Membership and Donations
What does it mean to be a member of MZMC?
If you find that you are meditating and attending programs at MZMC regularly, we encourage you to consider becoming a member of the sangha (community). Members make a yearly financial contribution to MZMC, and many also give time and energy by working in a volunteer capacity. Member gifts of time, money, and enthusiasm are the fuel that propel all our activities.
Financial contributions from our members, our largest form of revenue, are vital to our ability to keep the doors open and lights on. Volunteers are the cornerstone of day-to-day operations, making it possible to maintain the building and gardens and offer a wide range of programs for practitioners and community members.
As a member, you will have voting rights at our annual community meeting and, after making the first three months of pledge payments, you will receive the member discount on classes, guest lectures, and retreats.
"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." -- The Buddha
How do I become a member?
Itıs simple! Fill in the box below, contact the MZMC office, or fill out a yellow membership form when you come into the Center. During the month of November, we'll be conducting our annual membership drive, which is an opportunity to reflect on what our activities here have meant to each of us and serves as a reminder of how important it is to continue our support of the people and programs at MZMC.
Since membership entails a pledge of financial support, and since membership pledges make up a high percentage of Zen Centerıs income, these funds are vital to Zen Center's survival. But membership is much more than that! It is a way to formally recognize that you are a part of this community, and to affirm your support for our mission, which is at the top of our main page. If you appreciate the difference that Zen Center has made in your life, please join us, and help us to maintain this supportive place of contemplation on Lake Calhoun.
Each member determines a pledge amount based on his or her personal financial situation. When deciding how much to pledge, we often ask our members to consider donating 2% of their income (about one hour's pay per week). Of course, everyone's personal circumstances are different, so this is offered only as a guideline.
We encourage members to consider using electronic payment, an automatic funds transfer program that allows pledge donations to be made without having to write a check. Authorization forms are available from the office or click here for a PDF form.
Thank you for considering becoming a member of MZMC; we appreciate your pledge of support, look forward to getting to know you, and welcome you to the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center community!
"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting." -- The Buddha
If you have questions about membership, or would like to volunteer, please contact the MZMC office at (612) 822-5313 or info@mnzencenter.org. To make a membership donation online using your credit card, please fill in the box below with your annual or quarterly recurring membership amount.
How do I make a donation?
Donations not related to yearly membership are welcome. If you are interested in making a donation to MZMC, please contact the MZMC office at (612) 822-5313.