We graciously welcome volunteers and WWOOFers to come spend time working at Menla. Volunteering here is a great help to us and is in turn very rewarding for the volunteer. Typically we need the most help in the kitchen, garden/grounds, or housekeeping, although we occasionally need help with special projects and with video/audio recording of teachings.
For each full day the volunteer stays and attends one of our programs, the volunteer is expected to put in 3 hours of work. In exchange, the volunteer receives a 50% discount on meals and accommodations and a 50% discount on tuition.
The volunteer will be asked to work their hours during the duration of the retreat they are attending. Work-trade will be completed during afternoon free time and before or after program starts each day. Please note that volunteers may be asked to complete work-trade before and after the program begins or ends if there are not enough hours of free time during an event.
We try our best to schedule work-trade during program free time, however a volunteer may be expected to work while programming is in session if they are needed. If hour requirements are not met we will not be able to offer the discount.
We can only offer work trade & volunteer participation on programs by Tibet House US/Menla.
For each full day the volunteer stays at Menla, s/he is expected to put in 6 hours of work, five out of seven days a week. In exchange, the volunteer receives free room & board. Long term volunteers must go through an interview process before being offered a volunteer position.
Work: Gardening and weeding in the flower/vegetable beds or harvesting vegetables from the garden. Other task may include grounds keeping, kitchen prep, or housekeeping. Flyering and other promotional efforts for Menla in NYC, New Jersey, Massachussetts, and Connecticut may be an option for certain volunteer candidates.
Ability: Volunteers need to be physically capable and willing to do manual labor. They should bring appropriate clothing and footwear. The work is mostly physical labor; if you have any back issues or physical constraints please notify us.
Expectations: Volunteers and WWOOFers are to be friendly, helpful, flexible, and respectful of our community, as well as doing good work, whether working with staff or unsupervised.
Accommodations: Varies depending on room availability. We will most likely put you in a shared room with shared bathroom or a cabin tent with access to indoor bathrooms and showers.
Transportation: We can pick you up at the Phoenicia bus stop on the Adirondack Trailways bus line if you call in advance.
We cannot host children or pets.
We know you will enjoy your stay here at Menla, and we thank you in advance for your good work!
For more information about joining Menla as a WWOOFer, please visit our listing at www.wwoofusa.org
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us via this form below:
“It was a lovely weekend as it always is at Menla! Thank you. It truly is a special place in many ways. The people who work there and run the place really do make the difference, as they are all very nice and kind. I’ve been to other like places where that typically isn’t the case. I realized this past weekend that just being at Menla is simply awesome!”
Sasha Laumeister
“Of all the places I have traveled for retreats, Menla is the BEST!”
Sarah S.
“Menla is an amazing place to spend time. Delicious healthy food, comfortable bed, beautiful scenery, nature. Of course, some of my favorite teachers were there too… Krishna Das, Sharon Salzberg and climbing to the top Bob Thurman. Thanks to the staff who made it possible to enjoy such an inspiring place on this planet.”
Michael Stoker