Volunteering at Spirit Rock is part meditative journey, part community-building, and part cosmic pay-it-forward. Whether you’re greeting retreatants, tidying the bookstore, or pulling weeds in the quiet company of nature, volunteering here doesn’t just waive program fees—it becomes part of your practice. Volunteers earn access to events and programs through an exchange of time:
Onsite daylongs: 4 total hours of service
Online daylongs: 2 total hours of service
Half-days and evening events: 2 total hours of service
Class series: 1-2 hours of service per class session
Non-residential multi-day event: 4 hours of service per event day
Find Your Path: Ways to Serve
Event volunteers manage registration, direct parking, and generally keep the day humming along. They’re the first to arrive, the last to leave, and—during breaks—can be found folding chairs or sweeping the hall with meditative precision.
In the bookstore, volunteers keep shelves stocked, assist with sales, and ensure seekers leave with wisdom in hand—whether it’s a beginner’s guide to mindfulness or a beautiful journal. For bibliophiles with a love of Dharma, it’s a dream job.
Retreat greeters are the calm amidst the arrival storm, answering questions, directing luggage, and easing participants into the rhythm of retreat life. (Bonus: golf cart driving experience is welcome, though not required.)
Land and trail care volunteers work magic outdoors, tending Spirit Rock’s expansive campus of gardens, trails, and open spaces: weeding, pruning, and clearing paths while nurturing the environment that supports so many.
If you’ve ever wanted to introduce children to the joys of meditation and mindful breathing, our family programs need you. Lead activities for kids aged 4 to 14, and witness the next generation discover stillness amidst their boundless energy.
Volunteering at Spirit Rock embodies the Buddhist principle of dana, or generosity. It’s a way to contribute to the transformational experiences of others while fostering your own sense of purpose and connection. And with the work exchange program, Spirit Rock’s offerings become accessible to a wider community, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of practice.
Volunteers often describe a special kind of reward: the friendships forged, the quiet satisfaction of contributing to the greater good, and the integration of mindfulness into the simple acts of everyday service. “What I enjoy most about volunteering is the opportunity to support participants in their journeys of self-discovery and mindfulness,” says Tehraleigh Martin, who assists during retreats and workshops. “It's incredibly rewarding to witness the positive impact that these practices have on people's lives.”
"I derive so much joy from my service at Spirit Rock," adds volunteer Martie Leys. "I welcome new retreatants and share their excitement as I orient them at the beginning of retreat and share the poignancy of their experience at the end."
If you're interested in incorporating ongoing service into your practice, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at (415) 488-0164 x227 or [email protected]. For more info, visit www.spiritrock.org/volunteer.