Southern Dharma is welcoming volunteers who are able to serve for 2-3 consecutive weeks in 2025, for 20 hours per week on average. Volunteers must be capable of lifting 50 pounds and be comfortable moving over uneven terrain. Participants should plan to bring indoor and outdoor work clothes, water-repellent work shoes or boots, indoor shoes or slippers, an outdoor hat, rain gear, and plenty of clothing layers to keep warm and comfortable through weather changes and fluctuating temperatures.
In addition to ample self-guided practice opportunities, each day will include periods of group meditation instruction and practice, working meditation shifts, meals, free unstructured time, and optional socializing. Volunteers are not required to have prior meditation retreat experience, though some basic exposure to meditation techniques is certainly helpful.
This program fee is sliding scale based on your ability to give. We suggest a contribution of $150 per week (minimum 2 week commitment), which includes room, board, and access to facilities.
We deeply appreciate our volunteers. Southern Dharma could not operate without your contributions of time, unique skills, and most importantly, your practice which flows through it all.
Interested in becoming one of Southern Dharma’s 2025 Volunteers? Fill out the interest form here.
If you only have time to serve for one retreat, consider serving as a Retreat Volunteer.
If you'd like to volunteer for just one week with a group of participants, consider registering for a Volunteer Week. See retreat schedule for dates and further details.
Experienced practitioners who are able to commit to at least 6 weeks on site can also apply for our Residency Program.
