Organizations
Come join us at an event!
Organization Navigation
Buddhist Women's Association
Rooted in compassion. Growing in service and community.
Why the BWA Matters
At the heart of every strong community are those who quietly give, support, and uplift others. The Buddhist Women's Association (BWA) is a place where women of all ages come together to live out the Buddhist values of compassion, gratitude, and selfless service.We don’t gather for recognition—we gather to make a difference. Through acts big and small, the members of the BWA embody what it means to live a meaningful life of connection and purpose.
What We Do
The BWA supports both the temple and the wider community through service, fellowship, and shared Dharma practice. Whether preparing meals for special services, organizing fundraisers, supporting Dharma School, or visiting members in need, we serve from the heart.
We also nurture friendship, learning, and laughter, creating a supportive space where members uplift one another and grow together in the teachings of the Buddha.
Activities include:
-
Hosting memorial services and temple events
-
Preparing offerings and refreshments for services
-
Fundraising for temple needs and charitable causes
-
Providing support to members during illness or loss
-
Connecting with other BWA chapters across the region
-
Engaging in lifelong learning through Dharma and cultural workshops
Who Can Join?
Any member who supports the mission of the temple is welcome—whether you're new to Buddhism or have been part of the Sangha for years. We are multigenerational, diverse, and united by our shared commitment to kindness and community. Membership isn’t about age or background. It’s about spirit. If you have a heart for helping and a desire to connect, there’s a place for you here.
More Than Volunteers – We're a Community
While our hands are often busy, our hearts are just as full. Many members find in the BWA a deeper connection not only to their temple, but to each other. We support one another through life’s ups and downs—with encouragement, shared wisdom, and a whole lot of humor.
Whether you're looking for a meaningful way to contribute or simply want to build friendships rooted in shared values, the BWA is a beautiful place to begin.
Want to Get Involved
We’d love to welcome you to one of our upcoming meetings or events. There’s no pressure to jump in right away—just come, observe, and get to know us.
Adult Buddhist Association (ABA)
The Adult Buddhist Association (ABA) offers social interaction, fun activities, and a supportive community to all individuals who come together monthly to experience the joy of the teachings. Join us for lunch on the third Friday of the month.
Young Adult Buddhist Association (YABA)
Cortez Howakai is a branch of the Buddhist Church of Stockton, located in the historic community of Cortez located in rural northern Merced County. Most of the services are held on Zoom on the first Thursdays of each month. However we meet in person 4 times a year: Post Harvest Service & Potluck, usually on the second Saturday of November; New Year’s Service & Potluck on the first Saturday of January, and Hana Matsuri (celebrating the birth of Baby Buddha) Service and Potluck on the first Saturday of April. All three events start at 10:30 AM. Our fourth in person event is Obon, “Gathering of Joy," when we dance together to show our gratitude to those who have passed in our community. Cortez Obon is held on the first Saturday of July, usually starting around 5:30 PM at Cortez Buddhist Church parking lot, 12985 Cortez Avenue, Turlock, CA 95380.
Young Buddhist Association (YBA)
.jpg)
We are the high school and college age organization of the Buddhist Church of Stockton. Through this group we assist the temple in some capacity at every event. This is a great way to meet others from the area high schools. We provide a platform for social engagement, religious growth and community service.
Youth Athletic Organization (YAO)
The Youth Athletic Organization (YAO) teaches children up to 18 years old about teamwork. Kids form lifelong bonds not just with other individuals their own age, but with parents and coaches as well. They learn it’s not about winning or losing, but about being a part of a group where respect for all is cultivated through sports. Please call the church office at 209-466-6701 for available activities and information.
Stockton Bukkyo Taiko
Stockton Bukkyo Taiko was founded by Rev. David Matsumoto in 1990 along with temple elders Mas Ishihara and James Kochi so that there would be opportunities to practice Buddhist teachings and nurture community in a fun way. The group is open to all people, members and non-members of the temple as well as various levels of skill. Come join our exciting family of musicians! We meet on Monday evenings.
Sangha Club
Sangha Club is an organization of Dharma School and an affiliated organization of the Buddhist Church of Stockton. Members are comprised of students in middle school or grades 5–8 and usually meet and/or have activities during the school term (September – June). They are introduced to the basics of parliamentary procedures, the process of nominating and electing officers, and learn how to conduct meetings. Activities include fundraisers, volunteerism for the temple, and an end of the year collection drive to support a community agency.
Tomonokai
Tomonokai translates to “an association of friends” and is the Temple’s Seniors’ organization. The group meets monthly and provides the opportunity for the seniors to have lunch, play bingo, and to socialize. The organization meets on the second Saturday of the month, March through December at 10:30 am. Please join us for fun, food and entertainment. For more information, please contact the church at 209-466-6701.
Kimekomi Doll Making
If you need a break from the daily rigors of life, come join the Kimekomi doll making class. This activity is a great way to meet new friends while learning a new craft. The Kimekomi doll dates back to Kyoto in the 1700s. The first dolls were carved from willow wood and “clothed” with scraps of fabric left over from robes made for Shinto priests. Now, using a more modern method, the dolls are moulded from paulownia sawdust mixed with glue. The different kimekomi dolls teach the students about different historical periods in Japanese culture to the present. This is an instructor-led class that meets on the second Saturday of the month, ten months a year. Please call the church office at 209-466-6701 for more details.
Cortez Howakai
Cortez Howakai is a branch of the Buddhist Church of Stockton, located in the historic community of Cortez located in rural northern Merced County. Most of the services are held on Zoom on the first Thursdays of each month. However we meet in person 4 times a year: Post Harvest Service & Potluck, usually on the second Saturday of November; New Year’s Service & Potluck on the first Saturday of January, and Hana Matsuri (celebrating the birth of Baby Buddha) Service and Potluck on the first Saturday of April. All three events start at 10:30 AM. Our fourth in person event is Obon, “Gathering of Joy," when we dance together to show our gratitude to those who have passed in our community. Cortez Obon is held on the first Saturday of July, usually starting around 5:30 PM at Cortez Buddhist Church parking lot, 12985 Cortez Avenue, Turlock, CA 95380.