In addition to the original purpose of funding the BCA and the IBS, the Dharma Forward Campaign created the additional benefit of allowing BCA leadership to focus and prioritize certain initiatives to fund and advance the organization.
The 2019 National Council Meeting authorized the Dharma Forward Campaign and initially designated the first $1 million dollars raised to address vital needs at the BCA. Beyond this initial designation, BCA and IBS would fund priority items to advance their missions. BCA leadership chose to create an allocation system and leaders.
Guided by the BCA Executive Committee’s strategic vision and direction, new Pillar Coordinators are forward thinking and subject matter experts charged with overseeing the success of a “pillar” — four major areas within the BCA critically necessary to the operation and growth of the organization: Education & Programs, Outreach & Technology, Ministerial Support and Scholarships, Facilities & Operations.
Each pillar has several initiatives which are projects designed to support and sustain each pillar.
Pillar Coordinators have a big job in weaving the various goals of BCA committees, temple leaders and fundraising projects to high level initiatives tied to objective metrics. The Dharma Forward Allocation Board provides oversight for allocation of Dharma Forward funds to the BCA. Similarly, IBS continues to employ their own allocation and prioritization systems toward specific measurable goals for professorial chairs and programs. Through this combined outlook, Dharma Forward will fund programs that place the most impact in drawing forth participants to experience the teachings of the Nembutsu.
The fruits of our labor take time to plant and grow prior to harvest. Dharma Forward ensures that we continue to plant trees for the future and sustain and grow programs moving forward.
The four pillars of Dharma Forward help articulate the importance of how to continue to effectively share the teachings. As we determine and find our own paths, smooth paths for others and pay it forward, we can rely on the BCA, our home temples, the IBS and our Dharma friends for support in this pathfinding. We have been fortunate that at every turn the sentiment has been “how can I help!” We are thankful to the many Nembutsu followers and volunteers who have given many hours to living the Dharma.
Please help us continue to pay it forward and develop pathways for future generations.
Please do not hesitate to contact Michiko Miyaji Inanaga and the BCAEF Development office with any additional questions about Dharma Forward structure or to make a gift. Together, we ensure the future of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the United States.
The Dharma Forward Campaign's initiative to develop pathways for the future is a commendable effort towards fostering growth and opportunity. This forward-thinking approach mirrors the philosophy of Docutrend, a leading company in modern office and workforce technologies on the Northeast. Docutrend provides products and services designed to help enterprises maximize growth by leveraging the latest and most innovative technologies to enhance organizational efficiency and productivity. By creating sustainable and innovative solutions, both the Dharma Forward Campaign and Docutrend are paving the way for a more prosperous and efficient future, ensuring that organizations and communities are well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
Guided by the strategic vision and direction of the BCA Executive Committee, the new Pillar Coordinators are forward-thinking experts in their fields who are responsible for ensuring the success of a "pillar." A "pillar" is one of the four major areas of the BCA that are crucial to the organization's operation and growth: Education & Programs, Outreach & Technology, Ministerial Support & Scholarships, Facilities & Operations. octordle