Service and Leadership as Practice
Shambhala’s Vision of Contributing to Society
Shambhala Chicago and all of its programs and classes are made possible by individuals generously offering their talents, efforts and time. The founder of Shambhala, Chogyam Trungpa, came from a long line of people who Serve and this means that Helping Others permeates Shambhala’s Culture and Vision of Enlightened Society. His son and our Teacher, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, continues this Vision and teaches us that helping and having compassion toward others is central to our health as a community.
Volunteering and being of Service, therefore, is a cultural foundation in Shambhala. Our path as a community and on the individual level is to contribute to the world in ways that are the most helpful and allow all of us to lead happy and healthy lives. For those who are moved to contribute a more significant amount of time, energy and ongoing efforts within the Shambhala Chicago sangha and who are or will be Members, Service and Leadership as Practice may be the best avenue to contribute.
Service and Leadership as Practice and Path
Shambhala Chicago is equivalent to a mid-size company, seeing as there are roughly 70 volunteers and roles that support, on an ongoing basis, all aspects of the the organization and community. We maintain an organizational chart to highlight and help define the various roles and teams, identify those that need to be filled and to help us with our succession planning. Leadership roles may focus upon finances, the communities overall health and culture, various operational responsibilities, security and safety, programming and so on.
Those of us who are experienced in leadership roles or feel that we have may have something substantial to offer Shambhala Chicago may wish to inquire about this method of contributing. Individuals who assume these roles are Members and have a history with Shambhala. However, if this is currently not the case for you but you feel very moved to become involved in some leadership capacity, the leadership team will meet and discuss this with you.
When you come on board the leadership teams and their members will support your role and development. In Shambhala, we have a culture of mentorship so you will have plenty of help. Shambhala has a unique approach to community involvement that emphasizes kindness, open-heartedness, meditation and generosity. As you become more familiar with these and the Vision of Enlightened Society, it will become more obvious why Leadership is a Path and Practice.
If you’d like to inquire about leadership roles and how you may be able to get involved with these, please fill out the volunteer form (below) and the Volunteer Director will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your interests, goals and to get to know you. You can also email the Director at: [email protected]
