Volunteering

“Life should be chiefly service…. Every good action that you perform digs like a pickax into the soil of consciousness and brings forth a little spray from the fountain of God’s joy.” — Paramahansa Yogananda

“I want you to know that your presence and efforts are needed.” — Paramahansa Yogananda

Thank you for your interest in serving the spiritual mission of Self-Realization Fellowship in Dallas-Ft. Worth. We welcome you to contact us for more information about volunteering, or to serve as a volunteer on one of the committees described below.

All meditation services, group activities, and operations of the DFW Meditation Group are conducted by devoted volunteers who serve in harmony with the Self-Realization Fellowship Volunteer Values. A five-person Managing Council is made up of members elected by the Group and approved by Self-Realization Fellowship to oversee the many Volunteer Committees. Even members not serving in an official capacity on committees regularly pitch in to help, particularly on Days of Service

Managing Council

Managing Council members are elected by the Meditation Group and approved by SRF to oversee volunteer committees. The Council consists of a Coordinator, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Members-At-Large. The Council meets six times a year to plan, schedule, and guide the Group’s activities. The Council guides the Group’s budget and expenditures of funds, establishes and guides volunteer committees and service teams and appoints their chairs, maintains liaison with the teams, and maintains communications with the SRF Mother Center. The Council also plans General Business Meetings at which Group members give guidance for the Council and vote on important decisions and major expenditures.

Coordinator
The Coordinator sees that the services and activities of the group function harmoniously in accordance with SRF guidelines, and presides at all Managing Council and Group business meetings

Secretary
The Secretary takes brief minutes and keeps records of all Council and Group meetings, oversees all Communications, and prepares annual reports for Center Department

Treasurer
The Treasurer manages accounting of all group funds including donations, deposits, book sales, and expenses and prepares monthly reports for the Managing Council and the Annual Financial Report to SRF

Member-At-Large in charge of Services & Activities
The Services & Activities MAL coordinates volunteer leaders for the many committees involved in conducting devotional services and Group activities

Member-At-Large in charge of Facilities
The Facilities MAL Coordinates volunteer leaders for cleaning, maintenance, and repairs

Volunteer Opportunities

Audio & Visual
Sets up, operates, and manages audio-visual equipment for devotional services, Retreats and Lecture Tour events

Beautification
Coordinates the general decor of the center

Book Room
Manages inventory, places and receives book orders, organizes book shelf displays, assists buyers, and transacts sales after Sunday services

Chapel Setup
Prepares the chapel for services, including setting AC, lighting, and sound system, and aligning chairs

Cleaning
Cleans all indoor areas including vacuuming, sweeping and mopping floors, dusting, windows, etc.

Communications
Manages and prepares Announcements, News & Events webpage and website, group emails, and monthly and annual calendars

Flowers
Selects and arranges flowers for the altar and other areas for weekly and special services

Greeter
Welcomes and assists newcomers and visitors, answer questions, and manages the Free Literature display

Harmonium player
Leads chanting of the Cosmic Chants on the harmonium for meditations and services

Kirtan Group
Plays Indian musical instruments at commemorative services, kirtans, and retreats

Lecture Tour
Coordinates Volunteer Committees, activities and events, attendee accommodations, and hosting of monastics

Lending Library
Maintains the books and other library materials

Long Term Planning Committee (LTPC)
Leads Group efforts to raise funds and find or build a permanent center

Marketing
Coordinates advertising and publicity for public Group events and Lecture Tours

Photography
Takes photographs of activities and events

Repair & Maintenance
Performs scheduled maintenance tasks and minor repairs, coordinates major repairs, and oversees Days of Service

Retreats
Plans and oversees scheduling, set-up, and food for Spring and Fall All-Day Retreats

Service Reader
Plans and leads devotional services on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda according to the SRF Manual of Services

Seva
Collects food, clothing, and goods for local non-profits

Special Events
Plans and implements socials and special events, including decoration and hospitality, food preparation and service, set up, and clean up

Sunday School
Plans and teaches or assists Sunday School based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.

Usher
Prepares chapel for services, welcomes members, admits attendees at appropriate times, and collects donations

Volunteer Coordinator
Assists and supports Volunteer Leaders with recruitment and organization

Website
Work with Secretary and webmaster to maintain and update Group website

Days of Service

Each Spring and Fall, members of the DFW Meditation Group gather after Sunday Services to work on various cleaning and maintenance projects at the Group’s chapel. The informal atmosphere provides new and long-time members alike with the opportunity to work side by side to serve Paramahansa Yogananda’s work and meet other SRF devotees. No special skills are required, and the work lasts from Noon until 1:00 or 1:30. A light vegetarian meal is served. Please see the Calendar for the scheduled Days of Service.