Membership at AKBC

AKBCMembership with The Centre Card

As a member of Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre, you provide a strong foundation for us to offer our classes in Guelph and the surrounding area.  By becoming a member, you help to provide a strong financial basis for AKBC to grow while at the same time attending all the classes and courses that we offer.

With both the Level One (GP) and Level Two (FP) Memberships you will receive:

  • Attend free drop-in meditation classes at our main centre and all branches
  • Free retreats at the centre
  • Free half day courses
  • Free day courses
  • A members only log in area to register for free courses and view your documents
  • From April members will be able to access our Wednesday evening meditation class via livestream

Level Two (FP) Membership also includes all Foundation Program classes. A Level Two Membership requires enrolment in the Foundation Program. Please see below for more information.

Compare memberships with the table below:

Questions about membership?

No. Everyone is welcome to attend our classes, courses, prayers and retreats. Our meditaiton classes are drop-in and can be paid for individually at the door or you can buy a discounted pass of four classes. For convenience our classes, courses and retreats can all be paid for by a one time payment basis.

A) You can sign up online by using the sign-up buttons above. Alternatively, you can sign up at the Centre when you come to class.

A) As soon as your membership is activated, you will be able to access your membership account by logging into the membership site from our home page at akbc.ca. This will take you to our membership software, Wild Apricot where your be able to view your account statement and payment history.

In your membership area, you will also be able to view all classes, courses, and retreats available. Classes are now held in person only. Your membership applies to classes in Guelph as well as branch classes in other cities.

A) If you sign up online using Paypal, your membership will automatically renew each month using the credit card you registered with. If you sign up choose to pay with Interact eTransfer, you will receive an invoice the day before your membership is due. You can send your payment by interact eTransfer to payment@akbc.ca.  Alternatively, you can pay securely through Paypal with monthly recurring payments here. It is also possible to pay by cash at the Centre or post-dated cheques. Please contact us at membership@akbc.ca to arrange payment with post-dated cheques.

A) There are two start dates depending upon how you register:

  • Onsite membership registration: your membership begins immediately.
  • Online registration: please give us 24 hours to activate your membership. Your membership begins as soon as it is activated.

A) We ask that you pay your membership as soon as it is due. If you are paying through Paypal with automatic recurring payments or with post-dated cheques, your membership will automatically renew. If payment is not received, there is a 7-day grace period before your membership will become lapsed. At this time, you will no longer be able to access on the online links. After 21 days your membership is suspended. As soon as payment is received your account will become active again.

A) No. Membership benefits apply to one adult member only and are not transferable.

A) No. AKBC is part of a global organization and we have many Kadampa Centres worldwide. Each of our Centers are independently registered organizations, so your AKBC membership only covers classes and events directly affiliated with and organized by AKBC.

A) We request a three-month minimum commitment for Level One – General Program and a six-month commitment for Level Two – FP. Once your membersip is initiated, your membership will automatically renew each month. Membership can be cancelled by emailing membership@akbc.ca. Please give two-weeks notice for cancellation. If you cancel your membership before the end of the 3-month or 6-month commitment period, you will need to wait three months before you can start a new membership.

A) No, membership at AKBC is not tax-deductible. You have the option when you become a member to add a monthly donation to your membership. If you would like to support AKBC’s classes, please consider making a regular or one-time donation at akbc.ca/donate.

This sometimes happens. The membership software we use, automatically generates and emails an invoice to you each month. Sometimes this invoice is still generated after payment has been received. No worries. Your payment has very likely been recorded in our system. You can log into your account and see an up-to-date account of all your invoices and payments. If you have any questions, please email membership@akbc.ca.

Support AKBC With Your Monthly Membership

Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre is a registered Canadian charity.  Our Center is volunteer-run and all activities are dedicated to the development of world peace. All funds raised through our classes and events support our classes and events.

Start Saving & Enjoy Discounts

Commit to your own spiritual growth by becoming a member of Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre. If you regularly attend classes and events and want the most economical option, or if you want to take your meditation practice to another level, sign up for a membership plan.

Sign Up!

Becoming a Member is quick and easy. Just sign up online, over the phone or at the Center. Decide which membership is right for you, then use the “Become a member” buttons below.

Choose Your Membership

Level One - GP Membership

$$50monthly
  • 3-month minimum commitment
Sign Up

Includes:

• Drop -in (General Program) meditation classes
• Half day courses
• Day courses
• Retreats held at the centre
• Livestream our Wednesday class (coming soon)
• Access to our borrowing library

Level Two - FP Membership

$$75monthly
  • This level requires enrolment in Foundation Program. Our next term begins on April 4. If you would like to enrol, please contact us to set up a pre-registration interview and sit in on a class.
Request Sign Up

Includes:

• Drop -in (General Program) meditation classes
• Half day courses
• Day courses
• Retreats held at the centre
• 20% discount on special events
• Discounts on special events
• Livestream our Wednesday class (coming soon)
• Access to our borrowing library

Benefactor Membership

$Your Choice Monthly
  • Make a monthly donation to support AKBC and receive a charitable tax receipt. This monthly donation does not give access to classes.