Volunteering

We have many different volunteering options for you to make a difference!
Please check out all the opportunities below.

If you are interested in applying to volunteer at Gomde, please complete the online form via the link below. We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply here

Volunteering at Gomde

We are seeking:

* People with kind hearts and enthusiasm.

* People who want to help and are available to help.

* Those who have skills to share, and those who wish to learn new skills.

* Those with an aspiration that life can be lived in a different, more meaningful way.

* You may be inspired by the message of Buddhism which is to promote and practise kindness.

* You don’t have to be a Buddhist!

Making in difference

We have lots of different ways in which you can make a difference to Gomde UK, from offering just a few hours a week to becoming part of the resident community. If you are interested in getting involved in any of the volunteer opportunities detailed below, please click here and complete the online form in the first instance.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Areas where we currently need more volunteers

– Gardens: growing flowers, fruits, herbs and vegetables.
– Land and Conservation: e.g. tree felling, wood processing, and lots of mowing in the summer!
– Cooking: the kitchen provides three meals a day for residents, volunteers and guests.
– Housekeeping: keeping the premises clean and welcoming.
– Hospitality: preparing for and welcoming groups of guests arriving for events and retreats.
– Maintenance: vehicles, garden and land machinery, painting & decorating, plumbing, and DIY
– Building: small and big projects.
– Events team: supporting the welcoming of guests and preparing for retreats and seminars.
– Library: we have a significant collection of Buddhist books to catalogue and a sizeable library!
– Shop: our shop has a great selection of dharma items, books and practical items.
– Administration: computer-based office tasks to support all our activities.
– Volunteer Coordination: making sure Gomde is adequately staffed and volunteers are happy.
– Dharma: shrine hall cleaning and care.

Ways in which you can contribute

Day volunteers

Day volunteers usually live fairly locally to Gomde so they stay off-site and come in for a few hours, day(s) and sometimes daily to offer their time. Some day volunteers offer a few hours a week on a regular day. Many come once a week to support a particular area of our work. This can usually be on a day that suits you.

As much as possible, we aim to fit around your availability. Every day our resident cook and volunteer kitchen team provide a hearty lunch, often using ingredients grown by volunteers in our own gardens. All volunteers are invited for lunch. This is a sociable time for the community to come together and a way to appreciate our volunteers.

Volunteering from home

Having the opportunity and circumstances to ‘take time out’ and physically be at Gomde is not always possible. However it is possible to volunteer from a distance. We currently have a number of people who offer both major and ad hoc support to Gomde at a distance.

We currently have help with media and marketing, accountancy and bookkeeping, visa team, transcribing teachings, event management and preparation, fundraising and procurement for the shop. There are lots of ways you can support us remotely. If you have a skill that you would like to share and develop we would be delighted to hear from you.

Practitioner volunteer

If you are a Buddhist practitioner and/or wish to learn more about Buddhism, you could spend part of your time at Gomde focusing on that, and part of your time on volunteering. People who wish to deepen their practice in a supportive environment whilst also wanting to help are warmly welcomed. You would pay a non-commercial rate for your stay and offer agreed periods of service in any area that would suit you.

Short-term resident volunteers – full time

As a full-time short-term resident volunteer, you would usually be involved five days per week, 6–7 hours per day in an agreed range of activities. Your volunteer work would be arranged according to your interests, skills and Gomde’s needs. All resident volunteers are invited to join the community in group practices, use the library and meditation hall and explore the beauty and seclusion of the estate. We welcome volunteers who can offer a specific time period for volunteering. Ideally we look for a 1–3 month commitment from you in this role.

Short-term resident volunteers – part time

As a part-time short-term resident volunteer you can stay at Gomde and offer your skills to offset the costs of staying here. Typically we would ask you to contribute your time for 4 hours a day and half of the usual price for food and accommodation. Ideally we look for a commitment of at least two weeks in this role.

Residential (longer term) volunteers

We require good all-rounders to help in all areas, especially those that suit your skill set and interests. We are especially interested in resident volunteers who have an aspiration to help grow and sustain Gomde and all its activities including the resident community itself. We are keen for residential volunteers to offer a commitment of at least four months.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, please complete the online form via the link below.

Apply here

We look forward to hearing from you!