Bright Way Zen Sangha Service Opportunities

From special events to weekly practice and everything behind the scenes, volunteers are essential to helping Bright Way Zen function both online and in person. You can volunteer as often or as infrequently as you wish and as your time allows. Even an hour each quarter helps keep the Sangha running!

If you have questions or are interested in a practice position or joining a committee, please email us.

Sangha Practice Positions

Here are some of the ways you can volunteer:

Strategic Plan Committees

These 4 committees are responsible for fulfilling the goals of our 2025 Strategic Plan.

Visibility Committee

Help more people discover Bright Way Zen, find ways to make our offerings seem inviting and accessible to potential new participants, and increase the diversity of people who participate in the Sangha for the first time. 

The Visibility Committee is responsible for Goal 1, Strategy 2 of our Strategic Plan:

Make the Three Treasures accessible to all by broadening the visibility of Bright Way Zen.

Possible approaches include:

♦ expanding advertising to people who have an interest in meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative programs
♦ growing our social media presence
♦ increasing attention to website SEO and online search ads
♦ getting engaged with local organizations to build relationships, particularly those led and championed by people of color and/or black or indigenous people
♦ offering Zen meditation workshops in Spanish or out in locations convenient and welcoming to the large Hispanic populations in our area

Board Liaison: Erica Patino

Sangha Committee

Once people have come through our physical or virtual door, make sure they feel welcome, provide clear ways for them to become part of the Sangha, and pay attention to potential barriers in this process. Also look after the social aspects of our community long term, help Sangha members feel valued and connected, and facilitate effective communication and harmonious relationships.

The Sangha Committee is responsible for Goal 1, Strategy 2 and Goal 2, Strategy 1 of our Strategic Plan:

Make the Three Treasures accessible by ensuring our offerings are inviting and meaningful to all, and
Deepen people’s engagement with the Three Treasures by cultivating a strong, warm, and inclusive sense of Sangha. 

Possible approaches include (we can’t do all of these things):

♦ continue having periodic Awakening to Whiteness series for cohorts of white Sangha members
♦ establishing introductory workshops for new people in both the Dirt and Cloud Zendos
♦ designing or adapting offerings to meet the needs or interests those with disabilities and in the BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) and LGBTQIA communities

♦ continuing acts of appreciation such as sending thank yous and membership anniversary cards
♦ continuing to encourage participants to form or join smaller, intimate cohorts like the book, podcast discussion, and metta groups
♦ looking for ways to support Sangha members in times of need
♦ finding ways to keep Sangha members better connected and informed
♦ establishing a Sangha mentoring/Zen buddy system to connect new & established members

Board Liaison: Mick Stukes

Home Committee

The Home Committee is responsible for Goal 3, Strategy 2 of our Strategic Plan:

Ensure our Sangha will thrive far into the future by obtaining ownership of a physical Zen center sufficient for the Sangha’s needs by 2035. (As envisioned here.)

Tasks include:

♦ researching financing options, and beginning a capital campaign when appropriate.
♦ communicating clearly with the Sangha, Dirt and Cloud, the reason for the value of strong physical roots
♦ establishing a strong planned giving program (e.g. members putting Bright Way Zen in their wills)

Board Liaison: Mark Williams

Peace & Justice Committee

The Peace and Justice Committee is responsible for Goal 2, Strategy 3 and Goal 3, Strategy 3 of our Strategic Plan:

Deepen people’s engagement with the Three Treasures by manifesting our bodhisattva vows beyond the (physical and virtual) walls of our Zen center and
Ensure our Sangha will thrive far into the future by working for the transition to a life-sustaining society and increased climate resilience within our Sangha and in our communities.

Possible approaches include:

♦ getting engaged with other organizations to build relationships, particularly those led and championed by people of color and/or black or indigenous people
♦ doing service projects as a Sangha, benefiting our greater community
♦ finding ways to support Cloud members in their bodhisattva activities

♦ facilitating discussion of our climate and ecological emergency in Dharma Talks and classes
♦ making ecologically-friendly choices as a Sangha
♦ participating in non-partisan efforts to ensure a liveable environment for all people, including those experiencing the worst effects of the climate crisis
♦ taking measures to be resilient in face of likely negative impacts of climate change, both in Oregon and in the various places where our Cloud Zendo members live

Board Liaison: Ellen Tea

Email the Volunteer Coordinator

Use the form below to correspond with our Volunteer Coordinator! Ask questions, volunteer, or let us know about a special skill you might be able to contribute.