| Volunteering
The Kootenay Shambhala Centre is run by volunteers. We rely on the inspiration, energy and talents of many people who share in the work of making Shambhala available in the Kootenays and beyond.
This work is part of what is known in the Shambhala community as "creating enlightened society" (see Kootenay Shambhala Blog posts tagged enlightened society or member interviews).
Outlined below are some of the ways you can participate in this work and simultaneously deepen your own connection and path. To learn more, contact Michael Foster, Volunteer Coordinator, at nelsonbuddha@gmail.com.
For a short article intended to support volunteers (and leaders and others) anywhere, see the blog post Working with Burnout.
 Drala Housekeeping Team Participant
Who: Open to members and nonmembers
Job description: Creating and maintaining a beautiful physical environment. Tasks include vacuuming, dusting, cleaning and tidying.
Time required: Flexible—perhaps 15 minutes weekly
More info: Drala Housekeeping Team
Contact: nelsonbuddha@gmail.com
 Ikebana (Flower Arranging) Group Participant
Who: Open to members and nonmembers
Job description: Creating flower arrangements that can bring both arranger and viewer into the richness of the present moment.
Time required: Flexible—perhaps 2 hours monthly
More info: Blog posts tagged ikebana
Contact: Gala Sly at nelsonbuddha@gmail.com
 Eco-Dharma Group Participant
Who: Open to members and nonmembers
Job description: Exploring ways of bringing Shambhala Buddhist teachings and practice to current ecological challenges.
Time required: Variable
More info: Blog posts tagged Touching the Earth
Contact: Russell Rodgers at nelsonbuddha@gmail.com
 Shambhala Training Weekend Staff
Who: Open to Shambhala Training Level III graduates
Job description: Responsibilities can include Centre setup and cleanup, timekeeping, kitchen work, and coordination—all ways of offering participants a supportive environment.
Time required: Ideally, the duration of a program
More info: Shambhala Training
Contact: Sally Albert at eldoradocreek@netidea.com
 Open House Host
Who: Open to members
Job description: Responsibilities include helping all participants feel welcome, ensuring that meditation instruction is offered to all interested, and preparing tea.
Time required: 2.5 hours monthly (or more often)
More info: Open House
Contact: Cameron Wenaus at nelsonbuddha@gmail.com
 Sunday Refreshments Host
Who: Open to members
Job description: Responsibilities include buying and preparing the mid-morning refreshments offered during Sunday public meditation.
Time required: About 1.5 hours monthly (or more often)
More info: Meditation Practice Schedule
Contact: nelsonbuddha@gmail.com
 Children in Shambhala Staff
Who: Open to members
Job description: Caring for children of parents participating in our Sunday meditation practice, and offering them a developmentally appropriate introduction to Shambhala.
Time required: 1 hour per session
More info: Children in Shambhala
Contact: Lynn Dragone at nalandalynn@yahoo.com
 Public Meditation Staff
Who: Open to members
Job description: Timekeeping, leading chants and drumming to help create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to meditation practice. Training is provided.
Time required: 1 - 3 hours monthly (or more often)
More info: Meditation Practice Schedule
Contact: nelsonbuddha@gmail.com
 Weeknight Course Staff
Who: Open to members
Job description: Responsibilities can include registration, audio recording, preparing tea, and Centre cleanup.
Time required: Ideally, the duration of a course
More info: The Way of Shambhala
Contact: Sally Albert at eldoradocreek@netidea.com
 Fundraising Team Participant
Who: Open to members
Job description: Working with other team participants to brainstorm and implement a range of fundraising activities.
Time required: Variable
More info: Wish List
Contact: Michael Foster at nelsonbuddha@gmail.com
 Dorje Kasung
Who: Open to members
Job description: Providing protection—of the Centre environment, teacher, teachings and community—through awareness.
Time required: Variable
More info: Dorje Kasung
Contact: Marilyn Thurrott at marilyn@mcyork.com
 Governance
Who: Open to members
Job description: Joining the paths of meditation and administrative leadership. Responsibilities include meeting preparation, attendance and follow-up.
Time required: Typically, 2 hours per meeting
More info: Governance & Policy Highlights and Regular Committee Meetings Schedule
Contact: Lynn Dragone at nalandalynn@yahoo.com
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Pacific Northwest Shambhala Community 
