Social Action
Serving and engaging in community is fundamental to Zen Buddhism.
Eon Zen sangha members join in social and civic actions in our local Boulder community and beyond with the Zen Peacemakers global sangha.
At Eon Zen, we practice the Three Tenets of Zen Peacemakers: Not-knowing, Bearing Witness, and Taking Action.
The action that arises from this practice is a caring action which serves everyone and everything, including yourself, in the whole situation.
Through the practice of meditation and the Three Tenets, we touch and embrace the unity, dignity, and equality of all beings. We practice with mutual vulnerability and care. Mindfully attending to what is needed with warmth and friendliness, we realize the true nature of service through the practice of not-one, not-two.
Please consider joining us in the efforts that speak to your heart. See details below.
Boulder Shelter for the Homeless
FOURTH FRIDAYS 5:30-7:45pm MT
Eon Zen prepares and serves dinner on the fourth Friday of each month from 5:30-7:45pm at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless to our neighbors who are currently experiencing homelessness. This event is open to people who practice with our meditation sangha as well as friends/family. This is a great opportunity to bring mindfulness into joyful service with other sangha members.
To join:
Read the Volunteer Requirements & Guidelines
Complete the Application on the Shelter website to join the Eon Zen Volunteer Group.
Sign up on the form on this page for the dates you would like to join in service at the Shelter.
Our Kitchen Lead, Laurie Kuden Bayless, is the contact and coordinator for our group. Please reach out to her at laurieb@eonexus.com with questions or changes with your schedule.
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This is an overview of the basic requirements to join the Eon Zen Volunteer group. Please review all volunteer requirements and guidelines including the confidentiality policy here.
Commitment
We need 8 people to have a solid dinner serving crew. Your role as a volunteer is a critical part of our service. We would not be able to serve hot meals or provide the level of service we do to the residents without your support. Please arrive for your scheduled shift on time and stay for the period of time for which you have committed.
If something urgent comes up and you cannot make it to a shift, please contact our Kitchen Lead in advance as soon as possible and remove yourself from the web-based volunteer calendar.
Age Requirement
Youth volunteers must be at least 14 years old and be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times while at the Shelter. Volunteers between the age of 14 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent / guardian volunteer. Additionally, there are a limited number of roles that youth volunteers are pemitted to fill.
Sickness
If you are feeling sick or demonstrating the following symptoms, please don’t come in for your volunteer shift, contact our Kitchen Lead with notice:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Sore Throat with Fever
Infected Cuts or Lesions on Hands/Wrists
Persistent Coughing, Sneezing, Runny NoseFood Worker PoliciesAll Kitchen Volunteers must maintain good hygienic practices as outlined in the kitchen guidelines.
Please review all Kitchen guidelines here.
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Location and Transportation
The Boulder Shelter for the Homeless is located at 4869 Broadway.
If you drive, you can park in the parking lot or on the street next to the lot. The shelter is also easily accessible on the SKIP bus line or by bike or walking.
Our shift is on the 4th Friday of the month from 5:30-7:45pm. Please plan on arriving in time to be in the kitchen and ready to go at 5:30pm.
Where to Go
When you arrive at the shelter go to the glass door entrance on the parking lot, at the northwest side of the building. The door will be locked but there is a button to request a staff member to come let you in.
What to Wear / Bring
Please make sure to wear closed toed shoes, long pants, and comfortable clothing you don’t mind potentially getting a little dirty.
If you have a backpack or bulky jackets with you, ask staff if you can hang these items in Dorm Supply during your shift.
There are aprons in the kitchen, but they are not guaranteed to be clean, so you are welcome to bring your own if you would like.
Please reach out to the Shelter staff if you have any questions or concerns during your shift.
MULTI-FAITH CLIMATE JUSTICE and ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
GreenFaith Boulder County
A number of our members are active with GreenFaith, a worldwide multi-faith climate justice and environmental movement.
The GreenFaith Boulder County Circle hosts monthly social meetups, cross-quarter gatherings and interfaith actions that provide opportunities for spiritual reflection, education, training, and creative mobilizing around climate change and environmental justice.
Sign Up to join the Green Faith Boulder County email list to receive information about Calls to Action, Trainings, and other climate-related events and connect with other people who love the planet.
