Annual Update From Salida Sangha

Warm Greetings Dear Sangha, 
At this time we are in the midst of an ongoing global pandemic, the climate is changing, and we are all experiencing the struggles from social, economic, and racial injustice.   Now more than ever, we are called to meet these times with wisdom, love, and compassion.   The Salida Sangha has been offering meditation practices that open the heart and expand our capacity for being with our own suffering so that we can have the courage and compassion to help others. Jack Kornfield states that “ you have been training for these difficulties for a long time, for your whole life--for many lifetimes--and you know what it means to listen and to care.” 
 
Like all of us, the Salida Sangha has faced challenges.  During the first seven months of this year we have been unable to meet at the Sangha house and the owner, Roberta Smith, requested the rent payment be made to support local charities who are meeting the needs of our community.  This year we donated our rent payment of $650 each month to the Alliance Against Domestic Abuse, Chaffee Cares, Chaffee County Community Foundation for Jane’s Place, the Pet Emergency Fund, the Boys & Girls Club of Chaffee County, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library through the Salida Sunrise Rotary and ElevatHER.  We are grateful for the generous heart of Roberta and our Sangha.  
 
This past year, our beloved teacher, Brian Lesage, offered a two week online retreat and a September weekend retreat addressing the pressing issues of our time with powerful remedies for our individual and collective suffering.  Brian has generously offered to continue his support and inspiration for our Sangha by offering retreats on February 5 and 6 and September 3 and 4, in 2022.  
Our Sunday evening sit offers refuge now, as it has for over 16 years and the Tuesday noon sit has been part of our tradition was well.   So there are two weekly opportunities to settle into mindful awareness, open our hearts, and connect deeply with others on the path.  We offered several classes in learning to meditate and Awakening Joy that helped to inform and enliven our practice.
Our Caring Committee offered home-cooked, nourishing meals and other non-financial support to Sangha members who are in need as a result of surgery, injury, sickness, or experiencing challenging circumstances.
 
Community Outreach.  We provided financial management support for the Mindfulness in the Jail program.  We also support the Mindful Recovery meetings helping those who struggle with substance abuse or addictive behaviors of any type.  
We hope that you will consider supporting all the programs that we offer by donating or making a pledge to the Salida Sangha. Supporting our Sangha is a way to support positive change in the world. 
Pledges make up the foundation that enables us to establish budgets and plan for programs with confidence.  Attached is a form that you can fill out and mail to PO Box 1420, Salida, CO, 81201, or email to elizabethritchie1506@gmail.com.   If you are unable to pledge, a gift of any size is deeply appreciated and will help sustain our Sangha.
 
On behalf of the Sangha Board and all the Sangha members, we extend our deep appreciation for your practice as we walk this path together finding ways to act with courage and compassion in the midst of difficult times.   May our work together bring freedom and happiness to all beings everywhere without exception.   Thank YOU ….we LOVE you… Your Sangha Board  
 
 
Pledge Form for 2022
Salida Sangha, Inc.
PO Box 1420
Salida, CO 81201
 
We are deeply grateful for your generosity in supporting the Salida Sangha by making a pledge to help pay for the Sangha’s expenses.  Your support as a caring donor will help to sustain this beautiful place of refuge.  The expenses for the Sangha are detailed in the budget adopted at our annual meeting, and those details are shared freely.
 
If, at any time, your circumstances change, you may modify your pledge 
with a simple communication.
 
There are several options for offering an ongoing pledge:  a monthly, quarterly or annual check; or go to http://www.salidasangha.org/donate.html and click the DONATE button; you may set up a recurring monthly donation by debit or credit card through PayPal.  Please contact the Sangha Board at: sangha@salidasangha.org if you have any questions. Pledge amounts are held in confidence by the Board Treasurer.
Yes, I pledge the following total annual amount _______________ to be paid in installments of _________________ each.
Method: (circle one) check or PayPal.
Frequency: (circle one) monthly, quarterly, annually (date of annual check)______________                                                                                                   Other ____________________________________________________________                       
 
Please note that the Salida Sangha believes in the principle that dana is freely given, that membership does not depend on pledging, and that there are many ways to be a part of this community including yogi jobs to maintain the house and yard. 
Name _____________________________________________________________
Email _____________________________________________________________
Phone_____________________________________________________________
Address  __________________________________________________________
Salida Sangha, Inc. is a  501c(3) non-profit organization.  Your donation is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.  No substantial goods or services were provided for this donation. The Salida Sangha, Inc. tax ID is 47-2096018.  You will receive a statement of your donation for the year with a notice that will be sent to you by the end of January. 
A gift of any size is deeply appreciated and will help sustain us during these challenging times. Your kindness and generosity has a lasting impact on our community and in the world. 
 ​