WELCOME TO THE NBO

The Network of Buddhist Organisations was founded in 1993 to promote fellowship and dialogue, to facilitate co-operation in matters of common interest and to with other Buddhist and likeminded interfaith and interfaith organizations around the world - for example the Buddhist European Union and Inter Faith Network UK

Why join the NBO?

Nowhere before has there been such a mixture of traditions from all parts of the Buddhist world as now in the West. This gives us an unprecedented opportunity to meet and learn from each other in a way that has rarely been possible in the past. Most practitioners have little experience outside their own tradition and the NBO presents an opportunity to allow barriers to dissolve, to learn from each other and so enrich their experience and practice.

How do we go about it?

First, please read the Constitution as it reflects our way of working. Before joining, we ask you to attend at least one meeting so as to get a feeling for what we are about. After joining, representatives are expected to attend a meeting at which the Membership Secretary will formally introduce them and at which they may be asked about their organization. While organizations must be Buddhist, non-Buddhists are welcome as Associate Members. Two representatives are allowed; this limit holds also in the case of organizations with many local centres. You are asked to attend at least one meeting per year or make a positive contribution in some other way if that is not possible, for example by circulating information or helping with administration.

What happens at Meetings?

We meet quarterly in various locations about the country to discuss matters of common interest, to learn from each other and to address issues of common concern. Sessions begin with an example of practice, usually conducted by the host organization. The morning part of the meeting is open to anyone who may wish to attend; we hope to develop there as wide a dialogue on different topics as possible. In the afternoon we hold the business meeting. Associate members and visitors may also make contributions to the discussion but cannot take part in formal decision-making. Wherever possible, decisions are made by a process of consensus rather than voting.

How is the NBO run?

There is an Activities Committee of about eight people who undertake the day-to-day running of the NBO. Matters are discussed either face-to-face in committee meetings or by e-mail. Committee meetings are held between each of the quarterly meetings (see the calendar page ). There is provision for Advisory Groups to take on topics which require particular expertise, such as education, health, legal affairs, animal welfare and the environment, local government and the media. If you have experience in any of these matters, or would like to learn more, please contact the secretary direct.

Membership Fees, 2008: a message from the treasurer

Dear Friends,

The NBO is continuing to flourish and your support is really appreciated. We hope you will be actively involved in helping us build the Network in the UK, linking Buddhists of many backgrounds in our Dharma work.

I enclose an invoice to enable your organisation to re-new its membership. As you can see the categories of membership are self selecting. The NBO financial year now starts in January and ends in December and the membership year has the same dates. You are welcome to consider paying what you consider an appropriate fee and adding a donation. We hope you will feel able to contribute at a rate that is manageable to your group, so please feel free to re-consider your level of contribution if this makes it easier to join. At the same time, please bear in mind that we are now almost entirely dependent upon the contributions of member groups to function.

It is important that you continue to be aware of your rights and responsibilities if you renew membership. A copy of the constitution is on the available here, if you have mislaid your copy. Renewing your membership is vital for the NBO and will help us build on the progress made so far. There is a wealth of information on the NBO website and the Annual report will be circulated before the AGM in April.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for supporting the Network.
Saido Kennaway
NBO Treasurer

An invoice form (on which you can fill in your details before printing) for payment of your current subscription can be obtained here .
Alternatively download and print off this PDF version and fill it in by hand.

For further information, please contact the Membership Secretary

If you have come here looking for current information regarding the attacks made on the NBO, it has been moved to a separate page,
which can be accessed via this link