Volunteer
Make Friends and Make a Difference
Current Volunteers Needed
My name is Aaron Stern and I’m a UX designer working with SIMS on redesigning the website to be more user friendly for people seeking a meditation community. I’m new to SIMS myself and I bring that perspective with my design practice.
We are currently editing content, clarifying categories and improving the information architecture for the website. As we work through the content phase, we would benefit from somebody with graphic design experience to consult with us on:
1. Developing a sitewide color.
2. Iconography.
3. Wireframing template pages.
The following are some assumptions and expectations as we move forward:
A. We will need to finalize a color system that will communicate different class offerings.
B. I’d love some input on the use of icons in a design system.
C. I expect we will need a dozen or so reusable template pages for our content.
If you are able to share some time and energy with us in 2025 when we move into the visual interface design phase, please reach out to me and Cheryl Marland!
Description
Greeters and Managers for Monday Nights:
Volunteer as a Greeter or Manager for Monday nights (non AV role) – this is probably the easiest volunteer job. Volunteers gather about 20-30 minutes early to prepare the meditation hall and stay after the evening’s event for an additional 15-20 minutes to wish good night to attendees, count and record the dana, and return the Worship Hall to its original state.
Contact Cubba Reese at cubba.reese@seattleinsight.org
Description
You will be helping to provide our hybrid in-person & zoom for our Monday night sits, Introductory Meditation classes, Guest teacher events and weekend daylongs.
Set up & break down AV equipment for all Hybrid events. Training and documentation is provided. For training you would need to come in at about 5:30 PM on a Monday night and we’d do it together. After that you could arrive between 6 and 6:20, depending on your level of proficiency. It gets fast with experience. Breakdown takes about 15 minutes, we’re all out of there by 9:15 PM on Monday nights.
It’s a fun and rewarding job and you will not be asked to do this on your own until you are confident that you can. Normally this is a 2-person crew.
Times & Frequency
Most hybrid events including our regular Monday nights require about 2.5 – 3 hours. We all work out our shifts together using a spreadsheet and email.
Contact Cheryl Marland at cheryl.marland@seattleinsight.org
Description
This role is entirely remote (not in person), providing Zoom support during sangha meetings. You will be part of a team on a rotating schedule, supporting Monday evening meetings and online weekend retreats, which usually go from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday. If you have experience hosting Zoom meetings, we’d love to hear from you. Training will be provided on security procedures, managing breakouts, etc., depending on the kinds of events you are willing to support.
Frequency
Flexible, but about twice a month, 2 hours each.
Contact Ken Yasuhara at ken@seattleinsight.org
Registrar Duties
The registrar team (3-4 people) meets and volunteers remotely from home, supporting Seattle Insight’s classes and retreats. Team members collaborate with each other, other volunteers, teachers, and attendees, to smooth out the road to liberation. (Or to laugh at the un-smooth!) Humor, flexibility, affection, and cooperation are hallmarks of this team. Overall commitment: 5-8 hours/month, with more hours before an event and almost none when no event is scheduled.
Please contact lead registrar Martha for more information: registrar@seattleinsight.org
Description
Most often the day-long retreats and evening Dharma talks are held at Seattle Insight Meditation Center.
For day-long retreats: One day assignment; volunteers are requested to arrive 45–60 minutes early to do room set up and/or take down, to set up tea supplies, and get the hot water going. You will also staff the greeter table, register attendants, and answer questions.
For evening Dharma talks: helpers are needed to do room set up and/or take down, and to staff the greeter table. For the day-long and evening opportunities, a manager will be on site to give guidance; no prior experience necessary.
Frequency
Periodic and ongoing.
Description
Six week assignment for Seattle Insight sangha members who have already completed the Seattle Insight’s introductory meditation class. One or two volunteers will work together to staff the greeter table during a six week introductory series. Includes registering participants and giving information and assistance. Classes are available at Seattle Insight’s home in the University District as well as Kirkland.
Need to arrive 30-40 minutes early and stay after to clean up. In addition to bringing the Dharma to others, benefits include attending for free.
Frequency
Up to 3 times per year. See the home page under classes for the next series start date.
Description
Help edit and process our audio and/or video recordings for sharing on our website. General comfort with computing is required, but experience with audio/video editing is optional, and all needed training will be provided. Other Seattle Insight volunteers take the recordings, so this role is only for editing and processing and can be done on a flexible schedule. We record at least two events per week, including all non-residential retreats.
Frequency
Minimum desired commitment of 1–2 hours per month, timing flexible.
Contact Ken Yasuhara at ken@seattleinsight.org
Time: 4 – 10 hours/month
Contact: Cheryl Marland
Description: Create and send out monthly announcements, special emails and quarterly newsletters with Mailchimp.
Desired skills: Mailchimp, digital graphics
Commitment and responsibility level: High commitment and responsibility. Prefer someone who is willing to commit for at least a year.
Time: 5 – 10 hours/month
Contact: Cheryl Marland
Description: create and update web pages using Elementor
Desired skills: Elementor and WordPress
Commitment and responsibility level: Prefer someone who is willing to commit for at least a year.
Time: 5 – 10 hours/month
Contact: Cheryl Marland
Description: Create GA4 reports based on organizational needs
Desired skills: GA4 and Google Tag Manager
Commitment and responsibility level: Prefer someone who is willing to commit for at least a year.
Time: 5 – 10 hours/month
Contact: Cheryl Marland
Description: create social media posts
Desired skills: Social Media, digital graphics,
Commitment and responsibility level: Prefer people who attend sangha somewhat regularly to have a feel for the pulse of the sangha and be aware of what’s happening and coming up.
Volunteering is the Heart of Seattle Insight, which thrives as a sangha because of the participation of our members. Our programs are possible only through the dedication, commitment and generosity of our volunteers.
We need your help to continue to offer sits, talks, classes, and retreats. Volunteering facilitates deeper connections and is an easier way to make new friends in the sangha. If you have special skills, talents and/or a willingness to learn, consider volunteering. We welcome both in-person and online volunteers who may be living outside of Seattle or are unable to travel easily.
We especially need Greeters and AV volunteers. You are the Dhamma angels who make our gatherings possible for everyone! Please consider practicing generosity in this way. It’s fun!
Some additional benefits of volunteering at Seattle Insight:
- Attend the events you volunteer at for free.
- Enjoy special volunteer-only daylong retreats and events taught by a Guiding Teacher.
- Develop friendship and connection with like-minded people.
- Find a deepened sense of belonging and ownership in our community.
We invite you to review the volunteer roles currently open arranged by the type of role with an estimated time commitment. If one sparks your interest, reach out to us for a conversation and more information.
