The Farm of Peace is owned and managed by Sufi Center East, a board-governed, 501(c)3 religious education nonprofit. We are currently seeking additional board members. Serving on a nonprofit board is an opportunity to serve at high level and make a positive difference for a cause you care about. Sufi Center East is uniquely positioned to offer in-person spiritual retreats and classes in a serene and holy rural setting in the Mid-Atlantic region. While online spiritual classes have much to offer, gathering in person adds a special depth and connection. Help us keep this space alive and welcoming for all who are thirsty for what Sidi taught us.
Our mission as stated in our bylaws is, “to study and practice the spiritual teachings of the Shadhiliyya Sufi Path; to educate the public about Shadhiliyya Sufism; to extend the qualities of peace, love, mercy, justice, freedom and unity through worship, service to others and by the ideals of a sustainable community; growing food in a manner consistent with our religious tenets; to assist congregants in their remembrance and worship of the Divine in daily life; to bring peace and healing to ourselves and others by putting into practice the Love at the core of all monotheist religions; to offer a place of retreat to spiritual seekers.”
Our board meets about once a month, for an hour or so, via Zoom. Our bylaws stipulate 3-9 board members, and 70% must be members of the Shadhiliyya Sufi tariqa and have taken hand with Sidi Mohammed al-Jamal or an authorized teacher. The minimum age is 25. Board members are asked to serve on at least one committee outside of board meetings. We seek a mix of professional and life experience that can help us carry out our mission together. Board members work together, and don’t act independently; all board actions require a majority vote.
Nonprofit board members have 3 main duties and 4 areas of oversight, as follows:
- Duty of Care: Actively participate, attend meetings, review financial reports, create top-level policies and make prudent decisions with reasonable care, based on our own experience and prayerful reflection.
- Duty of Loyalty: Put our mission first, above personal or professional gain, and disclose any conflicts of interest. Our board members are expected to hold Sufi Center East as the main focus for volunteer time and giving during their term.
- Duty of Obedience: Ensure the nonprofit stays compliant with federal, state, and local laws while adhering to its own bylaws and carrying out its mission.
Operational and Governance Responsibilities
- Strategic Direction: Review and periodically update the long-term vision, mission, and strategic plan.
- Financial Oversight: Approve annual budgets, monitor fiscal health, and ensure proper asset management and financial policies.
- Executive Leadership Oversight: Hire, support, and evaluate the executive director in managing day-to-day operations within policy guidelines.
- Resource Development: Act as ambassadors, support fundraising efforts (including personal giving), and ensure adequate resources to carry out operations now and in the future.
Board members in a nonprofit are not compensated and cannot gain any personal benefit from their position. This means that, with few exceptions, board members are expected to pay full price for our programs and services.