Considering becoming a member of Full Moon Zen?
Reasons for joining as a member, tangible and intangible
Members have voting privileges at annual meetings, sangha-wide gatherings where business central to the life of FMZ are discussed and voted on. All voices are welcome, but only members are eligible to actually cast votes.
Other reasons for becoming a member are more intangible, such as having a sense of finding a sangha home where you can give and receive support for your practice, with an approach to the Dharma that inspires you and, at times, challenges you.
“How do I become a member?”
Members are those individuals who make a pledge of financial support for the fiscal year (July through June) and make good faith efforts to pay their pledge.
Since membership hinges on pledging, here are some pledging FAQs:
“How much should I pledge?”
This question understandably comes up a lot. The thing is, while we appreciate generosity–it helps to keep the sangha financially resilient–we want you to be realistic about what you’ll be able to afford without undue stress. A good starting point might be $50 to $75 per month, but less is just fine, as is more.
We fully understand that circumstances change and that you might not be able to follow through as you hoped. Just let our treasurer know about any changes you plan on making so they will know what to expect.
We don’t assume that pledges carry over from year to year. That’s the reason for our annual renewal drive, held in the late spring. There is no obligation to renew your pledge.
“Why the emphasis on pledging? Isn’t making donations here and there enough?”
Simply put, pledging is an expression of commitment to the life of the sangha. Moreover, pledges are helpful because they let us predict what we’ll be able to afford over the coming year.
“How often should I pay my pledge?”
That’s up to you. Most of our members pay on a monthly basis, but any interval is fine with us. However, if you plan on paying all at once, we appreciate receiving that payment closer to the start of the fiscal year (i.e., July through December). Similarly, for those making semi-annual payments, it’s really helpful to receive the first installment in the first half of the fiscal year.
How to pledge to FMZ
Complete the Membership and Pledge form. Note that the Membership and Pledge form uses Google Drive. If you’d like to join/pledge in an alternative manner, please let us know.
Visit our Dana page for information on various ways to actually donate.
In closing, while we’re grateful for however you participate in the life of our sangha, we hope you’ll consider membership in Full Moon Zen. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to ask us.