Work-Exchange

A limited number of work-exchange positions are available to Crew Leaders who volunteer at seminars. Key activity areas are supervised by a Crew Leader. Each Crew has a leader and a Gomde staff member who provides oversight and direction. Crew leadership is an excellent opportunity to become closer to the Gomde mandala, to practice generosity and mind training (lojong) and to develop friendships within the sangha. These positions qualify for various seminar and camping discounts which vary per program.

Each Crew Leader is responsible for his or her area and supervises a varying number of Yogi Job volunteers in completing assigned tasks. Crew Leaders arrive one day early and stay one day late to prepare and shut down their area. During this first day, Crew Leaders will receive an orientation for their position from the Gomde staff person most familiar with the area in question. Everyone is encouraged to apply for a job for which they have interests and/or abilities. Please read the duties and requirements of each position described below; some require physical labor.

Click here to complete the Crew Leader application form.

Preference is given to those who volunteer during the year and/or attend Gomde and related events. Full seminar payment must be made in advance; there is no refund if you cancel from either the seminar or the position.

Work-Exchange Positions

Please read the descriptions of the following positions to identify which areas may interest you and be suitable.

1. Kitchen Crew Leader
The Kitchen Crew is responsible for supporting the cook with food preparation, stocking, and inventory. This involves general food prep under the Cook’s direction, washing sensitive equipment, keeping surfaces and areas tidy and personnel to a minimum while Cook works. The Crew Leader supervises 2-3 yogis to help in these tasks. The Crew Leader reports and confers with the Cook for the day’s meals and needs and coordinates this with Dining Tent, Back Kitchen and Breakfast Crew Leaders. Knowledge and skill with food preparation and team cooperation is required.

2. Dining Tent Crew Leader
The Dining Tent Crew is responsible for the maintenance of the dining tent, the attractive service of meals, and the coordination of dining services with Back Kitchen and Kitchen Crews. This involves preparation and stocking of the Dining Tent with the needed utensils, appliances, dining and serving ware, tables, and decorations. The Crew Leader reports and confers with the Kitchen Crew Leader and Cook for the day’s meals and needs and supervises 4-6 Yogis.  An interest in gracious meal times is appreciated.

3. Back Kitchen Crew
The Back Kitchen Crew is responsible for the cleaning of all kitchen and serving wares including towels and the interface of the Dining and Kitchen Crews. This involves operation of the commercial dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, the organization of said wares, cleaning and maintenance of the back kitchen area (includes dishwasher, sinks, hallway), and garbage collection. The Crew Leader reports and confers with the Kitchen, Dining Tent, and Grounds Crew Leaders for the day’s needs.

4. Shrine Crew Leader
The Shrines Crew is responsible for the maintenance of the Buddha Hall and Sangha House Shrine Room, ceremonial activities there in and the comfort of Rinpoche, Lamas, discussion leaders, and guests while in these areas. This involves preparation and stocking of both areas with the needed implements, beverage services, furnishings and decorations. There will be 2-4 yogis assigned at seminar registration to help throughout the day. Crew leader will work with Gomde Lamas.  An interest in Lama Service is desirable. A car is helpful as items will need to be transported during the day.

5. Grounds Crew Leader
The Grounds Crew is responsible for the health and safety issues of seminar maintenance of the facilities, equipment and land. This involves cleaning and stocking of the portapotties, refuse and waste management, equipment repair and support for the Gomde Land Manager Lee Rust. There will be 2-3 yogis assigned at seminar registration to help throughout the day. A car is helpful.

6. Amenities Crew Leader
The Amenities Crew is responsible for those services which promote comfort, safety, and a friendly atmosphere during the seminar. This involves maintaining shuttle services, river safety, afternoon cafe, amenities, and residential services. There will be 6-8 yogis assigned at seminar registration to help throughout the day. Ability to drive a flat bed truck is necessary and to maintain a cheerful disposition is needed.

7. Administrative Assistant
This position provides a variety of support to Gomde staff and seminar staff. It includes helping with on-site registration, sign-up sheets, flyers, and other copying for seminar activities. Other duties include acting as a liaison with the Seminar Manager and Asst. Seminar Manager and trouble-shooting needs as they arise. Some office work, filing, phone work may also be involved such as checking phone messages and relying messages to appropriate individuals. Joanne Brion and/or Rhonda LoPresti would be the staff person overseeing this position. It may include managing additional yogi job volunteers.

8. Extended Yogi Jobs

Discounts are also available to those who are unable to commit to a CrewLeader position, yet would like to serve i na signficant way. These postions usually invole helping the Crew Leader throughout the day, during the breaks. Discounts for this service are available and vary depending on the amount of work needed. Please contact the registrar@gomdeusa.org for availability.

Scholarships

Partial scholarships are available for some programs and are awarded on the basis of need. Applicants are encouraged to consider applying for Crew Leader or Extended Yogi Jobs prior to submitting a scholarship request form. Priority goes to those who have not received scholarships in the past. At minimum the applicant will need to contribute the deposit fee. Scholarships will be awarded by the seminar manager and program director.

Scholarships cover program fees only. Transportation and other costs will need to be covered by the applicant.  If you feel you might qualify for the scholarship program, please fill out the Scholarship Application Form and mail or email it along with your registration form and deposit fee for the seminar in question. The deposit fee will be refunded if you are not awarded a position and you are unable to attend. If you have any questions, contact registrar@gomdeusa.org.