NEB Sangha E forum
NEB Sangha is an active yahoo group open to anyone interested in engaged Buddhism whether members of NEB of not. With over 200 members it is a good forum to discuss issues, ask questions and organise actions and activities.
Unless specified, postings do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Network, each individual is responsible for their own contribution.
The Forum aims to provide the opportunity for an open and transparent exchange of views and support in the difficulties facing those working to combine inner and outer liberation in a world of challenges and crises. We see it as part of the work to identify and offer what the Dharma can contribute to the awakening that the world desperately needs.
We recognise that many of the events and issues raised on nebsangha stir deep emotions and, as with all discussion forums, we have guidelines. For nebsangha they appropriately derive from the precept of right speech. We would ask contributors to:
a. treat other contributors with respect, even when disagreeing with their views,
b. be loyal to the truth,
c. not to use language which hurts or encourages hatred, and to practice deep listening, which, perhaps on a site where postings are immediate, might mean taking time before responding to a message.
d. Nor should there be advertising, political party broadcasting, postings with no relevance to the discussions.
In order to help make the nebsangha forum a safe space and to help use of the guidelines we have two moderators Geoff Sheridan and Joyce Edmond-Smith. The Moderators’ role is to facilitate discussion by ensuring that the guidelines are respected. They aim to be fair, impartial and considerate. This is not to say that moderators are not also members of the forum and may make their own contributions. It will always be made clear however when they are contributing as moderators.
The moderators will be as little interventionist as possible and do not read or approve emails before they appear in the discussion. The process used when it is felt that a discussion is in danger of going beyond the guidelines will be to ring a “mindfulness bell” , which will mean that contributors are requested to cease posting on the topic for a few days to give time for everyone to think. If necessary the moderators may communicate with a contributor individually to alert them to possible problems. The moderators also have the right to suspend or ban an individual where the guidelines are repeatedly ignored or where inappropriate postings are made.