Volunteer Coordinator (Volunteer)

Dear Nalanda Community,
Let me introduce myself as the new Nalanda Institute volunteer coordinator.

My name is Lori Capra, I am a new member of the Nalanda community.  I thought this might be a great way to dive in and get to know some of you.

At this point I am looking to collect names of those interested in volunteering for any future projects, tasks, or events. The items will be identified as they come up and I will send out a call.  I can be reached at loribcapra@yahoo.com, 360-451-3179. When projects come up I will either reach out via email or text. (You can request either or both.)

If you want to be contacted about future projects, please provide the information you feel comfortable sharing, and send in an email or text. (above)

• * Name
• * Contact preference, email? Text?
• * Availability if you want to note.

Please list your work interests:

• * Facility maintenance
• * Gardening
• * Event support
• * Meeting support
• * Administrative support, website, outreach…
• * Sanctuary freshening, flowers and neaten

*Tell me if you are a solitary-style worker or if you like group projects.

*Also note any specialties you might have that could support the Nalanda Institute, or any tools you are excited to share when needed.

*If you would like to help with transport for events if needed, do you have a vehicle that could be helpful?

*Are you interested in supporting other community members with rides?

Thank you in advance for considering.  Questions?  Feel free to send them along with your info.  I will be compiling a comprehensive list of folks interested in helping out and spending time with the Sangha.  he volunteer opportunities will arise throughout the year and you may plug in when it works for your flow of life.

If I do reach out to you, of course you are always welcome to decline with no explanation expected.

Property & Maintenance Coordinator (Volunteer)

Help care for the buildings that support both the dharma center and its rental housing.  This volunteer helps develop a routine maintenance plan, documents important property information in a handbook, and organizes volunteers for small maintenance projects.  The role also involves bringing ideas for larger improvements to the board and coordinating with professionals when needed.  Contact Board Treasurer Quita

Publicity

Create and distribut posters around town for our Center.  Drop a note to Nalanda if you can help!

Recording & Posting Teachings

Sound recording and adding recordings to our website.  Currently we have a backlog of recordings of teachings and such, and could use help from a technically skilled volunteer to take this on long-term.

Drop a note to Nalanda if you can help!

Are You a Graphic Artist?

If you are skilled with computer graphics, and would like to donate some assistance to Nalanda, please drop a line to Jan at Nalanda.

Washington Corrections Center
Shelton Prison Dharma Outreach

The Buddhist Meditation group at Washington Corrections Center in Shelton ​is asking for community meditators to attend their meditation and dharma study group.  The ​men of the ​group lead​​ the​ practice which includes meditation and discussion of dharma books and videos​. ​ To learn​ more about visiting ​the​ group please email​ Kathy at: chaimyung2@gmail.com.

Kathy also sends PDFs of Buddhist teachings to WCC Chaplain Carnahan.  He is able to print them and share with the prisoners, who do not themselves have internet access.  The men have been without volunteer-led meditation groups since Bob and Zach were there in early 2020, and for much the past year without family visits.  Many have been infected with C-19.

Do you have any Dharma texts that you would consider donating to this outreach? Or can you suggest resources or links for printed material that might be helpful? Get in touch with Kathy (email is above) to make arrangements.

Hospice Without Borders

Hospice Without Borders is located at 1713 State Ave NE, 98506.
Contact David Slack, 360-556-4974, regarding the following volunteer opportunities:

END OF LIFE CARE TRAINING

PRESENT TO DYING: A community based contemplative care program for beginners.
This 4 week annual program is held in the tradition of council practice and aims to improve our capacity to and be present to and care for people in our lives facing death, including ourselves.

PALLIATIVE CARE AS PEACEBUILDING IN RWANDA

An international hospice experience
We offer those committed to deepening their practice an international volunteer opportunity to bear witness to suffering and work directly with patients in the African country of Rwanda.

SHELTER MEALS IN OLYMPIA

We do accept volunteers for preparing our Sunday shelter meals for homeless at Unity Commons

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

For members of the community.  We want to inform you that we do have a limited amount of medical supplies available for people living with incurable illness.  Please inquire with Dr. David Slack at 360-556-4974.

Dog Park Stewards Needed

Olympia Parks seeks volunteer stewards willing to commit to 4 hours a month for at least 6 months at three new dog parks (Ward Lake, Evergreen, and McLane).  Flex your Bodhisattva muscles and contact Amy Stull of the Park Stewardship Program at 360-753-8258.

Volunteers in Parks

Olympia Parks is reopening volunteer work parties!  Registration is required, to facilitate appropriate pandemic precautions.  It's a great way to spend time outdoors, doing something to benefit the environment and park users for generations to come.  There may be an opportunity near your home.  Check the schedule here.

Crisis Clinic

Volunteer training for "Crisis Advocates" is now an in-home experience.  To volunteer, complete an application and they will contact you to figure out how best to use your time.  Their recent mailing says, "You can't pour from an empty cup".  Volunteering is one way to fill your own cup while filling the cups of others in need.

Dispute Resolution Center Mediation Trainings

The Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County offers a series of beginning and advanced trainings in mediation for people interested in learning the philosophy, process, and practice of community mediation. Scholarships are available for this year's 40-hour professional mediation trainings. See Dispute Resolution.

No One Dies Alone Volunteer Companion Program

Three Nalanda members currently volunteer for this program through Providence, providing vigils or reassuring bedside companionship to those who might otherwise die alone.  To learn more, talk to Claire or call Providence Spiritual Care at 360-493-7240.  A training is required.

Hospice Volunteer Training

Providence Hospice Volunteers must attend training sessions. The training covers hospice philosophy and end of life education. Volunteers interact with patients and families in many creative ways to enhance their lives. You can work close to where you live.

Interfaith Works

Interfaith Works -- of which Nalanda is a member -- has several activities that could use volunteer help, such as the annual homeless census.  Check their "Selections! IW Community Calendar.  One additional click is necessary to download the calendar.

Community Care Center

SideWalk aims to end homelessness, and partners with Interfaith Works and other organizations at the Providence Community Care Center.  Volunteers are needed in many capacities, and training is provided.  Contact Sidewalk

Thurston County Food Bank

From packing groceries to picking produce, and more!  Volunteer daytime shifts are available nearly every day of the week, with two evenings per month and limited seasonal opportunities on weekends.

The best way for individuals to start is to attend a Volunteer Orientation and Tour, which are held the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 3 - 4 PM (so Dec. 19, Jan. 2 and 16, etc.).

Olympia Parks

The Volunteer in Parks program is a great way to learn about Olympia's parks and help them stay healthy and beautiful.  A good entry point is to join a work party--all abilities welcome.  For exapmple in December, work parties occured at Ellis Cove in Priest Point Park, Yashiro Japanese Garden, the Springwood Parcel (formerly Zabel's rhododendron garden), and West Bay Park.  Tools, gloves and some refreshments are provided.  For work parties, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet and muddy.  This could be a good family activity because all ages are welcome, but there are special requirements for those under age 18.

Check the Parks webpage. That website also has a link to Upcoming Work Parties.  Email Jan Vleck about his experience.