Announcing Jamyang’s Trustee Statement of Support for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As we progress on our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) journey at Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, we continue to find ways to develop a more welcoming and inclusive community for all. Part of that journey in the past two years has included focusing on the expansion of EDI education and initiatives for our team, including the introduction of inclusivity ambassadors and affinity groups at Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, organising EDI focused trainings for staff, volunteers and facilitators, as well as acknowledging cultural change and developing programming from an EDI lens.
Since our journey began in early 2021, we have seen our EDI initiatives grow and align with our values, along with our hopes for the community. This autumn, we are pleased to announce a statement of support from the Jamyang London Trustees.
Alison Murdoch, Chair of the Jamyang Trustees shared,
“Buddhist teachings encourage us to develop loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity for all living beings. The trustees are delighted to see this being carried forward via Jamyang’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity strategy and activities, and are grateful to everyone involved in this important work. May it be of great benefit!”
Please read the following statement from the trustees.
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (EDI)
FROM THE JAMYANG LONDON TRUSTEES
The trustees of Jamyang London Buddhist Centre are happy to give their full support to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and to its implementation throughout Jamyang’s programmes and activities. We recognise the importance of genuine efforts to uplift and empower those from marginalised or under-represented communities and that targeted support for minority communities is helpful in counteracting institutional or cultural bias. This type of support is not based on arbitrary quotas and should be developed with integrity and thoughtfulness.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for people from all cultural, social and economic backgrounds and communities and to offer them access to high-quality Dharma teachings and support. This approach was specifically endorsed by our Spiritual Director Lama Zopa Rinpoche when He met with the Jamyang London team in January 2023.
Examples of how Jamyang London Buddhist Centre will achieve this include:
- Paying close attention to how we communicate, being mindful of our own interactions, and taking care to use language that is inclusive and affirming.
- Providing regular education and training for the Jamyang London team on topics such as understanding personal bias and identifying racism and microaggressions.
- Supporting the development of Affinity Groups where people from marginalized and/or under-represented social and cultural groups can discuss and study Dharma as their most authentic selves, and which we hope will function as stepping stones to involvement with the wider Jamyang community.
- Continuing to provide activities such as cultural events and the Jamyang Walk, which bring community members together in a spirit of oneness.
Our aim is to take forward all these initiatives in a way that is transparent, consultative, compassionate and apolitical. We will carry out regular monitoring and evaluation and continue to highlight the importance of EDI in our communications with the Jamyang London community.
September, 2023
