VOLUNTEER & STAFF HANDBOOK

Kent Sri Lankan Buddhist Cultural Centre

(Theravada Buddhist Temple & Community Organisation)

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Kent Sri Lankan Buddhist Cultural Centre.

This handbook provides guidance for all volunteers and workers who contribute their time, effort, and dedication to supporting our temple and community. Our organisation operates as a charitable, non-profit religious institution, rooted in the teachings of Theravada Buddhism.

All individuals involved in the organisation serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis, motivated by generosity (Dana), moral discipline (Sila), and mental development (Bhavana).

2. OUR MISSION & PURPOSE

Our mission is to:

• Promote and preserve Theravada Buddhist teachings
• Support spiritual development through meditation and Dhamma practice
• Provide religious education for children and adults
• Offer guidance, counselling, and community support
• Foster a compassionate, ethical, and mindful society

3. OUR VALUES

All volunteers and workers are expected to uphold the following core values:

• Compassion (Karuna) – kindness toward all beings
• Loving-kindness (Metta) – goodwill without discrimination
• Mindfulness (Sati) – awareness in actions and speech
• Ethical Conduct (Sila) – adherence to moral discipline
• Generosity (Dana) – selfless giving without expectation

4. VOLUNTEER STATUS

• All individuals serve as volunteers, not employees
• There is no salary, wage, or financial benefit provided
• Participation is based on free will and spiritual commitment
• Volunteers may leave at any time with reasonable notice
• The organisation may discontinue a volunteer role if necessary

5. CODE OF CONDUCT

All volunteers must:

5.1 General Behaviour

• Act respectfully toward monks, teachers, children, and community members
• Maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment
• Avoid conflicts, gossip, and harmful speech
• Dress modestly and appropriately within the temple

5.2 Buddhist Ethical Practice

Volunteers are expected to observe the Five Precepts:

1. Refrain from harming living beings
2. Refrain from taking what is not given
3. Refrain from sexual misconduct
4. Refrain from false speech
5. Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind

6. VINAYA & THERAVADA PRACTICE

As a Theravada Buddhist organisation:

• All activities must respect the Vinaya (monastic discipline)
• Monks (Bhikkhus) must be treated with proper respect
• Lay volunteers should follow appropriate conduct when interacting with monks
• Women volunteers should follow traditional respectful practices where applicable
• Offerings (Dana) must be handled with care and sincerity

7. SAFEGUARDING (CHILDREN & VULNERABLE ADULTS)

We are committed to safeguarding all individuals.

7.1 Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe, respectful environment for children and vulnerable adults
• Never leave children unattended without supervision
• Avoid inappropriate physical or verbal interaction
• Report any concerns immediately to the committee

7.2 Prohibited Conduct

• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any kind
• Inappropriate relationships or behaviour
• Discrimination or harassment

8. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteers may assist in:

• Teaching Dhamma classes
• Organising meditation sessions
• Supporting temple events and ceremonies
• Administrative and organisational tasks
• Community outreach and support services
• Maintenance and cleanliness of temple premises

All duties should be performed with mindfulness and sincerity.

9. FOOD & OFFERINGS (DANA)

• Food prepared for monks must follow appropriate guidelines
• Meals should be offered respectfully and on time
• Volunteers must maintain hygiene standards
• No food should be wasted

10. HEALTH & SAFETY

All volunteers must:

• Follow basic health and safety practices
• Report hazards or accidents immediately
• Keep temple premises clean and safe
• Use equipment responsibly

11. CONFIDENTIALITY

Volunteers must:

• Respect the privacy of individuals seeking guidance or support
• Not share personal or sensitive information
• Maintain trust within the community

12. EQUALITY & RESPECT

We welcome all individuals regardless of:

• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Age
• Background

Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.

13. USE OF TEMPLE PROPERTY

• Use all facilities respectfully
• Do not misuse resources
• Maintain cleanliness and order

14. DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES

Failure to follow this handbook may result in:

• Verbal guidance
• Formal warning
• Removal from volunteer role

All actions will be handled with fairness and compassion.

15. COMMITMENT

By volunteering, you agree to:

• Follow this handbook
• Respect Buddhist teachings and temple traditions
• Serve the community selflessly
• Maintain a positive and supportive environment

16. DECLARATION

I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to follow the guidelines set out in this Volunteer & Staff Handbook.

Name: ___________________________

Signature: ________________________

Date: ____________________________

17. CONTACT

Kent Sri Lankan Buddhist Cultural Centre

Website: www.kenttemple.co.uk

“Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhitatta”

May all beings be happy