EMAIL: sangha@gardrolma.org or call 252-2220
AVAILABLE
JOBS
12-MONTH POSITIONS
6-MONTH POSITIONS
ONE-TIME JOBS during MAY Retreat
GAR BUCKS FAQ
How does the program work?
For every hour you work, you will receive a $10 Gar Bucks note. The Gar Bucks earned are redeemable in lieu of cash, and are payable toward the cost of events, programs, or membership*. All Gar Bucks Program jobs will be posted and regularly updated on this website.
What if I want, but want only to donate my time?
The Gar Bucks program has been expanded to include more jobs and have a provision for those who want to help out. If you do not need your Garbucks, we will put them in a general scholarship fund to distribute to those in need of financial assistance at the time of retreats.
Are there other ways to receive financial assistance
Yes. Our policy at Gar Drolma is that if you are currently receiving public assistance, such as Ohio Direct, OWF or SSD, we will waive your entrance fees for RETREAT EVENTS. Please contact sangha@gardrolma.org if you are eligible and wish to make a waiver request. However, we encourage volunteering or working a Gar Bucks Program job for all those who can.
Will the Gar Bucks credits expire?
Gar Bucks do not have an expiration date.
How do I sign up?
Please contact sangha@gardrolma.org or call 252-2220 to request more information.
updated April 17, 2009
WHAT is the Garbucks Program
The Gar Bucks Program is a way for individuals to serve Gar Drolma while earning internally recognized compensation which can then be applied to retreat fees. We have initiated the Garbucks program as a way to both accomplish our operations goals and support the full participation of everyone in our community. Garbucks positions are created for all of the work related to Core Programming at Gar Drolma Buddhist center.
HOW does the program work?
For every hour you work, you receive $10 in Garbucks credit. The Gar Bucks you earn are redeemable toward the cost of events, programs, or membership. The office keeps a running account balance of the Garbucks accumulated by each participant. We fill the positions based on first response, skill set, and the availability of the participant.
WHO can participate?
Our Garbucks jobs are open to both members and non-members of Gar Drolma. Out-of-towners are also welcome to participate. Please keep in mind that Garbucks positions are intended to assist those individuals who are in need of finanical assistance, but who do not qualify for a waiver. Yet, Gar Drolma Buddhist Center does not check on the financial qualifications of each individual who signs up for Garbucks. Therefore, it is up to each individual to apply ethical discipline in determining if they are in need of this program. At the same time, if you would like to fill a Garbucks position, but do not need financial assistance- simply sign up under the scholarship fund!
Garbucks Scholarship Fund
If you do not need to apply your Garbucks toward the cost of events, programs, or membership, we will put them in a general scholarship fund. In this way your hours have are doubly effective. First, you are able to help out Gar Drolma and second your contribution to the scholarship fund will make it possible for others to attend special events at Gar Drolma.
There are 4 types of Garbucks jobs
It is important that in choosing to participate in the program you choose a job that suits your schedule and availability. There are 4 types of jobs: one-Time Jobs; 6-month positions; 12-month positions; board Appointed positions.
The Garbucks Cycle
- Select a job
- Apply for the job some jobs will require submitting references or resume
- Begin the job and receive training
- Prepare to leave the job at the end of your term
- Assist in training the next person to hold the position for more complicated jobs only
Is the Garbucks Program Set in Stone?
Nothing at Gar Drolma is set in stone. The Board will be evaluating the viability of the Garbucks program on an ongoing basis. The criteria for making changes in the program will be based on an evaluation of the following:
- Our desire to have as many people participate in the program as possible
- Our ability to afford the program financially
- Participant response
12-MONTH POSITION: The following jobs are more complex jobs and have a longer learning curve. Therefore they have a longer term of 12 months.
Job Title: BOOKKEEPER
Hours: 5 per week, 20 per month
Compensation: events & membership dues waved
Status: OPEN
Job Description: Maintain basic bookkeeping operations for Gar Drolma. Prior professional experience as a CPA or professional bookeeper required. Resume and references required. Position reports to President. Work includes:
- maintain filing for bills in Quickbooks for non-profits
- prepare monthly reports for the Board from Quickbooks
- prepare yearly donor statement letters
6-MONTH POSITIONS: The following jobs require a weekly time commitment, but little training. These jobs are available on a six month term. At the end of the 6-month term the job will be held open for 6 weeks. If the position remains unfilled, individuals are welcome to sign up for the position again.
Job Title: Weekly Center Housecleaning
Hours: 3 hrs per week, 12 per month
Compensation: $120 Garbucks per month
Status: OPEN
START DATE: OPEN | END DATE:
Job Description: Work with President to ensure weekly housecleaning upkeep between scheduled retreat events. Typically, these duties are performed weekly. A schedule is determined between the President and the Gar Bucks recipient(s). Duties include:
- Empty trash cans weekly
- Collect, wash and put away tea cups weekly
- Collect trash, and left-behind items in the shrine room
- Vacuum downstairs commons area weekly
- Sweep stairs weekly
- Clean and stock bathrooms weekly
- Monitor cleaning and paper supplies weekly
- Return misc. texts, instruments, practice support items weekly
- Kitchen swept weekly
- Kitchen mopped bi-weekly
- Vacuum shrine room monthly
- Mop stairs monthly
- Store, date, donate, or discard left-over food monthly
- Dust shrine room and commons area monthly
- Be available to return emails or phone calls from Gar Drolma within 48 hours
ONE-TIME JOBS: We want to make all of the Garbucks positions open to as many individuals as want to participate. Therefore, many jobs are designed on a one-time or event-related basis. At the end of the job, it will again become available to the entire community. If the position remains unfilled, individuals are welcome to sign up for the position again.
Job Title:
MAY 2010 RETREAT WITH TRAGA RINPOCHE:
PRE-EVENT TEMPLE PREPARATIONS
Hours: 5 hrs
Compensation: $50 Garbucks
Status: OPEN | Applications taken until April 16
START DATE: all work must be complete by Saturday, May 1
Job Description: Work with President to ensure temple is ready for the retreat. Duties include:
- Pre-event: Set up the shrine room for special event
- Pre-event: Set out sadhanas related to the event
- Pre-event: Prepare the commons area for dining
- Pre-event: Stuff the retreat packets for the registration table
- Pre-event: Wash the outdoor picnic tables
Job Title:
MAY 2010 RETREAT WITH TRAGA RINPOCHE:
POST-EVENT TEMPLE PREPARATIONS
Hours: 4 hrs
Compensation: $40 Garbucks
Status: FILLED
START DATE: all work must be complete by Wednesday, May 12
Job Description: Work with President to ensure temple is cleaned and prepared after the retreat. Duties include:
- Post event: Discard shrine flowers, burnt candles
- Post event: Wash left over dishes, Tupperware and vases
- Post event: Mop the kitchen floor
- Post event: Clean refrigerator
- Post event: Donate or discard left-over food
- Post event: Store away unused furniture
- Post event: Reset the shrine room for regular weekly practice