Review of Fwbo Communications

Well, I finally finished the second draft of the Review! And am somewhat relieved to be able get it out into the public Fwbo domain at last, as I gear up for the next few months of work to get a firm set of proposals ready for the summer Chairs' meeting.

This version was written primarily for the Chairs' Executive and the online Fwbo Communications Group, both of which meetings will be discussing it in detail in mid-June. But we're very keen to hear from everyone with any kind of interest – passing or sustained! Throw in your tuppence worth, think out loud, add your voice to the mix...

As you’ll see, it's a very full document; but the more people who take time to read it through, the better things will go. So, please do give it a bit of time – it will help a lot later on!

Download the Review

Meanwhile, here is a list of main recommendations to be unpacked and discussed. The details – thought processes, assumptions, discussions behind them – are contained in the document itself:

Provisional recommendations

1. Appointment of a ‘Communications Director’ as part of the Development Team.

(See pages 13-17, Appendices 2 & 3, for background and areas of responsibility).

2. Formalise a working ‘Communications Team’ (all who wish to take part!) as an effective sub-meeting of the Chairs’ assembly with particular responsibility for promoting co-operation on Movement-wide communication matters. (See also Appendix 3).

3. Secure an annual budget for communications work from central dana to commission and fund:

– a new main Fwbo website (see pages 11-12, 15-17, Appendices 1 & 3)

– mitra study implementation online

4. Resolve copyright and distribution arrangements for Sangharakshita’s writings on behalf of the Movement (online and in print). In conjunction with Windhorse Publications and other concerned parties. (See pages 13-14, Appendix 2)

5. Directly explore areas of difference with Sangharakshita over the content of Fwbo sites and related issues; establish clear lines of responsibility and decision making in this area; look at ways to promote a balanced coherence for the Fwbo worldwide that respects the independent tradition of the Order and Movement, and the realities of cultural variation.

6. Review our central meeting structures as a Movement and Order.

I look forward to reading/hearing your responses!