Residential Volunteer Program at City Center

Group of people talking

 

About the Program

An essential part of City Center's vision is to integrate the broader community into the ongoing life of the Temple. This integration strengthens the Temple, deepens individual practice, and fosters meaningful connections among all practitioners.

The Residential Volunteer Program offers an opportunity to support and participate fully in the life of the Temple for a short period of time.

Residential Volunteers are invited to stay at City Center for 1–4 weeks and engage directly in its daily rhythm of practice and service. Volunteers participate alongside the resident community in both spiritual practice and daily activities.

Residential Volunteers Participate In:

  • Morning zazen (sitting meditation)
  • Service (sutra chanting and bowing)
  • Work-Practice, often of a physical nature
  • Evening zazen (optional)
  • Communal vegetarian meals
  • Dharma talks
  • Daily Dharma discussion with the work crew
  • Possible individual practice discussions with a practice leader

Through shared practice, work, and study, Residential Volunteers experience the interconnectedness of community life while contributing to the ongoing functioning of City Center. Whether you are new to Zen or continuing an established practice, your presence and participation are valued.

Work-Practice Areas

Residential Volunteers support the life of the Temple by joining one of several work crews. Each crew plays an important role in caring for our shared space and community.

  • Temple Care Crew
    Helps keep the Temple clean, welcoming, and ready for practice. This crew sets up rooms for arriving students and short-term visitors, maintains shared spaces, and takes on a variety of daily tasks that support community life.
     
  • Kitchen Crew 
    Prepares nourishing vegetarian meals for the community. Working in the kitchen is a hands-on way to practice mindfulness, teamwork, and care through cooking.
     
  • Maintenance Crew
    Supports the upkeep and repair of Temple buildings and facilities. Tasks may include simple repairs, painting, organizing tools, and other projects that keep the Temple functioning smoothly. Carpentry or repair skills are helpful but not required.
     
  • Garden Crew
    Tends the small gardens nestled around the Temple grounds. This work includes planting, watering, weeding, and general garden care—offering a quiet, grounding way to practice while supporting the beauty of the environment.

All work is done together in a spirit of cooperation and practice. No special experience is required—just a willingness to participate, learn, and contribute.

 

Schedule
 

Monday* through FridaySaturday (Day off of work)
5:10 am wake-up bell6:00 am wake-up bell
5:40 zazen6:30 zazen
(6:05 - 6:10 interval)7:10 service
6:50 service7:40 soji
7:15 soji (temple cleaning)7:55 breakfast
7:30 breakfast10:15 Dharma talk
BreakAfternoon off
9:00 work begins (*Monday schedule begins) 
12:30 pm lunch 
1:30 resume workSunday
3:00 end workDay off of both work and practice schedule
5:40 zazen 
6:30 dinner 
7:45 Dharma talk (Wednesday only) 
  

Note: During practice periods, the afternoon schedule may vary

*On Monday there is no morning zazen.


Health and Safety

City Center is a congregate living environment and includes individuals who may be at higher health risk. While vaccination is not required, we strongly encourage all residents to be COVID-19 and flu vaccinated as a way of caring for the community.

Residents who become ill are asked to isolate in their rooms during severe symptoms and to wear an N95 mask in shared spaces. In some situations, it may be recommended that a volunteer return home if possible. These guidelines help support the safety and well-being of everyone in residence.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

At SFZC, we see diversity practice and Dharma practice as deeply connected. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is an essential part of our spiritual path—helping us recognize the causes of suffering and cultivate greater awareness, compassion, and care.

City Center warmly welcomes people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, class and income levels, sexual orientations, political beliefs, languages, and physical abilities. We strive to create a respectful, inclusive environment and to accommodate the needs of our sangha as part of our ongoing practice.
 

Fees 

  • Volunteers may participate in a full day or half day (morning) of work practice. 
    • Full day of work-practice: $10/day 
    • Half day of work-practice: $45/day
       

To Apply

  • Residential Volunteer Application Form
  • Submit the Application Form. 
  • Please apply at least one month prior to your preferred arrival date.
  • Applications are reviewed and approved in the order received.
     


Planning Your Stay

Arrival
Please plan to arrive at City Center, 300 Page Street, at 9:45 am on Monday. When you arrive, ring the bell at the main entrance and someone will greet you. Our Front Office staff will give you an initial orientation to the building and zendo forms at 10:30am. 

Transportation & Parking
City Center does not offer parking, so we strongly encourage using public transportation and leaving your car elsewhere. If you have questions about getting here, feel free to reach out.

Accommodations
Residential Volunteers stay in simple rooms, which may be shared with one or two other participants. We provide sheets, blankets, pillows, and a bath towel. A detailed packing list will be sent to you once your application has been accepted.

Community Guidelines
In keeping with Buddhist precepts and to support a focused, respectful environment, participants  are asked to:

  • Abstain from drug and alcohol use
  • Refrain from initiating new sexual relationships during their stay

These guidelines help create a safe and supportive space for practice and communal living.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Director: ccdirector@sfzc.org

We look forward to welcoming you to City Center.