SERVICE AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Volunteer for 3-12 months through our Service and Volunteer Program.
For those interested in integrating yoga, Ayurveda, and service, the Art of Living Retreat Center invites you to apply for a program that’s rich in outward giving and inner discovery. Find the freedom promised in seva, or selfless service. Volunteers play a key role in our goal of providing a retreat center for guests to rest, rejuvenate, learn, and grow in a community of celebration and diversity.
We come to realize that the true measure of our lives is not how much we have gained for ourselves, but how much we have given. —Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
The Specifics
Volunteers contribute at least 35 hours of service per week in the following fields:
- Guest Services
- Program Coordinator
- Facilities and Grounds
- House-keeping
- Content Development
- Outreach
- Culinary Assistance and Dining Services
- Trails and Forestry
- Organic Farm and Garden
- Spa Therapy
- IT and AV (6-month minimum commitment)
When not doing service, volunteers engage in other great activities such as hiking, meditative chant, yoga, and meditation.
Inward Bound volunteers
After successfully completing three months of the program, graduates can join in an Art of Living Happiness Retreat. The Happiness Retreat fees are waived for those who complete the 3-month period. Also, the Meditation retreat is available at a discounted rate to participants new to meditation.
Housing and Food and Other Details
Housing and food are provided. Housing is shared in single-sex rooms in private rooms with bathrooms. The Center provides a wholesome diet of plant-based, vegetarian cuisine. If you have specific allergies, please e-mail us with your application. The Center offers the chance to serve in a unique, inspirational environment that also offers a perfect setting to look deeper into one’s life.
How to Apply
We will not be processing our volunteer applications until Summer of 2023. However, if you are interested in a Summer or Fall volunteer start date, we encourage you to apply now—we’ll reach out to you at that time. Thank you for your patience as we gradually reopen the Center after a year of being closed.
- Please apply though the online application form here, which includes a $35 application fee.
- Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Preference is given to applicants on a first come, first-reviewed basis—those who can commit for longer periods receive preferential status.
- A minimum commitment period of three months is requested.
Sample Day for Volunteers
| 8:00 | Breakfast |
| 9:30 | Work Meeting/Work |
| 12:30 pm | Meditation |
| 1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:45 | Work |
| 5:00 | Break |
| 6:00 | Dinner |
| 7:30 | Kirtan and Meditation |
Volunteers are asked to attend group practice to maximize their experience, Wednesday–Friday mornings. Some duties start and end at different times, or have a different rotation of on and off days, such as three days on, one day off. Volunteers have one full day off from the schedule (usually Tuesday) weekly.
Questions? Contact us at 800.392.6870 or [email protected].
