The Nyingma Association of Mandala Organizations (NAMO) is a group of Buddhist non-profits formed to preserve, protect, and support Tibetan culture, staffed entirely by volunteers.Starting with the Chinese occupation in 1959, Tibet's heritage has been under threat. Tarthang Tulku, a lama trained in pre-Communist Tibet, founded the NAMO organizations, starting in 1969. 

Under his guidance, we have printed and donated more than 4.5 million books in Tibetan, produced 130 English-language titles, organized the Annual World Peace Ceremony in India for 26 years, where over 8,000 monks and nuns gather each year to chant for peace at the place of the Buddha's Enlightenment in Bodh Gaya. We have also supported Buddhists of all traditions, taught meditation and Buddhist teachings to over 100,000 Westerners. 

The NAMO Volunteer Program offers meals and shared rooms in a community setting, located in downtown Berkeley, California. Free classes on meditation, a gentle form of Tibetan yoga called Kum Nye, Tibetan language, and Buddhism are available. Volunteers work 5.5 days a week and make a minimum commitment of 6 months. You need not be Buddhist, so long as you are open to working and living in a Buddhist community. All levels of experience are welcome. 

Volunteers are matched with one of the following NAMO organizations, based on the best fit between volunteer skill/experience and organizational needs.  In some cases you may work for more than one organization: 

  • Tibetan Aid Project
  • Mangalam Research Center for Buddhist Languages
  • Dharma College 
  • Guna Foundation 
  • Nyingma Trust 

We have openings for people with the following skills/interests: 

  • Social Media Manager 
  • Graphic Designer 
  • Web Developer 
  • Development & Events Coordinator  
  • Administrative Assistant 
  • Marketing & Communications Coordinator 
  • Project Manager 
  • Grant Writer
  • Bookkeeper 
  • Cook 
  • Sewer for Prayer Flag and Banner Projects 

A work-study program, the Mandala Training Program, is available for those interested in exploring a more long-term commitment.This is a six month program with nominal tuition. The next session starts in January.