The focus for the FWBO in a particular town or city is the local FWBO Centre. There are around 65 centres in cities around the world as well as fifteen retreat centres. They run a variety of activities to introduce people to meditation, and others which are concerned with learning about Buddhism.
People are free to take as much or as little as they like.
Some attend the occasional class, while for others the centre becomes the main focus of their life. FWBO Centres teach meditation and Buddhism to newcomers through classes and courses. Teaching in the FWBO is done by members of the Western Buddhist Order who are themselves experienced in the practice and study of meditation and Buddhism. There is no expectation that people attending the centre will be Buddhists or even that they will agree with Buddhist teachings. Classes are an opportunity to learn and test out Buddhist practices in the light of one's own experience, and in an atmosphere of friendly, encouraging, open communication.