Volunteering

"If you go to a Lama, and they say to you, 'No, I’m not teaching Tibetan language, I’m not teaching books, I’m not teaching rituals, I’m not teaching meditation or retreats, or how to be a monk or nun.  I’m only teaching how to serve people,' then if you are kelwa sangpo, if you are a person of incredible good fortune, your heart leaps to hear it said.  We teach serving others.  You feel a chill up your spine.  You start to cry.  Finally, I found someone who is teaching the right thing.  And your heart knows that’s true. 

So when you come here to learn, you must think only, ‘I’m coming to serve.’  It’s such a relief to hear someone say it.

–Geshe Michael Roach, Diamond Mountain Spiritual Director

Motivation
In Tibetan they call it tun-kyen: all the conditions inside and outside of us that we need to actually reach Enlightenment, ourselves, before the day we die.

This is our vision for Diamond Mountain.  Being a volunteer at Diamond Mountain not only provides one with a place with these conditions, but also an opportunity to help create these conditions for generations to come. 

Volunteer Guidelines
The volunteers at Diamond Mountain have always formed a vibrant community.  It can be a very creative opportunity to bring one’s unique skills and assets to Diamond Mountain, and to help us form our future.  Above all, we believe it is imperative to bring your practice with you and to make this the foundation of your stay here. 

Prior to and upon arrival, volunteers must contact and meet with the volunteer coordinator.  This will provide an opportunity for the volunteers to have a general orientation, to learn about the Diamond Mountain property, and to be updated on the activities at Diamond Mountain (i.e. retreats, camping, quiet times / areas/ etc).

Volunteers at Diamond Mountain are asked to work an average of 20 hours per week. At present, Diamond Mountain does not have the sponsorship to offer wages or food in exchange for this service.  A campground is available to volunteers at no cost, with donations graciously accepted. Volunteers will start on a one month trial basis at which point their compatibility with the needs of Diamond Mountain will be re-assessed.  After the first month, a volunteer may choose to remain at DM for an additional 2 months and establish full-time volunteer status.

There are many ways to volunteer - if you would like to find out more please call the volunteer coordinator at (520) 847-1177 or email volunteers@diamondmtn.org.

All volunteers must sign the Agreement of Release and Waiver of Liability form and a Medical Information Form.