Open Door Meditation Community is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all participants. Our approach is grounded in our Guiding Principles and the Buddhist teachings on compassion, right speech, personal responsibility, and non-harming. Because conflict and misunderstanding naturally arise in any community, Open Door is establishing an Ethics and Reconciliation (EAR) Council to support members when difficulties occur.

The EAR Council is the result of two years of work by the Restorative Practices Committee, which developed the framework and will now continue its work by gathering nominations for the Council, interviewing nominees, and supporting their initial onboarding.

Purpose of the EAR Council

The EAR Council will provide a confidential, supportive, and structured way for sangha members to address interpersonal conflicts, ethical concerns, or unresolved tensions. Its aim is to help people move toward clarity, understanding, and—when possible—reconciliation, while protecting the well‑being of the community.

The EAR Council

The EAR Council will offer three levels of support: informal conversation, reconciliation / restorative process, and a formal grievance process used for serious ethical misconduct. The Council will include 4-6 members, who will be provided Restorative Practices training. The committee is encouraging people to nominate themselves or others from the sangha with the following criteria in mind:

• Knowledgeable about Buddhist ethics

• Skilled in listening, facilitation, and conflict resolution

• Aware of bias and interpersonal dynamics

• Respected member of the sangha

• Committed to responding to community needs

For complete information on the EAR Council, visit this document.

Seeking Nominations! (Deadline: April 10, 2026)

If you wish to nominate a potential EAR Council member, or self-nominate, you can go to this link. If you have any trouble opening the document or accessing the nomination form, please contact Jeri Sides.