Service Opportunities at Ananda LA
“When we serve others, we serve ourselves. Do not think, ‘I will help others’ think rather, ‘I will help my own, my world, because I cannot otherwise be happy.’”
–Paramhansa Yogananda
We cordially invite you to volunteer some of your time and energy at Ananda Los Angeles. Even a few hours per month will make a world of difference: Contact us today to discover how you can become a vehicle through which tens of thousands of people can receive the spiritual assistance they need.
“I can’t afford to donate as much money as I would like. I volunteer instead. I really love helping in this way: Working with long-time devotees, seeing brand- new people have their first experiences with Ananda…it’s a privilege and joy to serve.”
–B.R., Culver City
Offering our selfless service to others is one of the most important aspects of the spiritual path. By serving others we affirm our connectedness to everyone; we acknowledge that by helping another, we are helping ourselves. Meditation combined together with service accelerates our spiritual progress. As Yogananda himself wrote, “That spiritual aspirant who serves God and man equally receives quick enlightenment and divine grace.”
Our philosophy of service doesn’t require you to put in long hours doing tasks you don’t enjoy. We will work with you to find something that both fits your schedule and your interests. If you don’t see something here that feels right to you, there are many other possibilities. Please feel free to offer suggestions!
“Serving at Ananda is always a great experience. I can feel Divine Mother flow through me, blessing me as I reach out to help others. Not only do I feel more connected to my fellow aspirants, but just knowing that I’m doing my small part fills me with gratitude and awe at the power of these teachings to change people’s lives. ”
–D.S., Brentwood
Here is just a sampling of the many volunteer opportunities available:
- Sunday Service. Every Sunday Service requires the help and support of myriad people. You can volunteer to help as little as just one Sunday per month. We need help with:
- Ushers
- Sunday School / child care assistants (working with children and families during Service. No teaching skills required.)
- Altar & Flower beautification.
- Lunch Coordinating. Help us order and have delivered the meals that we serve every Sunday after Service.
- Boutique sales (after Service).
- Office & Boutique assistants. Ananda LA is open six days per week. We would love to have you join us for even a few hours per week or month. Help us greet visitors, answer phones, send mailings, and sell items in the boutique. We can work with you to ensure your shift fits your schedule and tailor your time towards tasks that you enjoy.
- Graphic Design. We are urgently in need of graphic design or production assistance. Even a little of your time will make a big difference!
- Marketing, Fundraising & PR Assistant. Work with Sean and other staff on a wide variety of fun and innovative marketing programs.
- Website, Computer, & Technology Help. We need help with website building, design, and maintenance as well as search engine optimization and social media coordination (Facebook, MySpace, Ning, etc.), among many other technical projects.
- And many more! Our list of available volunteer opportunities is ever-changing and growing. If you don’t see something on this list that is for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch and see what else might be available. Or, if you have an idea or skill that we haven’t thought of, by all means let us know! We’d love to hear about it.
“It is more pleasing to God if you work consciously for Him, rather than for yourself. If one works in the world, and cares only for self and family, it is much more difficult to expand beyond the confines of ego-consciousness. Wise is he who views all humanity as his own greater family.”
–Paramhansa Yogananda
How would you like to volunteer:
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