Healing, Ethics and Reconciliation Guidelines
Insight Meditation of the Mid-Columbia (IMMC) — as a community of practitioners and as an organization — endeavors to follow the Buddha’s path of ethics, harmony, wisdom and compassion. It is recognized that problems, misunderstandings and frustrations can arise within the community (sangha).
The Board of Directors (the Board) is committed to providing a safe and respectful place for all participants. To support this aspiration, the Board has developed two options that are available when individual efforts to resolve a problem or grievance are not successful:
- The Informal Reconciliation Consultation Process is designed to support individuals in resolving conflicts and grievances.
- The Formal Grievance Process that may be implemented where serious
ethical breaches are raised.
IMMC’s Board has appointed a Healing, Ethics and Reconciliation Council (HEAR Council) to promote ethical values and practices for our sangha’s health and harmony. The HEAR Council consists of three people who are available to any community member requesting help in dealing with conflicts and grievances within the Insight Meditation of the Mid-Columbia community. The IMMC Board appoints council members. The Board may consider a variety of factors in appointing HEAR Council members, including conflict-resolution training or other relevant background, the length of time practicing the Dhamma, and personal qualities such as sound judgment, integrity, and discretion. Inquiries to the HEAR Council can be made by emailing the HEAR Council at HEAR@insightmeditationmc.org
The IMMC Board’s intention, above all, is to foster an environment of responsibility and integrity and to treat all parties involved in these processes with fairness, compassion, and respect.
Informal Reconciliation Consultation Process: The Healing, Ethics and Reconciliation Council (HEAR Council) is available to any community member who would like support in dealing with interpersonal conflicts, grievances, or ethical concerns that occur within our practice community. The Council can serve as a sounding board, help facilitate deep personal reflection, assist in finding clarity and offer suggestions on resolving issues. The process offers confidentiality and can help preserve relationships within the sangha. Click here for information on IMMC’s Reconciliation Consultation Process.
Formal Grievance Process: This process may be implemented where any IMMC participant believes that they have been subjected to, or who is aware of, any form of serious ethical misconduct or harassment involving any member of the IMMC Community. Click here for information on IMMC’s Formal Grievance Process.