Thursday, November 3, 2011

On-site chaplaincy volunteers needed

Yuzen, a buddhist monk from the Sōtō Zen sect ...Image via Wikipedia
Are you interested in exploring a unique, radical ministry experience at the heart of a radical community that is an epicenter of social change? 

The #OccupyPortland Interfaith Guild of Chaplains needs you.

Qualifications:

  • Either a practical ministry experience or educational background in divinity, ministry or theology -- or similar equivalent experiences specific to your religious tradition.  For example, church youth group leadership, years in a Bible college, overseas short- to mid-term mission trips, or a year of Buddhist monastic training, would be all considered relevant.
  • Willingness and capability to spend a minimum of two nights a week or two days a week, for the minimum of 18 hours a week, on-site or as part of any #OccupyPortland-related actions.
  • Have physical and mental capacity to live and work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment in which change can be constant and flexibility is a must.
  • Must be reliable, be able to communicate in professional manner, and be emotionally stable.
  • Due to the nature of the place, must be in a reasonably good health, free of communicable diseases, compromised immune system, or any major medical conditions.
  • Must observe and uphold our Safety Protocols at all times while on duty and/or on the Occupation land.
  • Must demonstrate familiarity and cultural competency in the diverse environment of the Occupation community, and be willing to learn and adapt.
  • And perhaps most importantly: Be a good listener, and be a good learner.
Benefits:
  • We have a shared tent (can accommodate three persons) on-site.
  • Free food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and beverages (coffee/tea) provided by #OccupyPortland as well as by Food Not Bombs (vegan--dinner daily).
  • Free massage and various alternative health services are available on-site at the Wellness tent (subject to practitioner availability)
Duties:
  • Provide chaplain presence on-site as part of our team, and provide spiritual care of the community members as needed.
  • Work closely with the #OccupyPortland Safety, Mental Health, Medical and Legal teams to create a peaceful, safe space, and educate the community.  Report and refer any cases that require further assistance beyond the scopes of the chaplaincy to relevant teams as needed.
  • Assist in organizing and facilitating various spirituality- and religion-related events, services, classes, workshops and forums on the Occupation land.
Notes:

  • Many parts of the Occupation land is not wheelchair accessible, and require some physical agility to navigate through, including the Sacred Space, the Guanyin Temple, and the chaplains' tent, as well as the restroom facilities (currently standard port-a-potties only; the nearest ADA-compliant restroom is on SW Naito Parkway at Taylor Street).
  • Valuables must be guarded at all times, as tents are not necessarily a very secure structure.  If you have sacred objects that need respect and protection, we recommend that you bring a lockable box.
  • Provide your own sleeping bags, etc.  We also recommend a battery-operated or solar-powered LED lantern, as the tent gets dark at night. 


We are particularly looking for on-site chaplains with a wide learning and experiences in multiple religious paths. 

Additionally, we are looking for more Roman Catholic, Buddhist, Jewish (other than Renewal and Reconstructionist -- we have a few already on our team), Islamic, Sikh, Baha'i, Unitarian-Universalist, and Hindu chaplains (need not be on-site) to conduct services specific to their paths, and to add diversity to our interfaith events. 

Contact Sarah Morrigan at (503) 427-8269 or by email to set up an interview and orientation.

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