CategoryFrontline News

Stories from the frontlines of our movement.

by Shota Okajima SGI-USA Young Men’s Division Leader In 2011, the SGI-USA Young Men’s Division established the Gajokai and Soka Group academies. The goal was to raise many capable young men as successors who would develop the spirit to seek their mentor by participating in these behind-the-scenes training groups. In 2019, to refresh its training

by Erica Kondo Assistant Chief Financial Officer On behalf of the SGI-USA, I want to express our appreciation for your sincere financial offerings to support the organization. Because of your amazing support, we have further expanded our kosen-rufu movement in the U.S., the Caribbean and Marianas Islands.  In 2022, members’ financial contributions accounted for over

by Amelia Gonzalez SGI-USA Young Women’s Leader From April 14 to 17, young women’s leaders from throughout the SGI-USA gathered at the Florida Nature and Culture Center for the 2023 Young Women’s Division Leaders Conference, despite what major news outlets termed a “1-in-1,000-year rainfall event” that hit nearby Fort Lauderdale the week of the conference. Nichiren

by Shota Okajima SGI-USA Young Men’s Leader From as far north as Portland, Oregon, and as far south as Jamaica, young men’s leaders traveled to Florida with incredible seeking spirit. They gathered to refresh themselves and unite at the April 21–23 Young Men’s Division Leaders Conference held at the SGI-USA Florida Nature and Culture Center. 

by Cassie Colby  SGI-USA Byakuren Leader Congratulations to all of the newly inducted Byakuren Group members! Throughout April, joyful dialogues and interviews were conducted across SGI-USA, culminating on April 23, when we welcomed 277 young women and nonbinary members into the young women’s division training group. It has been amazing to hear many wonderful reports

ORLANDO, Fla., April 2, 2023—The members poured in from every part of Orlando—from Daytona Beach to Palm Bay to Kissimmee—filling the new Orlando Buddhist Center to capacity for its grand opening.  It was the region’s first in-person gathering in three years, and so the 295 members and guests entered their new center with an irrepressible

The SGI-USA relaunches one-hour chanting sessions on Sunday mornings.

A report on the March youth meetings.

by Adin Strauss, Naoko Leslie and Kevin Moncrief SGI-USA General Director, Women’s leader and Men’s leader Hello, thank you, and thank you again for your steadfast and truly inspiring support of kosen-rufu! Listening to and engaging with our wonderful members—sometimes on the phone, sometimes via Zoom and sometimes (much more recently) in person—we have been

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 reached a new milestone with all SGI-USA Buddhist centers now open for in-person meetings and district

At the Central Executive Committee Conference, representative leaders vote to take significant steps toward fully reopening activities in 2023.

SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss gave the following words to open the Central Executive Committee Conference, held on March 4, 2023, at the SGI-USA Headquarters in Santa Monica, California. by Adin Strauss SGI-USA General Director  Welcome to the grand reopening! Myo means to revive, to be fully endowed and to open. Toward that end, there

To commemorate the 65th anniversary of March 16, Kosen-rufu Day, youth will hold general meetings across the country. These gatherings will celebrate young people awakening to their profound missions (see pp. 6–7 for more information on the meeting’s theme). Here are some things you should know. Who: All youth members and guests ages 12–34 are

In advance of this year’s May Commemorative Contribution activity, two pre-paid contribution envelopes will be included with your April 7 World Tribune mailing.  Members can contribute from April 28 to June 4 in the following ways: Internet via the Membership Portal at: www.sgi-usa.org/contributions Phone: (855) SGI-2030, (855) 744-2030 Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM PT

SGI-USA youth on what it means to be the protagonist in their lives.

On March 14, 1993, Ikeda Sensei attended the First SGI-USA Youth General Meeting commemorating March 16, Kosen-rufu Day, at the San Francisco Culture Center. The meeting’s highlight was the formal establishment of the SGI-USA junior high and high school division, which, together with the elementary school division, composes the SGI-USA future division today.  Upon announcing

The Ikeda Wisdom Academy, a study program for SGI-USA youth leaders, successfully concluded its fifth class in February 2023 with a study exam. For the past two years, the academy studied Ikeda Sensei’s lectures on some of Nichiren Daishonin’s essential writings in the first two volumes of The Teachings for Victory, including “Letter from Sado,”

Celebrating 30 Years of the SGI-USA Junior High and High School Division

February marks the launch of the third phase of the SGI-USA’s reopening. Hybrid discussion meetings held in person are now open to all members and guests—regardless of vaccination status. The requirement of eight fully vaccinated members and one fully vaccinated district leader has also been lifted. That means the requirements for all hybrid activities—which include