Strategic Conversations to Start in 2025

Life is a bumpy road, as we hear from our senseis. 

Sometimes the bumps can be overwhelming and it is difficult to stay focused on what is important as we chart our lives and our futures. For many, there were major bumps in the road in January and the world is working to settle back down amid the cataclysmic events and major changes that are happening in the world around us.

With that as a backdrop, a number of strategic conversations have taken place and continue as the BCA looks to address current events as well as setting frameworks for the future. Among these conversations are:

• Responses with concern and compassion for those impacted by the Southern California wildfires;

• Discussions that are setting a tone of resolve for social justice responses that capture our Shin Buddhist perspective, particularly as federal initiatives being proposed by the new leadership in Washington can divide rather than unite;

• Pursuing new perspectives on important topics for the BCA, including: identifying new leadership; defining “who is a member” of BCA; and seeking new revenue sources of that can shift the business model for BCA;

• Partnering and commitments to alliances with the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) and Ryukoku University.

Communicating With Compassion on Southern California Wildfires

The outpouring of concern by BCA members for those impacted by the Southern California wildfires has been heartwarming. Bishop Rev. Harada posted a message, “Sending Thoughts of Compassion, Support” on the homepage of the BCA website soon after the impacts of the wildfires were known. 

The Social Welfare Committee, together with members of the Executive Committee, have been in discussions on how best to support members who have lost everything. 

Conversations were held with Michael Munekiyo from the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii (HHMH) to hear “lessons learned” from the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission and HHMH as background information. The conversation has informed BCA ‘s response to proceed two-fold: (1) support Pasadena Buddhist Temple’s (PBT) emergency relief efforts for members of PBT and their extended communities; and (2) begin the campaign through the BCA website to seek donations from BCA members to support disaster relief for the larger Southern California communities who have been impacted by the wildfires. 

The link to make those donations is https://bca.kindful.com/ Under “Select a campaign,” use the pull-down menu to find “Disaster Relief” (Southern California wildfires). Donations directly to the PBT can be made to the PBT Easton Sangha Support Fund by using the link: https://givebutter.com/ZIFQlN

Other efforts for Southern District temples are still under discussion. BCA’s goal is to support all local efforts while offering disaster relief to the larger Southern California community who are suffering the impacts of this disaster.

Setting the Tone for Social Justice Discussions

Discussions on a commitment to social justice issues stem from the Vision Statement in the updated Strategic Plan approved by the national board in December 2024. 

It is BCA’s aspiration to cultivate peace, understanding and compassion for everyone. With policy shifts resulting from changes in federal government leadership, this may become a challenge. It will require a resolve to be supportive of positions on social justice that counter the “othering” that is being sanctioned. 

The Vision and Strategic Planning Committee continues to work on goals and tactics for the Strategic Plan update. Specific goals and tactics to ensure that our vision continues to provide our “north star” direction will help guide BCA decision-making and responses in this period of uncertainty. 

New Perspectives on Important Topics for BCA’s Future

Seeking to uncover new ways to address old problems is a hallmark of my strategic focus for bringing change to the BCA. As we have 2025 well underway, it is important that we continue to push conversations that seek to find new perspectives on important topics for the future of BCA. I initiated the provocative discussion on “Who Is a BCA member” in the October 2024 issue of the Wheel of Dharma. I hope to continue to revisit this topic and create a platform for everyone to provide input into the discussion in 2025.

Leadership is a second major topic that is key to our future. What is necessary to put in place a program to identify and encourage new leadership at both the local temple level and the national level? This topic is a session at this year’s Temple Leaders Workshop. It will also be one of the National Council Meeting workshops on Saturday, Feb. 22. 

Lots of questions and experience-sharing from a diverse group of current leaders is the first step. This data gathering will inform strategies that can be initiated to address this need. Part of this discussion is also one about how we can keep youth engaged at temples and churches beyond Jr. YBA. What is the value of BCA youth programs in creating community and connections so that youth want to stay engaged? If we can “crack this nut,” we will have set the groundwork for generations of future leaders.

My third challenge topic is how best to use the assets of BCA to generate new revenue sources that support annual operational expenses. A related topic is how ongoing fundraising can set up sustainable revenue sources that support ongoing operations. 

Within this “big picture” of better utilization of existing assets and future cash provided through fundraising is the possibility of a more sustainable business model for the BCA that can rely less on temple dues assessments. The answer is not an easy one, but is one that can offer new ways to provide a sustainable and flourishing future for the BCA.

Strategic Partnerships

January offered the opportunity to affirm strategic partnerships with two key institutions: Ryukoku University and the Institute of Buddhist Studies. We can take for granted the importance of these strategic partnerships, so the opportunity to focus on each within a day of each other was particularly opportune. 

A recommitment to the future partnership of the BCA and Ryukoku University and of IBS with Ryukoku took place in a meeting with Ryukoku University leadership at the Jodo Shinshu Center facilitated by Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara.

Ryukoku University President Takashi Irisawa discussed the goals of Ryukoku within the context of the world today where a Jodo Shinshu approach to social justice can help to make a better world for all. 

Exchange programs were highlighted as an important way to facilitate cross-cultural and cross-national divides. A commitment to renew both student and faculty exchanges was made by all parties. 

President Irisawa and Vice President Dr. Hiroyuki Daimon will be stepping down as of April 2025, so it was an opportunity to recommit to the BCA/IBS–Ryukoku partnership to set the path going forward with new leadership. 

In addition to myself, the BCA was represented by Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada and President-elect Glenn Inanaga with Rev. Michael Endo also helping to make the meeting a success. 

President Dr. Scott Mitchell and Dean Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji represented IBS. The meeting culminated in a wonderful Italian dinner hosted by BCA where casual conversation and great wines helped nurture relationships that will portend a strong partnership going into the future.

Following the Ryukoku University summit, IBS held its opening session on the update to the IBS Strategic Plan. Airtime was given to both faculty as well as ex-officio members of the Board of Trustees to articulate their hopes and wishes for the future of IBS. 

The discussion offered a platform to explore the historic context of the IBS-BCA relationship; BCA’s seminary needs to bring new ministers to find places within the BCA; the future opportunities for academic research and teaching that brings “heart” and “mind” together; and a teaching culture that seeks to equip every student with tools that allow them to pursue their careers with a deep sense of how Shin Buddhism can help the world. 

Facilitated by Tom Hayashi, Ph.D. from the Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership, the daylong discussion, which was followed by a Board of Trustees session, set the groundwork for a robust Strategic Plan update that will continue this spring.

In conclusion, let us remind ourselves of our 2025 BCA Theme, “Gratitude for Our Past and a Vision for Our Future.” It is with this theme that we can express our deepest gratitude for all those who have led us to this moment in history while holding the strategic conversations that will move us toward our vision for the future.