Dear Sangha Members,

I’d like to introduce myself as your new Volunteer Coordinator, responsible for connecting those of you who would like to participate in the various areas of our mandala - whether for the first time or in a new area of service - with our needs. The opportunities include both ongoing positions and “as needed volunteers.” You will probably be hearing from me by email and phone telling you about various opportunities for service. I am happy to go over all the areas of the mandala to see what might be the right fit for you. Feel free to let me know which areas interest and excite you and where you feel you might be best utilized in the unfolding of our enlightened society.

We have positions across the Mandala that we would like staff as soon as we can to give support to the directors of these programs.

VISITING TEACHER COORDINATOR - coordinates 3 to 4 events per year between the teacher’s secretary and the Center (event coordinator, housing, Kasung, publicity, and Head of Practice); approx. 5-10 hours/week in the month prior to each visit. A great opportunity to meet the teachers!

THURSDAY NIGHT PUBLIC PROGRAM COORDINATOR - staffs teacher, leader and host positions from an established base of volunteers for each of the 4 evening programs per month. Assists as needed with access to DVDs or other materials and, if possible, developing topics for the Intro to Dharma talks. Approx. 4 hours/month.

FINANCE DEPUTY - provides support to the Finance director Patsy in managing the Center’s accounts, e.g. paying invoices, tracking charges, managing Quickbooks, developing budgets, and leading other members of the mini-mandala (team). Opportunity to become next Finance Director, a Council-level position. Approx 3 hours/week.

PROGRAMS REPORTING AND CORRESPONDENCE - receives community enquiries for Finance information and responds or forwards to other mini-mandala mates as required; compiles and reports income and expenditure statements for individual programs. Approx 2 hours/week.

MEMBERSHIP LIAISON - is a member of the Finance mini-mandala who provides financial service support to the Membership Coordinator by arranging for direct deposit of dues, sending out monthly reminders to those not on direct deposit, sending out year-end total contributions for tax purposes, and tracking member dues payments. Approx. 2 hours/week.

DONOR UNDERWRITING COORDINATOR - identifies and creates opportunities for underwriting in collaboration with the leaders of the other mini-mandalas (departments) and key volunteers; solicits and acknowledge donors, tracks payments, and provides reporting of underwriting activity to Finance and Development Director. Approx. 5 hours/month

DONOR RELATIONS MANAGER - identifies and secures approval for donor incentives; conceives, coordinates and supports development activities; Approx. 3 hours/month

If you think you can help please email la@shambhala.org and use Shambhala Volunteer in the subject heading.

Yours in the Great Eastern Sun,

Valerie Landsburg