Volunteer
Samu (work practice) is an important part of Zen training. There are a number of ways to volunteer your time and energy here at the Zen Center and they are all greatly appreciated. Our facilities manager often has projects that could benefit from an extra set of hands during the week. This might include working in the native plant gardens or a special cleaning project. The greatest need for volunteering, however, often involves the kitchen.
Cook in the ZCLA Kitchen
The ZCLA kitchen is maintained by three different offices: the Co-Tenzo Coordinators, the Tenzo Resource Person, and the Volunteer Cooks. Each of these positions is considered a training element of Shared Stewardship. Most members start their support of the kitchen by volunteering to cook meals, either on Sundays or during training periods like Zazenkai or Sesshin.
For more information and guidelines for Sunday lunch volunteering, please click here.
Practitioners who have a special interest in kitchen activities, or in deepening their involvement in the Shared Stewardship process, are encouraged to step up to an eight-month term as a Co-Tenzo Coordinator. For more information check here.
The Tenzo Resource Person is an experienced practitioner who holds the wisdom of the kitchen for an undefined period of time. This position is usually held by one of the ZCLA residents. For more information check here.
If you are interested in supporting a Zazenkai or a Sesshin, or to inquire about other ZCLA volunteering opportunities, please contact the Program Steward.