We often talk about wearing hats out here, "It's hot today, where's your hat?" or "Oh, we're wearing our Sautrantika hats when we study this verse." And we each wear lots of different hats every day: friend, chef, teacher, plumber, meditator, chai-tea drinker, dry-waller, roofer, mudder, driver - you get the picture.
Recently I was asked to wear a particular hat - the Volunteer Coordinator Hat. Ahhhhhh! This hat is fun to wear, sometimes a little heavy, and it does seem to be very attached to my head. I like this hat. And I like to call all of us who volunteer here, "Diamond Mountaineers."
Gaining a full understanding of each cabin site and the volunteer needs is a big task. Schedules vary from site to site - some are just finishing framework while others are ready to install light fixtures and cabinets. We've got straw bale, earth bag, stick-built and adobe brick structures. Plus, retreatants are utilizing a variety of alternative energy, desert gardening, and alternative sewage plans. There's a big need for a wide range of skilled and unskilled help. And that's where you come in
We need you to come wear a hat! I've had the joy of working with a core group of 20 Diamond Mountaineers who dedicated their summer working on 24 cabins or cabin sites. The math tells you that it's slow. That's why we need you – with your hands and help we will progress quickly. And if you don't have a hat, we'll lend you one.
Come for 2 days or the next 4 months. If you're planning to be here for the September teachings, come a week early, or stay a month after classes end. For those not able to be away from home or work for an extended period, try this: sponsor someone you know who's always wanted to do something like this. Reach out in your local community to a college student, your favorite coffee barista, or friend-of-a-friend and sponsor them. Be creative! I remember my first day on the land and how fortunate I've been to return again and again. You can offer that experience to someone you know.
As the Volunteer Coordinator, I'm here to help you make plans and match you up with a position where you will enjoy investing your interests and skills. You're welcome to contact me at any time with questions, ideas and advice.
The retreatants need your help. The builders can use your help. I would like your help. Please use the "CONTACT" button at the top right of this page and let me know how you would like to get involved to finish the retreat cabins.
Here's to you trying on a new hat!
