CategoryFrontline News

by Erica Kondo Assistant Chief Financial Officer On behalf of the SGI-USA, I would like to sincerely thank you for your heartfelt financial offerings to support the organization. Because of your unwavering support, we have continued expanding our kosen-rufu movement in America, as well as in the Caribbean and Guam, amid the global pandemic.  In

As we continue our important work to support the Buddhist practice and development of our members while reaching out to those who are seeking a philosophy of hope, financial resources serve an indispensable role.  Member Care Efforts The SGI-USA continues to provide licensed Zoom accounts to each chapter, region, zone and territory, as well as

Message From SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss and SGI-USA Youth Advisor Olivia Saito

Register for these in-person conferences through the SGI-USA portal. May 13–16 Young Men’s Division #1 (Chapter Through National Leaders) May 20–23 District Leader’s Training #1 June 3–6 Courageous Freedom Group July 8–11 Young Women’s Division #1 (Chapter Through National Leaders) July 22–25 Transforming Karma Into Mission #1 Aug. 5–8 Practicing Buddhism as People of African Descent

An unprecedented two-year pause in conferences at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) was difficult for many members. However, pandemic conditions provided an ideal opportunity to modernize and beautify the campus, its first significant renovation.  Of note are the installations of a new ceiling and flooring in the dining hall, as well as new

“With all the global conflict and crises, there couldn’t be a more crucial time to reaffirm the purpose of our movement. We need a valid, life-affirming philosophy in order to transform the reality of society,” said Peter Karuppiah, SGI-USA’s student division young men’s leader.  It is in this spirit that the SGI-USA student division will

A report on the March 2022 youth general meetings.

by John PlummerSpecial to the Tribune  WESTON, Fla., March 21—“I really cannot express how wonderful it is to see all of you.”   With these words, SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss opened the first conference at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) in over two years. One hundred men answered back with a joyful

The May Commemorative Contribution activity is an opportunity for us to renew our vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth to advance our movement for peace by contributing financially to the SGI-USA. This year, it will be held between April 28–June 5, with the theme “Dashing Forward With the ‘Heart of a Lion King.’” Here are

Two new youth leaders were welcomed to the Central Executive Committee: Shota OkajimaEast Territory young men’s leader Amelia GonzalezEast Territory young women’s leader The SGI-USA also announced Olivia Saito, SGI-USA youth leader, will assume the role of SGI-USA youth advisor, focusing on the future and student divisions, and will continue as a CEC participant. There

SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss gave the following words to open the Central Executive Committee Conference, held on March 5, 2022, at the SGI-USA Headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif. by Adin StraussSGI-USA General Director We will have plenty of opportunities today to discuss our focuses toward 2030, the “District is the Core” and “Propagation Renaissance.”

At the Central Executive Committee Conference, representative leaders discuss ways to strengthen the foundations of our movement for peace.

In the last two weekends of March, youth general meetings themed “Redefining Joy Amid the Times” will be held virtually across the SGI-USA. All young women, young men and nonbinary members and guests ages 12–35 are invited to attend.Contact your local leaders to find out more information!

In-person conferences at the Florida Nature and Culture Center are back, and registration is open for the following language conferences: Chinese (April 1–4) Korean (April 8–11) Japanese (April 22–25) Spanish (April 29–May 2). Register today through your SGI-USA portal.

During the last weekend of March, the youth division will hold general meetings across SGI-USA themed “Redefining Joy Amid the Times.” The meetings will celebrate March 16, Kosen-rufu Day, the day second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda entrusted the youth division with the future of kosen-rufu in March 1958 (see p. 8). “The March youth general

Every year on Feb. 27, the women of America celebrate SGI-USA Women’s Day by renewing their vow to become happy and help others do the same. On this day in 1990, representative women from across the country joined Ikeda Sensei and Kaneko Ikeda for the First SGI-USA Women’s Division Meeting, held at the former Soka

March 18–21 Men’s Division #1 (Open to all men’s division) April 1–4 Chinese Language Conference April 8–11 Korean Language Conference April 22–25 Japanese Language Conference April 29–May 2 Spanish Language Conference The Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) conferences through the month of April are now open for registration via the SGI-USA member portal at

Key Divisional Activities

FORT LAUDERDALE AND JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, Nov. 7, 2021—After a 19-month hiatus, the members of the Florida Everglades and North Florida regions reunited in exciting fashion—with new SGI-USA centers. The Florida Everglades Buddhist Center opened in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Nov. 7 with 265 members attending in-person and over Zoom. On the same day, 100 members

Register for these in-person conferences through your SGI-USA portal. FEB. 4–7 District Leaders Training #1 (Open to all district leaders) FEB. 25–28 Transforming Karma #1 (Open allotment) MARCH 18–21 Men’s Division #1 (Open to all men’s division)