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Volunteering at The Centre

Working together to run the Centre is an important way of deepening our involvement with each other and the Dharma (the Buddha’s teaching). Whilst spiritual leadership is provided by Order Members, there are many ways for eveyone to take an active role in running the Centre. 

Saturday morning team

This team supports the Order Members that lead the Introduction to Meditation and Buddhism gateway through which most people first engage with the Centre. Supporting these sessions is a great way to deepen your appreciation of, and engagement with, the Dharma and connect with people. If you would like to volunteer for this team it is best to speak to the Order member that normally leads that session.  Currently Ariyanavata.

Shrineroom kula

The Shrineroom kula maintains and refreshes the shrine. They create shrines appropriate to particular festival days and generally keep the shrine looking inspirational. Irene or Abs is a good person to speak to about the Shrineroom kula

Community Action kula

The Community Action kula organises our joint effort to live the Dharma through practical local action. Each June it takes a lead in Buddhist Action Month and continues the effort through the year with other initatives. There is more about this kula on the Community Action page. Dayasara, Nick or Sue Double are good people to talk to about this kula. communityaction@ipswichbuddhistcentre.org.uk

Communications & Engagement kula

This kula plays a key role for the Centre by publicising the Centre’s activities to the wider population as well as promoting good and effective communication between members of our Sangha. We produce newsletters and emailshots, manage the website, create posters and deal with press and media enquiries. We also lead the Centre’s outreach events such as Meditation in the Park. The kula is always pleased to hear from people who would like to help especially if you have graphic design, media or WordPress skills. Eric, Ruth or Wendie are good people to speak to about this kula. Or email publicity@ipswichbuddhistcentre.org.uk

Maintenance kula

The maintenance kula helps to maintain and develop our building. This can range from small repairs to decorating and DIY. We generally meet for a ‘Maintenance Day’ at the Centre a few times a year. Swadipa, Viryamati or Carumani are good people to talk to about this kula.

Centre Cleaning kula

Our Centre is kept clean by our wonderful cleaning kula who take turns to clean the Centre (about once every two weeks). It is a lovely way to support the Centre and our Sangha. If you would like to help, Nick Green is a good person to speak to.

Fundraising

The future development of our Centre depends not only of the vision and energy of our Sangha but on our success in raising the money we need to resource it. If you would like to get involved with fundraising Bodhivamsa is a good person to speak to. 

Other roles

Other crucial roles are fulfilled by a few people such as cleaning and shopping. When help is needed with these a message is often posted on the volunteer channel of our Slack service. Slack is a messaging app we use to help us run the Centre. Send an email to publicity@ipswichbuddhistcentre.org.uk if you would like to be added to Slack.

The Council

The day to day management of the Centre is in the hands of a committee which includes Order Members and Mitras who are training for ordination. 

Your ideas

If you have ideas about how you might help the Centre please have a word with an Order Member. Don’t wait to be asked. We appreciate every offer of support! 

Volunteer Handbook

Everyone volunteering at the IBC is required to engage with volunteer training based upon our Volunteer Handbook which covers health. safety and safeguarding matters. 

Download Volunteer Handbook

If you wish to email anybody mentioned above and don’t have their email address just send a message here addressed for their attention. They will be delighted to hear from you. enquiries@ipswichbuddhistcentre.org.uk