Volunteers live at Nyingma Institute and walk to work (20 minutes) at Mangalam Centers in downtown Berkeley. 

Volunteer program includes meals, shared accommodations, a living allowance of $150 per month and evening classes. All volunteers participate in the upkeep and cleanliness of the buildings and grounds. It is a full-time commitment. It is not possible to hold down a job or attend regular outside commitments.

Living Allowance Volunteers receive a living allowance of $150 per month which commences 2 weeks after a volunteer's arrival date.

Participants who are not US citizens may not, under the law receive the living allowance. In some cases we are able to reimburse documented living expenses. If you are not a US citizen, we will discuss this with you at the time of your application.

Work holidays: We work year round including most holidays except for a winter break. Winter break 2010 will be from Dec. 19, 2010 until January 3, 2011. Volunteers who apply in the Fall of 2010 for a commitment which extends into 2011 must make alternate arrangements for the winter break period.

We accept volunteers throughout the year with the exception of the late Fall. The last entry date for volunteers is the first week of November.

Weekly Schedule: We have a six day work week, Monday through Saturday. All residents are also assigned a weekly chore and meal clean-up duty outside of regular work hours. Sundays are free for chores, errands, art and craft projects, practice and study.

More Details on daily schedule, housing, meals, volunteer expenses, internet and phone accessibility, drug and smoking policy (pdf).

© 2010 Nyingma Centers