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Volunteer
Want to make a huge difference in the lives of others while treating yourself to the experience of a lifetime? Want to work side by side with an amazing group of like-minded people from all over the world while learning a philosophy that has transformed the lives of thousands? Wouldn't it be great to live, work and play in the serenity and beauty of the Berkshires? Join us as a volunteer at The Option Institute!
This is the perfect opportunity to utilize your skills and build your resume in professional areas such as communications, social media, human resources or general business. Or for something totally different, join in helping our staff on property or in the kitchen. At the same time, you will be living a lifestyle that fosters clarity, personal empowerment and happiness. Contribute in a meaningful way, build your career experience, and work through any issues that you are challenged by all at the same time.
From landscaping to communications or cooking, you'll contribute by working on valuable service projects while living an amazing lifestyle that fosters clarity, personal empowerment and happiness. Feel great about your contribution to the lives of others while creating new perspectives, beliefs and approaches to your life.
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- Training classes on The Option Process® exclusively designed for our volunteers
- Training and practice using The Option Process® Dialogue
- Private Option Process® Dialogue sessions with certified mentors
- Participation in segments of our dynamic group programs
- Access to a complete library of Option Process® books, CDs and videos
- Comfortable accommodations on our 100-acre campus
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals prepared fresh daily
After completion of your volunteer term, you will receive a certificate for a complimentary three-day program or you can use it as a credit towards a weeklong program of your choice.
2013 Volunteer Terms
(includes arrival and departure dates)
- Term 1 - January 6 - March 2 (8 weeks or Jan only to Feb 1)
- Term 2 - March 3 - May 4 (9 weeks)
- Term 3 - May 5 - June 29 (8 weeks)
- Term 4 - June 30 - August 31 (9 weeks)
- Term 5 - September 1 - October 26 (8 weeks)
- Term 6 - October 27 - December 21 (8 weeks)
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Volunteering at The Option Institute has been the most amazing experience of my life. I worked hard, and in return they gave a lot of love, acceptance, classes, dialogues and tools for happiness. My life has changed forever. Thank you to all at The Option Institute.
- Sally MacKenzie, Musician, Perth, Australia
Being at The Option Institute as a volunteer for two months has been everything I hoped for and more. The beauty, serenity,and energy of this place and the people are truly remarkable. I have found more peace and more clarity about myself and my purpose than I have been able to find elsewhere.
- Anya Kelly, Retired Naval Recruiter, Wyoming
What You Give
The Volunteer Program is a 2-month immersion experience designed for individuals wanting to deepen their understanding of The Option Process® through service to others.
Volunteers at The Option Institute are:
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About Volunteering at The Option Institute:
- Schedule: Volunteers work approximately 35 hours a week, including some weekends and evenings. Being flexible is a requirement for volunteering here. Occasionally, to meet unpredictable demands, volunteers may be moved between departments with short notice. Outside of work, volunteers are provided with at least 4 hours of class time in The Option Process® each week as well as training and practice using The Option Process Dialogue.
- Work assignments: Assignments include helping out in one or more of the following essential areas: housekeeping, office work, washing dishes, assisting in cooking, lawn and yard work, snow removal, carpentry, general maintenance, or errands. Most of the work is physical in nature - suitable for people who have energy and stamina.
- Room and Board: Volunteers are provided with room and board, usually twin room occupancy. Bathroom facilities are also shared. Housing is simple with linens and some toiletries provided. Volunteers are responsible for keeping their own room and common spaces clean and have certain other responsibilities, such as clearing snow from pathways, etc.
What You Gain
- Learn a philosophy that has changed the lives of thousands of people around the world.
- Work in a community of people who love what they do.
- Experience the satisfaction of serving others.
- Learn more about The Option Process®, the foundation for our personal growth programs, and The Son-Rise Program®.
- Build meaningful relationships with fellow volunteers, dedicated staff, and inspiring teachers.
- Create new perspectives, beliefs, and approaches to their lives.
- Help make the services of the Institute available to people from around the world.
- Live, work, and play on our beautiful campus in the Southern Berkshire Mountains
Specific Benefits While Volunteering at The Option Institute
- Option Process classes participate in exciting group workshops where volunteers not only pursue their own personal growth, but experience dynamics from working and learning with a group.
- Option Process Dialogues practice and sessions. Learn a powerful tool to effectively help you uncover beliefs and attitudes that have fueled discomfort, and in this way learn to increase your sense of purpose, happiness, and personal power.
- After completion of your volunteer term, you will receive a certificate to use for a complimentary weekend program or you use it as a credit towards a week long program of your choice.
- Option Indigo lending library A complete set of Option Process books, cassette tapes, and videos, available for your use.
- Ninety-five acres in the beautiful Berkshires During your free time, you are welcome to explore the surrounding property (includes paths connected to the Appalachian Trail) and local attractions. New York City and Boston are only 2.5 hours away!
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I would love to share my life after the Radical Authenticity program I took when I was volunteering at The Option Institute.
When I attended the course... I was wearing many masks. I felt so imprisoned in how I showed up in the world and I was in a lot of emotional pain from not being congruent with who I was. I attended the program with a goal to become Radically Authentic, specifically in the area of relationships. The course was challenging and I received extra love from Bears and the group. I dug deep and played hard.
Since I left The Option Institute... I have been playing in the "sand box of Radical Authenticity" -- and my life has changed enormously. I have found the key to freedom -- freedom in who I am and in self expression. But the greatest joy in my life has been achieving my goal -- creating an extraordinary relationship with a man. I showed up in the relationship being totally Authentic...which gave him permission to be totally Authentic. What a wonderful foundation for a legendary love for life. Radical Authenticity is a life changing.
When I attended the course... I was wearing many masks. I felt so imprisoned in how I showed up in the world and I was in a lot of emotional pain from not being congruent with who I was. I attended the program with a goal to become Radically Authentic, specifically in the area of relationships. The course was challenging and I received extra love from Bears and the group. I dug deep and played hard.
Since I left The Option Institute... I have been playing in the "sand box of Radical Authenticity" -- and my life has changed enormously. I have found the key to freedom -- freedom in who I am and in self expression. But the greatest joy in my life has been achieving my goal -- creating an extraordinary relationship with a man. I showed up in the relationship being totally Authentic...which gave him permission to be totally Authentic. What a wonderful foundation for a legendary love for life. Radical Authenticity is a life changing.
- Katrina Tse, Retired Police Officer and Lawyer, Australia
Volunteering at The Option Institute was the most fulfilling , life changing, intense, enriching and empowering 8 weeks of my life. I leave with a deep feeling of gratitude, a clear mind, and a loving heart.
- Georg Peterseil, Architect, Ireland
Volunteering at The Option Institute has been a phenomenal, joyous experience. To have the opportunity to live, work and play in such a loving and accepting environment is truly the best gift I have ever given myself.
- Tammy Rivers, Tour Operator, Canada
I came to The Option Institute to volunteer after 6 months of exploring the world. I had no idea that my two months at the Institute would be the best part of my trip. Every day here is a new experience. Never before have I been in an environment so full of love and acceptance and people willing to be spontaneous. Being here has showed me that every day in life can be an adventure. Whether it's gaining new experience working in the Worldwide Communications Department, or learning to be my best self in volunteer classes, or exploring nature's playground, there is always something happening. It's pretty much the complete package; I'm learning great skills in marketing for my resume, I'm discovering so much about myself in volunteer classes and I've having the time of my life exploring the Berkshires with 8 other amazing volunteers. I feel so lucky that people pay to come here and I get to experience all of this for free. I would recommend volunteering to absolutely anyone who wants to experience life to the fullest and is interested in learning how to choose happiness in their life every day.
- Melica Ladd, Traveler and Snowboard Instructor, Missouri
The Volunteer program at The Option Institute has been four of the most exciting and enriching months of my life. They say you come here to learn through giving - but I feel that I've been doing a whole lot of getting! An exciting job, wonderful new friends, and a supportive community environment in which to grow and learn!
- Deryn Collier, Montreal, Quebec
I felt awesome in and after class this morning! Each week I am learning and discovering more about myself. As this process is unfolding for me, I notice that when I am truly trusting and loving myself I am more loving and trusting of those around me. I believe this is such an amazing gift because when I love and trust myself I am present, I release my fears and judgments, go with the flow and communicate from an authentic place! I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share these classes with the participants, hearing them share their stories was such a blessing and an inspiration! The most valuable and useful learning for me this morning was the exercise on purpose and conviction. For me this is similar to defining my wants and creating an action plan for achieving my goal/s. I am using and find these exercises to be extremely helpful to me when I am exploring how I think, how I feel, and what I'm interested in. These quick exercises act as tools to help me clarify where I am in order to move forward and go for what I want! I love the way Bears teaches his classes. As always I love the way Bears improvises to create the class and curriculum based on what comes up! Today in particular I noticed and sensed his ability to be present with everyone in the room even when or if he isn't directly speaking with or addressing them.
- Marie Lynn, Massachusetts, Dance Artist/Improviser & Option Institute Volunteer
Receive a free copy of our introductory DVD, along with our catalogue of Option Institute Programs! They will give you detailed information about the Option Institute and all of our life-transforming per...
