for that in the next few weeks.
Also, I found a link to what looks like a well done text on Buddhism and Social Action: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/jones/wheel285.html
I haven't looked at it very much yet, but I thought I should share.
Jeff
Possible locations
Here is an update from Judy. Please give your thoughts and ideas!
14 Eagle Street – across from Limones – has been available for a year and is likely to be available in the spring. It is 1304 sq. ft.
and leases for $1304/mo. With utilities, that is likely to be about $1500/mo. The space is divided into small offices but could be renovated with walls removed. The landlord would likely paint and replace carpet without charge but demolition of walls would probably be at our expense. There is a bath in the hallway that is shared by the tenants in the building and would probably accommodate our public needs. The space has good visibility from the street. The listing agent is Robin Boylan with Beverly-Hanks.
33 Carolina Lane – this is the alley off Walnut St. This area is a bit dilapidated and is mixed with residential and commercial. This is a total of 2600 Sq. ft. but 1300 is an open basement. The top floor has a large room plus an efficiency apartment including a bath and kitchen. It leases for $1500/mo as is and the lower level could possible be sub
let for about $500. Utilities are extra but I couldn’t find out what they run. If it is still available in the spring, the landlord may negotiate the price and amount of space. The bath could be a problem for public use. The Yoga Center is next door. There are several spaces laid out similarly along the alley and any could be available when we are ready. A similar space has just been leased by computer geeks. Look at this website and click on the photo to see what they’ve done – it looks good - http://www.thetinktank.com/. The listing agent is Andy Brockmier. This space appears to be more problematic than Eagle Street but we’d have to look at both.
41 Lexington Avenue – above What was the Old Europe Café but has street
access behind on Rankin Ave. A 1-story condo in heart of downtown. 2 entrances, one ground-level on corner of Rankin & Walnut, and another off Lexington w/stairway to 2nd fl. Vanilla shell w/loads of character - high ceilings, exposed beams, wood floors, HUGE windows & great light. Space last used as The Fine Arts League. Could be great live/work, office, studio/gallery, limited retail, or residence. There are 3 baths. Includes parking space on Lexington Ave. Storage in basement. This has 4000 sq. ft. and is $2675/mo. plus utilities so may be out of our price range but looks like a great space. It’s nicely located and looks good inside but would need some renovation. View it at http://www.pattonpropertygroup.com/ and put in the MLS # 463991. It is listed with The Real Estate Center but that’s not a friendly site for getting details.
I’ve not heard anything back about the double – door property (63 N. Lexington) – am not sure it’s still on the market.
14 Eagle Street – across from Limones – has been available for a year and is likely to be available in the spring. It is 1304 sq. ft.
and leases for $1304/mo. With utilities, that is likely to be about $1500/mo. The space is divided into small offices but could be renovated with walls removed. The landlord would likely paint and replace carpet without charge but demolition of walls would probably be at our expense. There is a bath in the hallway that is shared by the tenants in the building and would probably accommodate our public needs. The space has good visibility from the street. The listing agent is Robin Boylan with Beverly-Hanks. 33 Carolina Lane – this is the alley off Walnut St. This area is a bit dilapidated and is mixed with residential and commercial. This is a total of 2600 Sq. ft. but 1300 is an open basement. The top floor has a large room plus an efficiency apartment including a bath and kitchen. It leases for $1500/mo as is and the lower level could possible be sub
let for about $500. Utilities are extra but I couldn’t find out what they run. If it is still available in the spring, the landlord may negotiate the price and amount of space. The bath could be a problem for public use. The Yoga Center is next door. There are several spaces laid out similarly along the alley and any could be available when we are ready. A similar space has just been leased by computer geeks. Look at this website and click on the photo to see what they’ve done – it looks good - http://www.thetinktank.com/. The listing agent is Andy Brockmier. This space appears to be more problematic than Eagle Street but we’d have to look at both.41 Lexington Avenue – above What was the Old Europe Café but has street
access behind on Rankin Ave. A 1-story condo in heart of downtown. 2 entrances, one ground-level on corner of Rankin & Walnut, and another off Lexington w/stairway to 2nd fl. Vanilla shell w/loads of character - high ceilings, exposed beams, wood floors, HUGE windows & great light. Space last used as The Fine Arts League. Could be great live/work, office, studio/gallery, limited retail, or residence. There are 3 baths. Includes parking space on Lexington Ave. Storage in basement. This has 4000 sq. ft. and is $2675/mo. plus utilities so may be out of our price range but looks like a great space. It’s nicely located and looks good inside but would need some renovation. View it at http://www.pattonpropertygroup.com/ and put in the MLS # 463991. It is listed with The Real Estate Center but that’s not a friendly site for getting details.I’ve not heard anything back about the double – door property (63 N. Lexington) – am not sure it’s still on the market.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hello everyone!
Kyle Peters here. Just wanted to post a quick note, and say what a great idea the center is! I just got back from taking refuge with H.E. Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche at Drepung Loseling in Atlanta, GA. It was a really nice event, though I feel that I missed out on some of the subtleties of the ceremony because of the language barrier. Having a center nearby that's both accessible and informative would be a great help in understanding some of the more esoteric aspects of Tibetan Buddhism (especially to us small-town novices :] ). I'll be keeping an eye on its progress and jumping in with my two-cents from time to time. Good luck and lets keep the great ideas going!
Cheers,
Kyle
Kyle Peters here. Just wanted to post a quick note, and say what a great idea the center is! I just got back from taking refuge with H.E. Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche at Drepung Loseling in Atlanta, GA. It was a really nice event, though I feel that I missed out on some of the subtleties of the ceremony because of the language barrier. Having a center nearby that's both accessible and informative would be a great help in understanding some of the more esoteric aspects of Tibetan Buddhism (especially to us small-town novices :] ). I'll be keeping an eye on its progress and jumping in with my two-cents from time to time. Good luck and lets keep the great ideas going!
Cheers,
Kyle
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