The Co-Tenzo Coordinators

Co-Tenzo Coordinator positions are training and service positions.

Oversees the practical aspects of running the kitchen, in cooperation with the Tenzo Resource Person and Program Steward:

Oversees the Weekend Tenzo program

• Encourages opportunities for Weekend Tenzo—be proactive.
• Assure monthly sign-up list is posted in advance on bulletin board.
• Coordinates Weekend Tenzo scheduling.
• If necessary, trains Weekend Tenzo in how to prepare a meal.
• Supports Weekend Tenzos with information re: food, staples available, quantities, spending limits, flow of weekend cooking, kitchen services, menu suggestions and other appropriate information.
• Is in touch with Program Steward for information about special programs on weekends.
• Maintains leftovers policy.

Arrange the physical plant, as needed, for kitchen operations.

Is a voice on policy matters which involve the kitchen; consults with others about changes regarding, or affecting, the kitchen.

Works in partnership with their Co-Tenzo Coordinator.

Is available as a resource for incoming Co-Tenzo Coordinator.

Supports ZCLA programs in appropriate ways.

Links with Resource Tenzo regarding shopping list on clipboard in kitchen.

Finds Co-Tenzo Replacement before their tenure comes to a close.

Collects and Processes Information

Maintains the Tenzo Program Resource Book which includes to:

• Revises “Co-Tenzo Coordinator” documents as needed.
• Includes vital practical information on safety, sanitation, etc.
• Inserts relevant quotations from Dogen’s Tenzo Kyokun.
• Maintains service instructions and other practice materials.
• Offers suggestions for cooks, menus, and other information.
• Maintains list of former Weekend Tenzos, members directory, and useful printed material from previous tenzos.

Kitchen Cleaning

Checks and clean the kitchen once a week:

• Each week, throws out previous week’s leftovers and/or spoiled (or soon to be spoiled) foods that cannot be used or served. Keeps the walk-in refrigerator and the small refrigerator neat and organized.
• Organizes and coordinates a major kitchen cleaning day every trimester, or for each 4-month cycle of Co-Tenzo Coordinator (minimum). Dates for each year are established on Center Calendar.

The Co-Tenzo Coordinator position as training

• Partners and links with partner Co-Tenzo Coordinator.
• Links with Shared Stewardship, Program Steward, Tenzo Resource and Sangha.
• Is mindful of Weekend Tenzo’s needs.
• Communicates with staff and Sangha.
• Initiates Tenzo Circle of former tenzos if necessary.
• Applies the Precepts in fulfilling this position.
• Studies and puts into practice the Tenzo Kyokun.
• Meets with the Tenzo resource person and the second Co-tenzo at the start of a new cycle.

Develops a Co-Tenzo Coordinator Project (Optional)

In discussion with Tenzos, staff, and other Sangha, such a project (or multiple small projects) may be taken on during your tenure as Co-Tenzo Coordinator. Examples: Refinish the counters, reorganize the kitchen, makes changes in kitchen ecology, compile a tenzo handbook, etc.