Volunteer at sangha house

Why Volunteer

• Serve with heart. Support donation-based meditation, inclusive programs, and a welcoming space for all.

• Grow your practice. Learn by doing: mindfulness, ethics in action, and community care.

• Create together. Collaborate on art, events, and projects that bring people together.

• Belong. Meet kind, thoughtful humans who care about compassion and creativity.

Volunteer Roles

Community & Events

• Greeter/Host: Welcome guests, set the tone, answer basic questions.

• Meditation Support: Set up cushions, prepare the room, light candles/incense, tidy after.

• Event Crew: Check-in, seating, merch table support, post-event reset.

Creative Studio & Shop

• Candle/Art Studio Helper: Prep materials, pour candles, assist with small-batch making.

• Photography/Content: Shoot events/products, light editing, organize media.

• Shop & Fulfillment: Pack orders, restock, light inventory tasks.

Operations & Space Care

• House Care: Weekly light cleaning, room resets, organizing supplies.

• Garden/Outdoor Care (seasonal): Watering, planters, light maintenance.

• Handy Helper: Basic fixes, paint touch-ups, small improvements.

Teaching & Education (as available)

• Class Assistant: Room setup, handouts, attendance, timekeeping.

• Research/Library: Organize readings, create simple study guides.

Time Commitment (Choose what’s realistic)

• Micro-shift: 60–90 minutes (great for set-ups/tear-downs).

• Standard shift: 2–3 hours weekly or bi-weekly.

• Project-based: Help on a specific event or creative run.

• Seasonal/One-time: Retreats, special visits, or house days.

We’re flexible. Tell us your availability and we’ll find a match.

Training & Support

• Welcome Orientation: Brief intro to the space, roles, and safety.

• Role Training: Simple checklists and step-by-steps — no guesswork.

• Ongoing Support: A point person to answer questions and help you grow.

• Mindful Culture: We pause, breathe, and debrief — learning as we go.

Accessibility & Inclusion

All are welcome. We offer seated options, clear instructions, and a trauma-sensitive culture. If you have accessibility needs, please share them — we’ll work with you to find a role that feels good.

What You’ll Receive

• Community, mentorship, and practice.

• Hands-on learning in meditation hosting, creative making, and events.

• Letters of service hours (upon request).

• Occasional volunteer gatherings and skill-shares.

What We Ask

• Reliability & communication. If your plans change, just let us know.

• Kindness & confidentiality. We care for people’s dignity and privacy.

• No fragrance/heavy scents during meditations and classes.

• Uphold the space. Leave rooms better than you found them.

How Volunteering Works

1. Apply: Share your interests and availability.

2. Quick Chat: We’ll connect to find the right role.

3. Orientation & Training: Short, friendly, and practical.

4. Start Small: Shadow a shift, then take the lead when ready.

5. Check-ins: Light feedback loops so you feel supported.

Ready to Help?

Contact: hello@sanghashop.org
Location: Sangha House, 1430 W. Jarvis Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

Volunteer FAQ

Is experience required?
No. We’ll show you everything you need to know.

Can I volunteer with a friend?
Yes — note it on your form and we’ll try to schedule you together.

Are there age requirements?
Most roles are 18+. Reach out if you have a younger interested helper; we can discuss with a guardian present.

Do volunteers attend meditations for free?
All Sangha House meditations are donation-based. Everyone is welcome, always.

Links to Helpful Things

• Meditation Room Setup Checklist (we can create one)

• Candle Studio Safety (we can create one)

• Monthly Volunteer Gathering dates (plug in your calendar link)