How SGI really works

"As a 30+ year member of SGI (20+ in leadership), I must say partially cult-like. While there is strong emphasis on individual goals and practice, structurally the SGI-USA is a two-tiered organization: 1) general members, and 2) leaders. After 50 some years in the USA general members still have no say in the operation of the organization: they do not determine organizational directions (which set the annual agenda for all members), rules, or leadership. Leadership is appointed by higher levels of leadership, and the highest levels of leadership, the Central Executive Committee, make all decisions. Those decisions are implemented by a top-down organizational flow. Input of "General Members" is possible only at the lower levels of organization--for district and possibly chapter meeting content. Strict limitation of participation of general members and even lower level leaders--i.e. meetings only for District Leadership up, Chapter Leadership up, Area Leadership up, etc.--prevents participation of certain members at meetings intended to disseminate direction or policy, restricting questions, dialogue, and genuine discussion. In this regard, limited participation of members, the organizational structure is at odds with its teachings." -- Linda Thornburg