How can I help at the Denver Center?

The Shambhala Meditation Center of Denver relies on and greatly appreciates the inspiration, energy, and talents of many volunteers who share in making our offerings available in Denver and beyond. These contributions are part of what is known in the Shambhala community as “creating enlightened society.”

We welcome members and non-members alike to volunteer according to their interests. This includes staffing meditation practice, weekly classes, weekend retreats, and ongoing support and leadership positions. Outlined below are some of the ways you may contribute as a volunteer and also deepen your practice and connection. Please feel free to contact us if you have a skill to offer that you don’t see listed.

We are currently using Google for volunteer sign ups. When you click on the links below, look at the top of the document. Select “Open with” and then “Google Sheets.” You will then be able to add, revise or remove your information.


SUNDAY MORNING TEAMS: 2024: click here

Join a team to staff a Sunday morning group meditation session once a month. This can be in person at the Denver Center or as part of the online Zoom team. We also welcome rovers. Please email your interests and availability to [email protected] with SUBJECT: Sunday Team. We’ll be in touch!


TEACHING CIRCLE: Meditation Instructors, 2024: click here

 


TEAMS: SMCD uses Sociocracy as our governance model.

Listed below are the current Teams (and active sub-Teams) along with the Team Lead contact name (current as of December 2023).

  • Administration – Jackie R.
    • Finance – Carolyn and Todd P.
    • Audio Visual, Information Technology and Facilities – Norman H.
    • 2023 Year-End Generosity Campaign Team – Gary F., Juliette J.B., Kathy M-G.
  • Communications – Larry S.
    • E-newsletter, social media, website
  • Going Forward Together (GFT) – Brian P.
    • Sociocracy training and SMCD governance model
  • Health & Well-Being  – Norman H.
    • Care and Conduct contact, caregiving resources for illness and end-of-life, community social events
  • JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) – Jackie L.
  • Membership – Carolyn P.
  • Programming – Kathy M-G.

 

If you would like to learn more or join any of these Teams, or are interested in learning more about Sociocracy, please contact [email protected].

 


Some general information about our volunteer opportunities

SMCD Administration, AV/IT and Facilities Maintenance
Lend your hand with housekeeping in our kitchen, sacred & community space. Assist our audio-visual set-up and management. Support special events with set-up & takedown. Keep our outside space clean and maintained. Provide facilities upkeep and general building maintenance. Share Shambhala by hosting a public meditation or helping with Open Houses and community events.

Community Celebrations and Programs
Major seasonal celebrations include Shambhala Day, Midsummer’s Day, Harvest of Peace, Children’s Day and more.

Contemplative Arts
Contemplative Arts include a variety of marvelous disciplines such as Kalapa Ikebana, Kyudo Archery, Miksang photography, Maitri Five Wisdom practice, contemplative writing practice, and many other activities that integrate art and culture with everyday life.

Programming, Practice and Education
Events include meditation practice supported by authorized staff who have completed required training. Umdzes serve as the timekeeper for public meditation, community celebrations, and special programs. Meditation Instructors lead Open House orientation and group meditation instruction.

Way of Shambhala staffing is a great way to review and manifest the practice and teachings. Graduates of Shambhala Training Level III are invited to aide any Way of Shambhala program that they have already attended. Once aides have some experience with staffing, they may begin to coordinate programs if they wish.