x-Volunteering

Why do we volunteer?

We delight in offering extraordinary service and teachings, treating ourselves, each other and our guests with kindness and respect.

What is Shambhala vision of volunteer involvement?

The Ottawa Shambhala Centre relies on—and deeply appreciates—the inspiration, energy and talents of many volunteers who share in the activity of making our offerings available in Ottawa – Gatineau region and beyond. This activity is part of what is known in the Shambhala community as “creating enlightened society.”
We welcome both members and non-members to volunteer according to their interests and abilities.  Training and mentoring are provided for each position.
Outlined below are some of the ways you can contribute as a volunteer and also deepen your own practice and connection.

  • Help clean the Centre
  • Do carpentry / building maintenance
  • Shovel snow
  • Help clean and maintain the shrines
  • Volunteer in communications, publicity, technology
  • Help with fundraising
  • Help with community celebrations
  • Volunteer at hospitality on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings
  • Work with flower arrangements
  • Offering any special skills you may have.

To get involved and to learn more, just contact our volunteer coordinator at: [email protected]

Volunteer Opportunities

Public Meditation Staff

Who: Open to regular practitioners
Responsibilities:Timekeeper (Umdze), Dorje Kasung or gatekeeper (protects the practice environment from undue disturbances), Hospitality (Padma) (Provide a friendly atmosphere, where people feel welcome, in a simple, straightforward and elegant way.)
These roles are all intended to support participants’ meditation practice and help build community.
Time required:1 – 3 hours monthly (or more often if you wish)

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.

Program and Special Events Staff

Who: Open to anyone
Responsibilities: Help with preparations to create an uplifted environment for programs and special events, under the direction of the assigned coordinator for each specific program.
Time required: Ideally, the duration of the program.

Centre Environment Team

Who: Open to anyone
Responsibilities: Maintenance, repairs, cleaning, generally caring for the centre to provide an inviting and enriching physical environment.
Time required: Flexible.

Ikebana Group

Who:Open to anyone, no previous experience required. Person will receive training, shadowing.
Responsibilities: Creating and tending flower arrangements that bring both arranger and viewer into the present moment
Time required: Flexible—perhaps 2 hours monthly.

Translation Committee (English & French)

Who: Open to members
Responsibilities: Providing translation from English to French, or very rarely from French to English. Texts are primarily announcements or administrative texts.

Time required: Variable
Contact: [email protected]

Dorje Kasung

Who: Open to members
Responsibilities: Providing protection—of the centre environment, teachers, teachings, and community—through awareness; learn more on the Dorje Kasung page
Time required:Variable
Pre-requisite: be a member of the Dorje Kasung
Contact: [email protected]