Volunteering
The Victoria Shambhala Centre relies on and deeply appreciates the inspiration, energy and talents of our many volunteers. This activity is part of the social fabric of our community and is a great way to form new friendships.
We welcome volunteers and work to match activities according to interests and ability.
Outlined below are some of the many ways you can contribute as a volunteer and simultaneously deepen your own practice and connections.
Volunteer Opportunities
Centre Environment Team
Who: Open to anyone
Responsibilities: Renovations, repairs, grounds upkeep, and generally caring for the centre to provide an inviting and enriching physical environment
Time required: Flexible
Ikebana Team
Who: Open to anyone
Responsibilities: Creating and tending flower arrangements that bring both arranger and viewer into the present moment
Time required: Flexible—perhaps 2 hours monthly
Public Meditation Staff
Who: Open to regular practitioners
Responsibilities: Timekeeping, leading chants, gatekeeping, and hosting—all intended to support participants’ meditation practice and help build community
Time required: 1 – 3 hours monthly (or more often)
Way of Shambhala Course Staff
Who: Open to Joy in Everyday Life graduates
Responsibilities: Centre setup and cleanup, registration, hosting, sound system operation, and coordination
Time required: Ideally, the duration of a course
Shambhala Training Weekend Retreat Staff
Who: Open to Shambhala Training Level III graduates
Responsibilities: Centre setup and cleanup, registration, timekeeping, gatekeeping, sound system operation, kitchen work, and coordination
Time required: Ideally, the duration of a weekend retreat
Victoria Shambhala Council
Who: Open to members by appointment
Responsibilities: Attending monthly meetings to help guide, support and harmonize all the centre’s activities.
Time required: 8 hours (or more) monthly
Still have questions about volunteering? Contact [email protected]