2021 Update
We look forward to reopening the Retreat Center in October and the Forest Refuge in November! There are currently no volunteer openings available. We will update this page when we resume the Volunteer Program. Please feel free to check back from time to time, and thank you for your patience!
Opening day support
Volunteer to greet participants arriving for each new Retreat Center course or to lead tours of the facility. These are fun and welcoming activities!
Closing day support
Help provide a clean, tidy and harmonious Retreat Center environment – support Housekeeping at the end of retreats. Volunteer to take care of the meditation hall, guest and teacher rooms, and laundry.
Administrative support
Volunteer to assist with mailings, data entry and simple office tasks.
Gardening support
Help sustain the beautiful IMS landscape – see further information.
To apply
Qualified applicants will have previous IMS retreat experience of at least one week. Those wishing to join our gardening volunteers only are required to have sat one weekend retreat.
If you would like to volunteer, please apply:
- Volunteer Application Form (PDF)
- Volunteer Application Form (Interactive PDF; requires Adobe Reader XI)
Please return your completed form to:
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Insight Meditation Society
1230 Pleasant Street
Barre MA 01005
Phone: 978-355-4378 ext. 225
Email: volunteer@dharma.org
You will be contacted shortly after we receive your application. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Gardening
Calling all green thumbs and enthusiastic helpers – come and get your hands dirty! Join the team of garden volunteers who care for our beautiful IMS landscape.
Meet other sangha members while spending time in the great outdoors. Enjoy lunch, a short meditation period and working mindfully together while making a wonderful contribution for all to enjoy.
In the spring, summer and early fall, monthly work days in the main Retreat Center garden start at 9 a.m. No gardening experience is necessary, but you do need to submit a volunteer application. Note that IMS retreat experience of at least one weekend is required to participate.
You’ll find links to our volunteer application above. For more information, please contact our HR & Executive Assistant at volunteer@dharma.org.
2021 Gardening Days
All of the 2021 Gardening Days have been cancelled because of our extended closure due to COVID-19. We look forward to seeing you in 2022. Until then, may you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy during this extraordinary time.
