Volunteer
Programs
Experience
the benefits of macrobiotics
as
you contribute your time and energy
as a Kushi Institute Volunteer
Volunteering
is a rewarding and economical way to live and learn the health-promoting macrobiotic
way of life at Kushi Institute.
As
a nonprofit educational center, we depend on the help our volunteers provide in
our kitchen, offices, housekeeping, and other areas. We appreciate volunteers
who bring a mature, motivated attitude, and a commitment to helping us achieve
smooth and effective operation of our center and excellent service for participants
in all Kushi Institute programs.
Reasons
to volunteer:
Fee
Your
Fee goes toward your stay as a Kushi Institute volunteer. You are required to
pay the full amount of the Fee for your term of acceptance (up to 4 months) prior
to the commencement of your Volunteer Program. A nonrefundable Registration Fee
of $50 (which is applied to your Fee) is due upon acceptance into a volunteer
program in order to hold your place in the program. The balance of your volunteer
Fee is due a minimum 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
Cancellation
Policy
If
you cancel at least 24 hours prior to your arrival date, with the exception of
the nonrefundable application fee and registration fee, all other payments you
have made for the volunteer program will be refunded to you. In the event you
cancel less than 24 hours prior to your arrival date, no refund is available.
Likewise there is no refund if you are a no-show; or if you leave the program
for any reason.
FAQs
Can
I volunteer for less than one month?
A minimum one-month commitment is
required.
Can
I apply my volunteer time towards the cost of the Way to Health or other programs?
The
only program which you earn as a benefit for volunteering is a 1-month Level for
each 17 week CRV volunteer session completed. However, if you have a serious health
condition, the Kushi Institute's Way to Health program is the program that would
best serve your goals for improving your health. If you cannot afford the full
Way to Health tuition we encourage you to apply for Tuition Assistance, which
is only available for the Way to Health program.
Are
the volunteer programs open to citizens of countries other than the U.S.?
No,
we regret that if you are from another country the U.S. Government requires you
have a U.S. green card or work permit to volunteer with us.
Can
I fill out the application online?
We do not accept applications online,
you may mail or fax in your application.
What
method of payment do you accept for the application fee and volunteer program
tuition?
We accept all major credit cards, checks and money orders.
What
happens when I mail in my application?
When we receive your application,
we will call you within a few days. During this call we will talk to you about
the volunteer program to verify you understand what being here a a volunteer entails.
After this call we check with your references. The time needed to check references
varies according to the availability of your references to speak with us. From
the time we receive your application to the completion of the application review
process usually takes about one week, and upon completion we will contact you
to confirm whether or not you have been accepted into a volunteer program, and
to which department you have been assigned.
How
are work assignments and schedules decided?
We determine which department
volunteers are placed in based on our departmental needs as well as your experience,
interests, and the months you are available. Some departments do not accept volunteers
for less than an 8 month or yearlong commitment. Your department manager will
give you a schedule each week. Though your hours will not exceed 40 hours per
week, as we are open 7 days per week, your weekly schedule will change according
to departmental needs, including possible evening and weekend hours or split shifts.
Volunteers receive at least 1 full day off each week.
What
are the living accommodations like?
Volunteers live either in our dormitory
building or in off-campus accommodations within 1 mile of the campus. Dormitory
accommodations are single beds in either triple, double, or single rooms. The
dormitory was formerly a Franciscan seminary, so rooms are generally small and
Spartan. Single rooms are often not available for volunteers. Bathrooms are shared
along the hallway. Rooms do not have air conditioning, but generally do not get
overly warm in the summer.
What
should I bring?
If you are accepted as a volunteer, we will send you information
about what to bring and other important details.
What
is the area like and what activities are available in the local area?
The
Kushi Institute is located in western Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshire
mountains. Becket is a small town with a general store, post office, library,
and arts center. Participants enjoy walking on the roads or hiking on trails.
State forests are located within a 20 minute drive. Malls, movie theaters, museums,
horseback riding, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Tanglewood Music Festival, skiing,
and other activities are within a 30-45 minute drive.
What
if I do not have a car?
There is no public transportation to nearby towns.
Volunteers without cars can arrange carpooling with other volunteers or staff
members for shopping or entertainment.
What
is the weather like?
The Berkshire Mountains offer lovely Spring, Summer
and Autumn seasons where it is warm during the day and unusual to get overly hot,
and evenings are generally cool but but not freezing. Winters can be very cold
and snowy (in the teens and colder), and participants should be prepared with
appropriate clothing. Multiple layers are a good idea for wintertime.
Will
I have any expenses during my stay?
Participants
need to have adequate funds to cover basic expenses while they are here such as
coin-operated laundry, personal items, entertainment, and phone calls.
Other
questions?
Contact us at: (413) 623-5741 ext. 141 or email us at: volunteerprogram@kushiinstitute.org
