This is a copy of an email of 26.09.19 sent to Shambhala members in Europe.
Dear Shambhala Friends in Europe,
Dechen Chöling is nearing the end of a beautiful summer. We recently hosted a Vajrayana Gathering led by Acharyas John Rockwell and Barbara Märtens, followed by the Scorpion Seal Assembly 10 retreat. We have had plenty of warm, sunny days over the summer and many people, old and new, immersing themselves in Shambhala teachings and practice.
Finance Update
I am happy to share that most of our programmes have taken place this year, despite the current challenging situation in the Shambhala community. However, as reported in previous communications, there has been an approximately 30% shortfall in revenue, as compared to our initial projections for this year.
The critical nature of the financial situation became clear this spring and Dechen Chöling leadership quickly responded by cutting our expenses as much as possible. This meant looking at all our expenses – both small and large; it meant pushing planned capital improvement projects to a later point in time; and it included the difficult decision to make a significant reduction in staff numbers.
Staff Update
Last autumn, the Dechen Chöling staff team underwent an organisational restructuring. We are now in the first months of this new staffing model and we think it will greatly improve how we work as a team. You can click here for an article about this process and to view a diagram of the new model.
I would like to thank the staff team here at Dechen Chöling for remaining so steady these past months through this intensely physically and emotionally challenging time. I would also like to thank all those who have come here to help for some weeks or months this summer. It has helped Dechen Chöling run as smoothly as possible and to cover some very important areas of work, including finances, security and most importantly – staff well-being. Despite being short-staffed this summer, we still managed to take time for group processing for the staff and this has felt supportive and nourishing.
Looking To The Future
We are working on the 2020 programme calendar and would like to thank all those of you who participated in the questionnaire that was emailed to the Shambhala community in Europe this spring. If you are interested in viewing a summary of the questionnaire, please click here. We contemplated all the responses and are working to create a varied and refreshing programme to meet expressed wishes and with the goal of higher registrations in 2020. Another strategy for our future financial health is developing a model for renting out spaces at Dechen Chöling and we are exploring this new possibility of hosting groups whose offerings feel compatible with our teachings.
There are many ideas for how we can all help Dechen Chöling move through these difficult times and ensure its future as a thriving “Dharma Place of Great Bliss”. I also would like to express my appreciation to the Advisory Council of Dechen Chöling: Peter Bancel, Yves Bret, Joanna Francis, Véronique Villemagne, Ilse Batselaere who have provided helpful perspectives and practical support during this challenging year.
A couple of important ways you can help in the months ahead is to come to Dechen Chöling and participate in programmes and also offer your volunteer time. Volunteer support is what makes the biggest difference to us in carrying such a heavy workload – and it also brings a lot of lungta to everyone involved. I invite you to consider coming and staying at Dechen Chöling for a few days, weeks, or even a month or two to lend a helping hand in one of our departments.
End of Year Fundraising
As stated above, we are pleased to report that we prevented a much more serious financial situation this year by responding to the crisis in our community so swiftly and decisively. Although this was a painful process and we are still facing an operational revenue shortfall at the end of the year, it is a significantly lower shortfall and more manageable than initially projected.
Responding to the challenging financial situation included pushing much needed building upgrade projects to a later time. One project that cannot wait, however, is an urgent roof repair for the Chateau. The part of the roof on the side of the Rose Porch needs an entire renovation and new insulation. This is particularly critical, as the walls are already being seriously affected by water damage and if the work is put off any longer will result in even more costly renovations work to damaged walls. The repairs are estimated at 75.000 EUR and we will not be able to cover this expense through our operational revenues.
At the end of this year, we will run our second ever “End of Year Fundraising Campaign”. The funds raised as a part of this campaign will help cover our operational shortfall in 2019 and will also help cover the costs of the roof repair. 25.000 EUR for the roof renovation has already been raised and we will continue to try to raise the remaining funds as a part of the year-end fundraising campaign. You will begin to see emails about this campaign towards the end of October.
You can also donate anytime to support Dechen Choling by clicking here.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude for the ongoing support of the Shambhala community. Without you, we would not have made it through this year. I look forward to engaging with you further about the future of Dechen Chöling with good heart, good cheer, and lungta.
My Warmest Regards,
Konstanze Brockstedt
Director Dechen Chöling