This is an application to volunteer in a secluded spiritual community. Please carefully review the details page before applying. We ask personal questions to ensure the compatibility, health and safety of all our volunteers. Odiyan is a non-smoking facility. Please do not apply if you are currently smoking or have recently quit smoking.
The minimum age to apply is 22. We cannot accept children or pets. Couples are welcome to apply. Minimum commitment is six months.
Process The application process includes an initial screening followed by a phone interview and reference checks. The application process can take up to 3-4 weeks. We accept about 30%-40% of applications submitted.
Trial Period All volunteers are accepted on a one month trial basis. The purpose of trial period is to confirm to our mutual agreement that the program is a good fit for the applicant. Odiyan takes a volunteer’s commitment seriously and expects that if you choose to participate after the trial period, you will stay for the full length of your commitment.
Application instructions
- Please include a photo of yourself that you feel will give us a sense of who you are. It does not need to be a formal portrait; a casual picture of you with family and friends or by yourself is sufficient
- Resumes are welcome, but please include on the resume or in the application the reasons for leaving your jobs.
- References: please give both phone numbers and email addresses for all references. We require a total of four references. Include at least two employment references (preferably supervisors) and one family member (a parent, if possible) or close family friend who has known you for over 10 years.
Submitting your application
Copy the application below and paste into an email. You may need to set your email program to plain text before pasting. Type your answers directly into the email and send to volunteer@odiyan.org. Remember to include a photo.
If you have any questions, please contact the volunteer office at 510-981-1987.
Personal Data
Full Name:
Name you prefer to be called:
Mailing Address:
Home Phone:
Cell phone:
Email address:
Age:
Date & Place of Birth:
Sex: M __ F __
Relationship Status:
Do you have any children or dependents? Please list ages and relationship to you.
Date you are available to start:
Length of commitment:
Current Housing Arrangement:
Person to contact in case of emergency:
Name, phone and address:
Relationship to you:
How did you hear about our program? If you found us online; which keyword(s) or the web site?
Please include a photo of yourself (jpg files as an email attachment are preferred)
Application questions
1. What led you to search for a volunteer program? What is going on in your life? What are you seeking and how do you want to get there?
2. Why would you like to be a volunteer at Odiyan? What are your expectations? How do you see this program fitting into your life now?
3. Please describe any exposure you have had to Buddhism or any other spiritual traditions. (Books, media, personal involvement)
4. What are the skills have you developed through your education or work experience?
Do you have hobbies?
5. We all have strengths and weaknesses. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
What are your greatest strengths?
6. Do you have the moral support of your family and/or friends for this commitment? Have you discussed this program with them? Explain briefly:
7. How do you feel about living in a rural location? What do you see as the advantages for yourself?
8. What could be the disadvantages?
9. Describe any past experience with construction, landscaping or any type of physical work.
10. Please include any other information about yourself that you would like to share with us.
EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Education history:
11. List institutions, dates attended, degrees, field of study.
12. If you are taking a break from college, please explain:
13. Do you have any loans or debt? Please describe.
Employment History:
14. List all employers, dates employed, position(s) held, and reason for leaving:
REFERENCES
Please list name and contact information, including email, for 4 references. Indicate how long you have known each reference. Include at least 2 employment/professional references (with dates of employment) and at least one reference from a family member or family friend (please specify) who has known you for at least 10 years. Volunteer-related and school references may be used.
A.
B.
C.
D.
PARTICIPATION
15. Those willing to make a six month commitment to volunteer at Odiyan are asked to limit time away from the program and the Odiyan property in order to fully benefit from and participate in the work. If you know in advance that you need to spend time away for any reason please let us know here:
HEALTH AND PERSONAL HISTORY
16. Do you have health insurance?
17. If yes, until what date?
18. Please describe your physical strength and abilities. Give height and weight.
19. Do you have any chronic physical problems or health concerns? This could include chemical or environmental sensitivities, allergies, headaches, breathing sensitivities, shoulder, back or foot problems or pain, sensitive stomach, sleeping difficulties, etc.
20. Are you taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication? Please Describe.
21. Have you had any surgeries, major illnesses or injuries in the past? If so, please describe.
22. Have you been under the care of a mental health professional or a therapist in the past or are you currently? Please describe.
A. If so, have you ever been diagnosed with any mental/emotional health conditions or spent time in an institutional setting? Please describe.
B. Have you ever been prescribed medications for any mental/emotional conditions? Please indicate duration, dates, reason, etc.
23. Have you ever had difficulty with abuse of or addiction to nicotine, alcohol, drugs or over-the-counter medications? Please describe.
24. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Please describe.
25. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? Please give specifics.
26. Do you own a car? If so, what year, make and model
27. If you are from a foreign country, how long is your legal status in the U.S?
Please initial that you agree with the following:
___ I understand that volunteering at Odiyan is a fully engaging way of life.
___ I will be flexible about placement for work at Odiyan
___ I will make my best effort to live in harmony with other members of the community.
___ I will assume full responsibility for my own safety and assume the risk of any activity in which I agree to participate.
___ If I drive my car, I will have car insurance for my vehicle.
___ I understand I will be asked to leave for smoking or the use of illegal drugs.
___ I agree to have a back-up plan and adequate funds to carry it out if my stay does not work out to our mutual satisfaction.
___ I have answered everything truthfully.
Name: Date:
Return to top