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Volunteering
The Halifax Shambhala Centre relies on the inspiration, energy and talents of many people who share in the work of making Shambhala activities, programs and resources available to the community. Volunteers are a very significant part of that!
This work is part of what is known in the Shambhala community as "creating enlightened society".
Listed below are some of the ways you can participate in this work and simultaneously deepen your own connection and path.
Meditation
Shrine
Programs
Community
Administrative
Technical / Audio
Other Tasks
To learn more or offer to assist, please contact the centre by phone or email.
Photo: Liza Matthews
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Meditation
MI/Shambhala Guide Committee
Participate in activities coordinated by the Meditation Instructor (MI) Committee, such as organizing periodic MI/Shambhala Guide retreats and helping with MI assignments.
Nyinthun Coordinator
Organize rota of umdzes (time keepers) and meditation instructors for Sunday nyinthuns (sitting periods 9 am to noon, 1:30 to 4:30).
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Shrine
Chant Coordinator
Familiarity with and organization of chants in shrine rooms.
Ensures adequate chants are available.
Organization and maintenance of chants in chant closet in Practice & Education office.
Shrine Apprentice
For Tantrikas or sadhakas - learn from two shrine-masters all the tricks of the trade in maintaining a beautiful, well stocked practice space.
Wonderful opportunity for training in ceremonies and shrineroom support.
Torma Makers
For Sadhakas - every feast needs makers of torma. Sadhakas can jump into the great group of torma makers that meet once a month to create feast tsok for all the feasts scheduled that month. Learn the subtleties of sculpting butter and some great torma recipes.
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Programs
Programs, Coordinators
- Introductory
- Way of Shambhala / Shambhala Training
- Sacred Path
- Advanced
- Friday A.M. - Way of Shambhala / Shambhala Training
Programs, Assistant Coordinators
- Way of Shambhala / Shambhala Training
- Friday A.M. - Way of Shambhala / Shambhala Training
The coordinators provide leadership and set the tone for the weekend program format, for the six weeknight evening series, or for the Friday morning format. Along with the directors, they "hold the space", creating the container for the program. They generally coordinate a staff of 7 to 10 volunteers.
A core of 3 to 4 committed coordinators would be best.
Programs, Staff:
- Introductory
- Intermediate
- Way of Shambhala / Shambhala Training
- Fri. A.M. - Way of Shambhala / Shambhala Training
- Advanced
Assist the program coordinators set up and staff the shrine room, providing hospitality to practitioners, set up tea, reception food, and help clean up for the many programs held at the Shambhala Centre
Programs, Head of Hospitality
Many programs include some element of food and tea. From simple cookies and tea to a reception for thirty people, hospitality needs run high at the Centre. This volunteer coordinates supplies and people in connection with food for the programs happening at the Centre any given period of time. Look at the calendar of events and connect with the one you are drawn to. Try them all out!
Programs, Head Registrar
Most programs have registration for participants. This volunteer supervises the registration activities for programs. As the focal point for registration, this person makes sure all the information needed is captured, and all the registration staff has answers to questions that arise. Managers in each area have essential details the head registrar needs to know before each program.
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Community
Bodhi School Coordinator
Coordinate Bodhi School program, two Sundays a month from February to May by greeting and registering participants, help preparing tea and cookies for the meditation and cleaning up at the end. Available to help with programs as they arise.
Community Programs Coordinator
Explore, nurture and develop community programs such as Community Nights idea - movies, tapes, cafe, informal gatherings for folks several times a year.
Greeters and Ushers
For larger programs and events, greet participants as they enter. Greeters welcome people and funnel them to the right registration tables. Some programs need greeters to welcome new participants. Ushers guide people to vacant seats and help the more physically challenged get what they need to be comfortable. Fun and social!
Open House Coordinator
Coordinates Open House on Wednesday evenings by welcoming new people coming to the Centre for the first time. The coordinator introduces the speaker. At the end of the talk, make announcements of upcoming events at the centre. Coordinators set-up and clean-up with the help of another staff person.
Outreach Program Coordinator
Satellite Staff position for two people to nurture community outreach programs. Research, schedule and coordinate public programs off-site at libraries, schools, community centres, businesses, where ever there is interest. Liaison with core staff on discoveries and ideas. Satellite staff are included in staff discounts for programs at the Centre.
Sunday Gathering Coordinator
On the fourth Sunday of every month, two people coordinate the Sunday Gathering talk and snacks by setting-up cushions in the main shrine room and a table with bagels, cheese, fruit and sweets in the reception area. One of the coordinators will also introduce the speaker. Together with participants, coordinators will clean-up the reception and kitchen area.
Volunteer Coordinator
The Coordinator is responsible for the organization and management of the volunteer support essential for successful operations of the many services provided at the Centre. The view of this position is to be the gateway for volunteer efforts needed at the Centre, facilitating and organizing all the many areas needing volunteer support and linking those with community members interested in being of service. This is a Satellite Staff position. Satellite staff are included in staff discounts for programs at the Centre.
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Administrative
Administrative Help - Visiting Teachers
Visiting teachers bring wonderful energy and it seems a bit more organizational demands than usual. Support a visit by coming in to help with setting up everything from shrineroom materials, registration materials, signs or snacks. Always a delight.
Deleg Management
Maintain and update deleg lists. Identify members who don't have delegs entered for them. Find the delegs they are supposed to be in and enter into the database. Verify people are in the right delegs based on their addresses. Coordinate the creation of a new, more detailed deleg map (digital picture) and that the map is on the website.
Deleg to Postal Code Linker
Create the file needed so the database can show the right deleg based on the Postal Code entered. Gather the postal code ranges in each deleg, then create a spreadsheet that lists the codes associated with the deleg. Fun stuff if you're into numbers.
Designer for Marketing Materials
On call specialist as a resource to help move concept to fruition. Activities and priorities ebb and flow at the Centre. A designer can help coalesce ideas into useful presentations for better communication with the sangha.
This seems to come up three or four times a year in a variety of areas.
Dharma Talk Compiler
Many issues of the Banner over the years have included riveting talks by great teachers and inspired students. These talks could be compiled into bound volumes to bring them all into one place and be able to provide opportunities for people to access them.
Library Staff
The Centre has a lively library resource. If there were trained volunteers, it could be available after hours and weekends.
General organizing and data maintenance are needed periodically as well.
Practice Office Assistant
Office processes, clerical support, filing, copying, etc.
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Technical / Audio
Audio Librarian - Tapes, CDs, MP3s
A librarian will organize our audio assets in an easily accessible way. There are many many tapes, some CDs and we're now finally recording in MP3 formats.
Database Entry - Way of Shambhala / Shambhala Training Programs
Participant information is gathered at each program. This information needs to be updated or entered into the Centre database after a program has occurred. There are six areas of program activity, all of which require data entry at any given time. Great support for the coordinators and managers.
Digital Program Recording Archivist
Inventory, store all mp3 program talks. Occasionally burn CDs of relevant material.
Sound/Video Person
Records talks at a variety of programs. May also be able to videotape at special events. Great opportunity to hear Lots of Dharma!
Each of the three area managers needs volunteers in this area. Look at the calendar of events and connect with the one you are drawn to. Try them all out!
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Other Tasks
Kitchen Organizer
Many groups use that kitchen. Many are very good at keeping things clean and put away. The sheer volume of activity in there necessitates some concerted attention at times, however. It's like a community garden, come in and share your energy for the good of all.
Material Transportation Coordinator
Programs that occur off-site require additional resources to get materials to and from the rental space, intact, undamaged and returned to their place in a timely fashion. An organizer and transporter would be a drala-sent gift. Coordinate the transportation including getting the crew to help take it and bring it back.
Shopper for Centre
Kitchen users are aware of the amazing flow through that room. Supplies can run short leaving staff and programs out of luck. The shopper would regularly check on supplies and purchase cookies, sugar, coffee and teas every time is needed. A car is very helpful. Expenses are reimbursed right away, or can be advanced if needed.
Transcribers for Dharma Talks
Transcribe dharma teachings after a program. Hear the wonderful variety of presentations of the teachings from just learning students, to senior students, to great masters. This is a jewel of a job for anyone with the time and inspiration to be saturated with teachings.
Treasure Cataloguer
The shrinerooms and walls are filled with treasures and stories. Discover what the calligraphies say, who the thangkas are, what are the rupas on the shrine and how did everything get to be here. Connect with Archives for the information they have compiled. Once known, create simple, elegant display the stories near the item, for all to see.
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To learn more or offer to assist, please contact the centre by phone or email.
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