History
At the time that North American Buddhist Alliance was founded, no Buddhist network existed in the region.
Given the rapid population growth of Buddhists and Buddhist groups across the U.S. and Canada,
an information hub that informs the public about various Buddhist groups that exist
and for these groups to share information or even take collective action seemed sorely needed.
We understand there is value in a continental Buddhist network such as the European Buddhist Union.
Regionally, Northwest Dharma Association in the Pacific Northwest has been around for more than 25 years
and appears to demonstrate that a simple model with a directory of member groups,
regular online communication such as a newsletter, and occasional non-sectarian mahasangha gatherings
indeed enhance intrafaith intersections among Buddhist communities.
Hence with an opportunity at the 2015 International Dharma Teachers Gathering at Omega, a couple of dedicated individuals began breathing reality into dream. Twenty-nine Dharma teachers at the Teachers Gathering also demonstrated their leadership
by supporting North American Buddhist Alliance, signing on as founding member groups.
Sensing the dire need and being grateful for the 29 founding Member Groups,
a handful of us stepped forward to make NABA a reality.
With this website, a quarterly NABA E-Newsletter, and opportunities for Member Groups to share
event information and collaborative projects with one another and the public.
We hope Buddhists and Buddhist groups will benefit from this North American hub of resources and interactions!