Volunteer at Menla

VOLUNTEER AT MENLA

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, maintenance or housekeeping departments, although we occasionally need help with special projects. Volunteer opportunities come in all forms, from local drop in regular volunteers to residential opportunities.

WWOOFing and Volunteering Requirements:

Vetting: All volunteers, regardless of length of commitment will go though an initial interview with the appropriate department head. Volunteers looking to stay longer than two weeks will go through a secondary interview with our general manager. Local volunteers will be invited up to do a trial work day to see if it is a good fit. All volunteers looking to stay with us long term, more than two weeks, will be placed on a two week trial for the beginning of their stay with us. If all feels good for both parties we will assess at the two week mark if it is the right fit for all.

Volunteer Exchange Agreement: Volunteers are expected to put in a minimum of 6 hours of work a day in exchange for meals and housing. This agreement varies for local candidates dependent upon availability. If a volunteer joins us for a week or more they are required to work a minimum of 30 hours a week, which is normally broken down into 5 days on, 2 days off.

Work: Most of our volunteer work is gardening and weeding in the flower/vegetable beds or harvesting vegetables from the garden. Other tasks may include grounds keeping, maintenance projects, kitchen prep, or housekeeping. Schedules normally start between 7 & 9 am and end between 1 & 3 pm.

Ability: Volunteers need to be physically capable and willing to do manual labor. Ideally folks should be able to lift 30-50 lbs. 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: We house all volunteers in our guest housing, many times in spaces with shared bathrooms. Note that housing varies depending on room availability.

Transportation: We offer a shuttle service from the Trailways of New York bus stop in Phoenicia. To arrange a shuttle service you can reach out to our front desk team.

Additional Guests: Volunteers are unable to bring additional guests on site during their stay.

*We cannot host children or pets.

Perks: Volunteer staff have access to many of the wonderful aspects of the Menla community. Folks can join our Menla/Tibet House US programs as long as the event occurs during your stay with us, swim in our beautiful pool and swimming pond, and enjoy our spa!

*Note we do not offer work trade options for events. Non Menla sponsored events or rental programs are not open to staff or volunteers unless otherwise noted.

WWOOFers: WWOOF volunteers are offered the same opportunities that Menla applicants are. For more information about joining Menla as a WWOOFer, please visit our listing at www.wwoofusa.org

We know you will enjoy your stay here at Menla, and we thank you in advance for your good work!

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us via this form below:

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“Having never gone to a spa or retreat, I heard this is the place to go. The mountains, the hiking trails, the wildlife, and the vastness of the place set up the parameters for a happy and interesting week. Every staff person I encountered could not have been more welcoming. One new employee said all the supervisors treat each other and other employees as well as they treat their guests. Vegetarian food is fresh and excellent. Wait ’till you see the modern yet traditional spa! The main house and guest rooms are lovely. I came to learn yoga from outstanding teachers and to relax and get some care taking. Mission accomplished.”

Karen D.

“To stay in the same place as His Holiness is a blessing and privilege. It is as if I could feel his love and tranquility vibrating all throughout.”

Vivian H.

“Being able to come to a place like this, being around so many open minded people, and being able to volunteer and give back to a place that gives people so much, has truly been an unforgettably life changing experience that I continue to be grateful for.”

Shayna D.

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