volunteer programs
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Nibbāna Forest Refuge and being willing to offer the generosity of your time, talents, and enthusiasm. Your support allows us to fulfill our mission of bringing people to a depth of realization of the Buddha's path of liberation through direct experience. Your work helps allow our community of practitioners to connect with inspiration and teachings to integrate and manifest wisdom and compassion in all aspects of their lives, for the benefit of all beings.
ride sharing
We are working to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage more ride sharing and carpooling. Please let us know if you have extra space in your vehicle to share with other community members attending our events. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly encourage you strictly adhere to government regulations to stay safe and healthy.
Classes, Daylongs, and Events
For most programs, day-of event volunteers arrive an hour early to help set up chairs in the program room, greet folks as they arrive, check off people who have already registered or assist folks who register at the door. Volunteers offer the event coordinator 15-20 minutes of help during the lunch break. At the end of the program, volunteers help put away chairs, sweep the hall, empty the garbage and recycling, collect and label lost and found items, and tidy up the hall.
residential retreat Volunteer
Residential retreat volunteer positions at NFR offer a unique opportunity to combine practice, study, and service to the flourishing of the Dharma in the Philippines. In general, residential volunteer responsibilities fall within the kitchen, housekeeping, grounds and maintenance, and shrine departments. Residential volunteer positions are generally for the duration of the retreat offered.
mindful movement Volunteer teacher
As a part of integrating the First Foundation of the Body, we invite those of you who are trained as movement teachers to offer accessible and gentle mindful movement throughout the duration of the retreat program. There will be gentle movement sessions that need leadership at 5:30am before the first sitting every morning. We also invite Chair Yoga sessions to be offered during some of the silent walking periods. We would like to support making movement and/or yoga as accessible to all ranges of ability as possible.
Dedicated Volunteer
Dedicated Volunteer positions offer a greater level of responsibility and training than our occasional volunteer opportunities. Dedicated Volunteers work closely with Nibbāna Forest Refuge teachers and staff, offering a high level of support. There is an approximately 6-month commitment for each of these roles, typically shifts are 6 hours daily. Dedicated Volunteers will receive mentorship from our teachers and earn merit for nomination to training programs with our network of organizations like Spirit Rock.
Land and Trail Care Crew
Work outdoors on the landscaping crew, clearing and maintaining the plants and trees within our refuge and network of walking paths. Volunteers needed to join our land and trail team and serve out in nature. Meeting most Sundays at 9:00 AM. A four hour shift includes lunch from our vegetarian dining hall and earns you a free future workshop with our partner facilitators.
farm care to table crew
We are working to reduce our carbon footprint and encourage more ride sharing and carpooling. Please let us know if you have extra space in your vehicle to share with other community members attending our events. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly encourage you strictly adhere to government regulations to stay safe and healthy.
outreach
Want to help us spread the word about Nibbāna Forest Refuge, our programs and volunteer opportunities? Know places in your community that would benefit from our teachings and offerings -- such as yoga studios, co-ops, eco-friendly stores, community centers. etc.? We are especially looking for help with outreach throughout the Philippines and neighboring ASEAN countries.