We invite you to apply to volunteer at BCBS. We have two different programs from which to choose. We offer a Monthly Working Guest program, which entails a month's commitment, or daily volunteering, which is more flexible, based on your availability.
Monthly Working Guest Program
Our Monthly Working Guest program is an opportunity to practice and study the dharma while living and working on campus. We are looking for folks who have an established meditation practice, retreat experience, and a sincere desire to be of service. Monthly Working Guest positions are arranged through a process of mutual discernment and may be extended upon mutual agreement.
Monthly Working Guests are expected to work approximately 25 hours a week, with at least two days off each week. Work is scheduled around the center's needs. Generally, Monthly Working Guests will work alongside BCBS staff members in exchange for room and partial board and will have access to the library and meditation hall as well as occasional dharma talks by teachers. The housing offered is an individual unit that includes a kitchenette for cooking.
Monthly Working Guest tasks are varied and include working in the garden, maintaining the grounds, housekeeping, and helping out on opening and closing days. Tidiness, initiative, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are all helpful attributes. Gardening experience is also a plus. Additionally, because tasks can be strenuous and physically demanding, it is essential that applicants be fit and in good health.
Duties may include:
- Cleaning kitchen areas, washing pots and pans, and/or filling in for a yogi job
- Doing laundry as well as stocking paper products and cleaning supplies
- Assisting with cleaning yogi rooms at the end of a program and preparing for upcoming programs
- Window washing, indoor painting, cleaning common areas, and/or taking on special projects
- Working in the garden, including weeding, planting, and harvesting
- Lawn care, mowing, raking, tending flower gardens, and/or snow removal
If you are interested in participating in our Monthly Working Guest program, please fill out the application below and we will be in touch.
Daily Volunteering
Daily Volunteers often help out for a few hours at a time. Occasionally, if we have housing available or there is a special project going on, Daily Volunteers will help out for a few days at a time. We especially appreciate those who are able to come regularly or semi-regularly. For those who enjoy working outdoors, we often need help tending the garden and maintaining the grounds. If you enjoy keeping inside spaces neat and clean, we can always use help indoors as well. Perhaps you love folding laundry, vacuuming zabutons, leveraging technology, or have some other special skill you would like to offer. As a small team, we appreciate any support you can offer.
We especially appreciate those who are able to come regularly or semi-regularly.
Please fill out the application below and we will contact you soon.
Thank you so much for your generosity!
Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah Benko
sarahb@buddhistinquiry.org
