ABOUT
About | OrganizationThe Florida Community of Mindfulness is a not-for-profit organization that is primarily supported through the generosity of volunteer time and financial support of its members. The organizational structure of The Florida Community of Mindfulness is a mandala. Rather than a hierarchical chart, the mandala is a holistic map that represents the dynamic and interpenetrating nature of the various relationships and responsibilities within the community. In the Leadership circle at the center of the mandala is the wisdom and guidance of the Dharma Teacher and the Leadership Council. The outer circle of the Mandala represents the shared stewardship for the community through the Board of Directors, the members of the Order of Interbeing and the Elders Council, which also serves as the Sangha Harmony Committee for FCM. Leadership Council
The Leadership Council is composed of the Dharma Teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, and the Area Leaders of each of the five main circular areas that radiate from the center of the mandala. These five circles represent the various areas of service within the community, and there are many leaders and selfless service volunteers that work within each of these areas.
Many hands are needed to help in each of these areas, so please visit our Selfless Service page to learn more about how you might both give and receive in providing selfless service with FCM. Board of DirectorsThe Florida Community of Mindfulness Board of Directors consists of nine members who meet several times a year, in consultation with FCM’s teacher and Leadership Council. The FCM Board is responsible for implementation of FCM’s Strategic Plan for supporting FCM’s teacher, sanghas and programs, for the prudent handling of FCM’s finances and legal affairs, and for the overall development and health of FCM. Order of Interbeing
Over fifty FCM members, including our teacher Fred Eppsteiner, are ordained or aspirants in the Order Of Interbeing ("OI”) founded by Thich Nhat Hanh. The OI is dedicated to sangha building and service, and to a sincere, sustained personal Dharma practice based on the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings. As such, FCM’s OI community forms a core of committed, compassionate practitioners to help realize FCM’s mission and to support all of us in our practices as we seek healing and transformation. Many other FCM members are not formally part of the OI but are equally committed to their own personal practice and to joyful work to build and support our community.
Council of EldersThe Council of Elders is comprised of long-time members of the community who may be called upon to provide guidance for the Leadership Council, the Board of Directors, and the Order of Interbeing. Their depth of practice and historical knowledge of the community is highly valued, and therefore sought, in order that FCM’s Mission & Values may be nurtured and upheld. The Council also serves as the Harmony Committee for the Sangha.
Sangha Care Committees for Naples & St. PetersburgOur Naples and St. Petersburg Sanghas are nurtured by a team of caring members for each location that is called the "Sangha Care Committee." The Sangha Care Committee conducts weekly sanghas and other activities in Naples and St. Petersburg, respectively, and cares for our community. The Sangha Care Committees are open to all Naples and St. Petersburg area members of FCM and others who attend sangha and would like to “give back” to the community. The Committees have occasional meetings as needed, and accomplish their work harmoniously and joyfully through the use of sign-up sheets for different weekly tasks and e-mail communications among members. Please visit our Selfless Service page for more information about how to participate in Sangha Care. |
