Volunteer Temporary Retreat Staff Application

Palyul Temple 2024 July 1

Palyul Retreat Center: Volunteer Staff Instructions

Thank you for considering a temporary volunteer position at the Palyul Retreat Center through our Volunteer Staff Program. This program allows you to contribute meaningfully while participating in the retreat. Volunteer help is essential to running our summer retreats, as the center has no salaried staff.

🧘‍♀️ About the Program

  • Limited Availability: Staff positions are limited. We aim to place as many applicants as possible, but placement is not guaranteed.
  • Skills-Based Selection: Priority is given to applicants whose skills match the needs of the retreat center.
  • Internships: We also offer internships for those seeking job experience while fully engaging in the retreat. See our internship page for more details.
  • Application Deadline: Submit by May 1. Applications after this date may be considered if positions remain or you offer needed skills.
  • Forms Required: Submit the Work-Study Application Form along with the Summer Retreat Application Form. If you haven’t submitted the retreat form yet, do so after submitting your Work-Study form.
  • Selection Process: Decisions are made by monastery management and may require retreat committee approval. Final decisions may extend to June 15.

✅ Expectations

  • Your main responsibility is to help the retreat function smoothly.
  • You may miss some personal practice sessions.
  • Your assigned duties take priority over your individual retreat time.
  • We will ensure you receive the core teachings required for your class year.
  • Arrival is expected a few days early (especially for office volunteers).

💰 Cost and Commitment

  • Covered Costs: Tent accommodations and retreat fees are fully covered.
  • Room Requests: If a room is required, you’ll need to pay the difference between an off-site fee and a shared-room fee. Due to availability, staff cannot be afforded free rooms or single rooms.
  • Time Commitment: Only full-time roles are offered (either one-month or two-week stays). There are no part-time roles.
  • Workload: Work is based on the needs of the position. These are not hourly positions so we are not exchanging hours for retreat, but rather offering value to help the retreat run.
  • Practice Access: Most staff attend nearly all practice sessions. Missing a teaching is rare and can be made up if it occurs.

🙏 Paying Volunteer Option

Some volunteers choose to pay for their retreat while also serving on staff. This allows them to offer both financial support and service to the retreat community. Many long-time Palyul students make this offering.

🏕️ Accommodations

  • All staff are provided tent accommodations free of charge.
  • If you need a room, you must cover the difference in cost (cost is the difference between a shared room fee less the off-site fee).
  • Free or single room accommodations are not available for staff due to high demand.

📋 Application Instructions

  1. Select Your Requested Position.
  2. Specify Your Retreat Background (what class years you’ve completed).
  3. Rank Your Preferences by dragging and dropping the available roles.
  4. Provide the Following Information:
    • Full Name
    • Date of Birth (MM-DD-YYYY)
    • Email Address
    • Mailing Address (Street, City, State, Postal Code)
    • Country
    • Phone Number
    • Relevant Skills
    • Related Job Titles & Dates (up to two)
    • Accommodation Request (Full/Half Retreat)
  5. Submit Your Application.

Your service is deeply appreciated and helps support the retreat for everyone. We look forward to reviewing your application.