Review of structure and working arrangements 2022

PURPOSE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL

The International Council brings together the perspectives of those holding key responsibilities across the Triratna Community to develop strategy, provide guidance, and enable collaborative decision-making worldwide.

AIMS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL

Effective consultation, strategy, decision-making and coordination

To facilitate strategy, effective decision-making, collaboration and coordination based on a high degree of consultation within and across the three key Strands and six geographical areas of Triratna.

Commonality, unity and harmony

To promote commonality, unity, and harmony within the Triratna Community, so that everyone can have confidence that they are participating in the same Movement.

Spiritual standards

To offer guidance and support so that all aspects of the Triratna Community, especially new developments, are rooted in our core spiritual values, which derive from Urgyen Sangharakshita’s presentation of the Dharma.

Ethical standards

To offer guidance and support so that all aspects of the Triratna Community exemplify high ethical standards in alignment with the precepts.

Guidance and support

To give those in a position of responsibility access to guidance and support from peers and more experienced Order Members.

ETHOS

Altruistic/Bodhicitta intention

Triratna as a force for good across time and space -  taking the Dharma into the world.

Spirit of kalyana mitrata

Exemplification of kalyana mitrata in our work and communication with fellow Order Members. Enjoying each other’s company - working together with trust, confidence, openness, freedom, creativity, and boldness.

Common purpose

Encouraging common understanding and purpose whilst being sensitive to national and cultural differences.

Effective work practices and processes

Effective and sustainable processes to do our work - welcoming and learning from constructive feedback.

Maintaining the Triratna lineage (tradition)

Helping Triratna to thrive following Bhante’s death - continuing his vision and presentation of the Dharma, drawing on his and Dr Ambedkar’s teachings.

1. STRANDS AND AREAS

1.1. The ‘Strands’

The Triratna Buddhist Community worldwide may be understood in terms of three Strands that function more or less discretely for decision-making purposes:

The College Strand- Public Preceptors, primarily concerned with matters connected with ordination

The Order Strand – Order members, Chapters, and other Order gatherings

The Movement Strand – Buddhist centres, retreat centres, and TBRLs

1.2. Coordination within each Strand

The College of Public Preceptors coordinates the work of the College worldwide.

The International Order Convenors, in cooperation with the Order convenoring network, oversee the effective functioning of the Order worldwide.

No international structure exists for the Movement Strand at present. However, the establishment of the International Movement Coordinator role in 2022 marks a first step towards the creation of a coordinating body for the International Movement Strand.

Each Strand may choose to develop further structures and bodies for better coordination internationally.

1.3. Areas

The Triratna Community worldwide is also currently organised geographically into six Areas on the basis of similarity of culture, language and/or ease of communication:

Mainland Europe - Latin America - US & Canada

India and South Asia - Oceania - UK & Ireland

As the Triratna Community grows and its demography changes, adjustments may be made to the number and/or composition of geographical Areas.

1.4. Coordination of individual Strands within Areas

Each Strand within an Area will establish, in whatever way it chooses, meetings at Area level for its own coordination and decision-making.

The meeting of the Movement Strand, for example a Chairs’ Meeting, will coordinate Chairs of centres and other key Movement organisations within an Area.

The meeting of the College Strand will coordinate the Public Preceptors’ kula(s) in that Area.

The meeting of the Order Strand will coordinate Area Order and Chapter Convenors.

1.5. Area Councils, the International Council, and the Steering Group

The three Strands will coordinate with each other within each Area through the Area Council.

All Strands and Areas will coordinate internationally through the International Council.

Coordination will be carried out between meetings of the International Council by the Steering Group.

1.6. Regions

Within each Area it may be appropriate to establish a number of smaller regions.

Decisions about the establishment and functioning of such regions would be made in consultation with all concerned by the Area Council.

2. THE AREA COUNCILS

Each Area of the Triratna Community will have an Area Council to coordinate Community activities within the Area.

2.1. Membership

Each Area Council will be made up of six members, two each from the Order, College, and Movement Strands within the Area. Each Strand will appoint members to the Area Council in whatever way they decide best represents their Strand in that Area. Alternative arrangements from those described below may be necessary for pragmatic reasons. Consent for an alternative arrangement should be sought from the Steering Group. If more than two people comprise the membership of a Strand at the Area level, the Area Council will decide, and inform the International Council Convenor, which two formally represent the Strand at the International Council.

2.1.1 The Order

Two members will be appointed by the Order members in the Area. Usually they will be the Area Order Convenors. Ideally it will be one man and one woman, each chosen by their wing of the order in their Area.  Areas encompassing many cultures and languages may choose their Convenors based on geography or language rather than on gender.

2.1.2 The College

Two members will be appointed by the Public Preceptors responsible for ordination training and ordinations in that Area. Ideally, these will be a man and a woman Public Preceptor but if/where this is not possible, it may be appropriate to appoint a private preceptor or ordination team member working in the Area instead.

2.1.3 The Movement

The Centre Chairs in the Area will appoint two Chairs.  Ideally, these will be a man and a woman. If/where it is not possible to appoint two Chairs, one Chair and one Mitra Convenor or TBRL Director or Centre President who has knowledge and experience of the Movement Strand in that Area could be appointed.

2.1.4. Mitra Convenors

The four Mitra Convenors - two from India and two from elsewhere - who are full members of the International Council are also members of their local Area Council.  

2.1.5 Duration of appointments

Appointments to the Area Council will normally be for four years, after which representatives may be re-appointed. The area Strands may review appointments of their representatives before their term of appointment ends and Area Councils should be aware of whose re-appointment is due.

2.1.6 Criteria for membership of the Area Council

Members of the Area Council will:

1. be experienced Order members, who have the confidence and support of their colleagues in their own area of responsibility;
2. understand and support the spiritual and organisational principles of the Triratna Community;
3. have an effective spiritual practice, and be able to apply their understanding of the Dharma in their own experience;
4. be in harmony with the spirit of the Order, active in its life, with no major unaddressed difficulties with other Order members;
5. have shown an ability to work collaboratively, with Public Preceptors, their colleagues, and other Order members;
6. be active members of the Strand meeting they are representing, so they are able to effectively support the coordination of the different Strands in each Area;
7. prioritise attending Area and International Council meetings;
8. be proficient in understanding and speaking English which is the language spoken at International Council meetings

2.1.7 Invitation of guests and additional members to the Area Council

The Area Council may, at its discretion, invite guests or expand its membership from other groups of Order members with responsibilities in the Area, for example Mitra Convenors. (See 2.1. above.)

2.1.8 Membership of the International Council

The six core members of the Area Council (two Public Preceptors, two Order Convenors, two Chairs - or some other appointed Movement representative) will automatically be members of the International Council. Invited guests and additional members will not be formal members of the International Council.

2.2 Responsibilities

2.2.1 Flow of kalyana mitrata

Facilitating the flow of kalyana mitrata and spiritual and organisational guidance throughout the Area.

2.2.2 Coordination

Coordinating the various activities and systems of the Triratna Community in the Area, in cooperation with the Order, Movement and College Strand Meetings in that Area, so that all aspects of the Triratna Community in the Area work harmoniously and effectively together.

2.2.3 Standards and effectiveness

Ensuring that all the coordinating structures in the Area work effectively and that spiritual, ethical and organisational standards are maintained within the Area.

2.2.4 Strategic overview

Maintaining an overview of the Triratna Community activities and strategy in the Area, and bringing important issues and possible initiatives to the attention of the meetings of the various Strands in the Area and other Area Councils.

2.2.5 International cooperation

Working with the International Council and with other Area Councils to maintain the unity, harmony, and effectiveness of the Triratna Community worldwide, on the basis of Urgyen Sangharakshita’s presentation of the Dharma.

2.3 Powers, decision making, and frequency of Area meetings

2.3.1 Powers

The Area Council may make decisions on any matter delegated to it by the Strand meetings of that Area or decisions delegated to it by the International Council (e.g. conflict resolution).

2.3.2 Decision making

Decisions will be made by consensus.  Should this prove difficult to achieve then the decision shall be by majority vote, the Area Convenor having the casting vote in the event of a tie.

2.3.3 Internal functioning

Each Area Council will determine its own working arrangements.

2.3.4 Convening the Area Council

Each Area Council will elect a Convenor, who will serve for four years, unless otherwise determined by the Council.

2.3.5 Frequency of meetings

There will be a minimum of 2 meetings of each Area Council each year.

2.3.6 Calling meetings

Meetings of the Area Council will be called by the Area Convenor at their discretion or at the request of any two members of the Council. Reasonable efforts should be made to ensure that as many members as possible can attend each meeting.

2.3.7 Quorum

The quorum will be three, comprising at least one core member from each Strand. Decisions taken without this quorum need to be ratified later by the Strand members not represented at the meeting. Where this is not possible, consult with the Steering Group.

3. THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL

3.1. Membership

3.1.1 Primary membership

The International Council will be made up of the six core members of each Area Council and the members of the Steering Group, excluding the International Council Convenor.

3.1.2 Guests

The Steering Group, on behalf of the International Council, may invite other Order Members to attend as guests without voting rights.

3.2. Responsibilities

3.2.1 Coordination and cooperation

To encourage and support the coordination between the various activities and systems of the Triratna Community and to encourage cooperation between the bodies it is made up of including Area Councils.

3.2.2 Maintaining operational effectiveness

To provide oversight of the operational functioning and health of Triratna's various structures and their interactions - from the level of chapters, centres, and Public Preceptors’ kulas to that of the Area Councils and the International Council.

3.2.3 Maintaining ethical and spiritual standards

To support the maintenance of ethical and spiritual standards throughout the Triratna Community that remain faithful to the Buddha’s teaching as presented by Urgyen Sangharakshita.

3.2.4 Maintaining unity

To support the maintenance of unity throughout the Triratna Community and that there is a common basis in principles, practices, and institutions deriving from Urgyen Sangharakshita’s particular presentation of the Dharma.

3.2.5 Establishing structures for consultation

To establish, in consultation with relevant bodies, structures of dialogue through which consultation can take place and feedback be received at all levels of the Triratna Community.

3.2.6 Initiating and managing proposals

To initiate consultation and discussion throughout the Triratna Order and Community on matters affecting Triratna worldwideand to make proposals on this basis.

3.2.7 Cooperating with the Steering Group

To cooperate with the Steering Group, monitor its work, ensure that it is fulfilling its responsibilities, and to assess its decisions for endorsement.

3.3. Powers, decision making, and frequency of meetings

3.3.1 Powers

The International Council may make decisions put to it by or through the Area Councils or Steering Group.

3.3.2 Decision making

Decisions will be made by consensus. Should this prove difficult to achieve then the decision shall be made by majority vote, the Chair having the casting vote in the event of a tie.

3.3.3 Internal functioning

The International Council will determine its own working arrangements.

3.3.4 Chairing

The Chair of the Public Preceptors’ College will be the Chair of the International Council.  If the Chair is absent, he or she will arrange for the chairing of the International Council meeting.

3.3.5 Frequency of meetings

The International Council will meet in-person once every 18 months or as soon as possible thereafter.  Virtual/online meetings may be held in between the in-person meetings.  

3.3.6 Calling meetings

Meetings of the International Council will be called by the International Council Convenor in consultation with the Chair of the International Council, or at the request of at least twenty percent of the members of the International Council.  Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that as many members as possible can attend each meeting.

3.3.7 Quorum

The Chair of the IC, in consultation with the Steering Group, will decide if a full membership IC meeting is quorate, based on the following guidelines:

• At least five members from each Strand
• At least two members from each Area
• Ideally each of the three Strands would be represented from each Area

4. THE STEERING GROUP

4.1 Membership

The International Council Steering Group will comprise:

• the International Council Convenor
• two International Order Convenors
• the International Movement Coordinator
• the India Area Movement Coordinator
• the Chair of the Preceptors’ College (Chair/Head of the IC)
• two additional Public Preceptors nominated by the Chair in consultation with the Preceptors’ College

4.1.1 Chair

The Chair of the Preceptors’ College is also the Chair of the Steering Group and the International Council. They may delegate this - or aspects of this - responsibility to the International Council Convenor or someone else.

4.1.2. International Council Convenor

The International Council Convenor is appointed by the Chair of the International Council (and Preceptors’ College) in consultation with the Steering Group.  He or she works on behalf of the Chair (with delegated responsibilities) to progress the work of the Steering Group and International Council.  

4.2. Responsibilities

4.2.1.  Preparing & guiding the IC meetings and monitoring that decisions are put into effect

4.2.2.  Overseeing the setting, implementation and review of IC strategic priorities

4.2.3.  Responding to urgent matters and picking up topics that arise between meetings and taking steps to take them forward, e.g. informing and consulting with ACs on matters that arise between meetings

4.2.4.  Monitoring the work of the overall structure, which includes supporting ACs to do their work and liaising with other bodies where necessary

4.2.5.  At least every five years, the Steering Group will instigate a review of the current International Council strategic priorities, a process for the setting of new/revised priorities, and will oversee their implementation and progress.

4.3. Powers, decision-making and frequency of meetings

4.3.1. Urgent decisions made on behalf of the International Council

To make urgent decisions on matters affecting the whole Triratna Community.  Such decisions should only be made in exceptional cases, when it is not possible to convene the International Council, and after consulting as many Area Convenors as possible. Urgent decisions will be made by consensus. Should this prove difficult to achieve then the decision shall be made by majority vote, the Chair having the casting vote in the event of a tie.  Decisions made in this way will be submitted for review at the next available meeting of the International Council.

4.3.2 Calling meetings

Meetings may be called by the Chair, the International Council Convenor, or at the request of any two members.  Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that as many members as possible can attend each meeting.

4.3.3 Frequency of meetings

The Steering Group will aim to meet once a month and regular contact will be maintained between its members outside meetings.

4.3.4 Quorum

Under ordinary circumstances a quorum of at least four Steering Group members comprising at least one from each Strand and the Chair of the Preceptors’ College or, in their absence, the IC Convenor, with the blessing of the Chair.

5. REVIEW + REVISION OF THE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS of the IC

5.1 Review

At least once every five years the structure will be reviewed to determine whether or not it fulfils the purpose, aims and principles set out above. The Steering Group will make a proposal to the International Council as to how the review is to be conducted. If a majority of IC members agree, they may instigate a review before five years.

5.2 Revision

Revision, removal or replacement of all or any provisions of this structure may be proposed by the International Council after consultation with all bodies that might be affected.  The proposal must be agreed by the College members of the IC.