Official Volunteer Code of Conduct

Mission

We cultivate a community where people reconnect with themselves, each other, and the sacred through consent, embodied practice, authentic expression, and intentional relationships.

Volunteer Philosophy

Every volunteer helps shape the culture of Samsara Temple. Serving our community is both a privilege and a responsibility. This Code of Conduct establishes the additional expectations that come with volunteering.

All volunteers and leaders are expected to follow the Official Patron Code of Conduct, the Eleven Commandments, and applicable Temple policies and procedures.

Leadership Roles

  • Board Members: Provide governance, organizational oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and strategic direction. The Board serves as the final decision-making body when necessary.

  • Executive Director: Protects the integrity of the organization, supports leadership, and ensures decisions align with Samsara's mission and purpose.

  • Council Members: Support the health of the community through guidance, accountability, and stewardship of Temple culture.

  • Admins: Coordination of volunteer onboarding, scheduling, training, and communication while overseeing marketing, brand consistency, and event operations.

  • Elders: Provides wisdom, mentorship, and cultural stewardship to preserve Samsara’s values and guide its future.

Volunteer Roles

  • Temple Fae: Guardians of the Temple. Fae supports patrons, responds to concerns, and helps maintain a welcoming, consent-centered environment.

  • Temple Goblins: Caretakers of the Temple. Goblins clean, reset, organize, and prepare the space for gatherings.

Volunteer Responsibilities

All volunteers and leaders agree to the following expectations.

Cultivate the Culture

  • Model Samsara's values through your words and actions.

  • Remain teachable, accept feedback in good faith, and take responsibility for your actions.

  • Respect differing perspectives and the boundaries of your role.

  • Seek guidance when you are uncertain about a decision or responsibility.

Support Events & Community

  • Fulfill the responsibilities of your assigned role.

  • Support event hosts and respect the planned flow of activities unless immediate safety concerns require intervention.

  • Remain attentive during consent chats, instructions, and group activities.

  • Communicate concerns promptly through the appropriate reporting channels.

  • Do not assume authority beyond your assigned responsibilities.

Be Prepared

Volunteers are responsible for understanding the requirements of their assigned roles, including:

  • Required training, including Sprite Sermons and Consent Circles.

  • Opening and closing procedures.

  • Event-specific responsibilities and safety expectations.

  • The programs and activities they are assigned to support, including rituals, Open Temple, Ecstatic Dance, Pleasure Temple, support groups, and other community programs.

Ask for clarification or assistance whenever you are uncertain about a procedure or responsibility.

Honor Your Commitments

  • Make commitments you can reasonably sustain.

  • Communicate scheduling conflicts, absences, or changes in availability as early as possible.

  • Request assistance or a change in responsibilities when needed.

  • Respect your own capacity so you can serve the community responsibly.

Representing Samsara

Volunteers, particularly those in visible leadership roles, may be perceived as representatives of Samsara Temple.

  • Volunteers may identify themselves as volunteers but may not speak on behalf of Samsara or represent its official positions, policies, or leadership without authorization from the Board of Directors.

  • Volunteers may share approved promotional materials and promote events officially hosted or sanctioned by Samsara.

  • Volunteers should be mindful that public conduct may reasonably be associated with Samsara when they publicly identify with the organization, while retaining their independent personal lives and beliefs.

  • Events promoted, hosted, facilitated, or represented by a volunteer must be clearly identified as independent when they are not organized or sanctioned by Samsara.

The following disclaimer may be used for independent events:

“This event is independently organized and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Samsara Temple. Any views or opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Samsara Temple.”.

Confidentiality & Reporting

Volunteers may encounter sensitive organizational information, including internal communications, incident reports, personnel matters, and community concerns.

Volunteers agree to:

  • Protect confidential organizational information accessed through their service.

  • Follow applicable confidentiality agreements and privacy policies.

  • Share sensitive information only with authorized individuals or when necessary to address a safety concern or fulfill a reporting obligation.

  • Avoid unauthorized disclosure of internal matters.

Reporting Concerns

Report concerns through the Outreach team on our Reporting Page.

  • For immediate safety concerns, contact a member of the Board of Directors.

  • If a concern involves a member of leadership, report it to another leader who is not involved.

  • Concerns involving an Executive Director may be reported directly to the Board of Directors.

  • Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or participates in an investigation is prohibited.

Eligibility & Volunteer Status

Anyone serving in a leadership role is expected to be in good standing with local organizations.

Volunteers and leaders must notify the Board, Council, or an Executive Director if they have ever:

  • Been under investigation, suspended, or banned from a local organization or venue.

  • Been convicted of a violent offense that falls outside the scope of the sex offender registry.

Failure to disclose required information may result in removal from leadership or volunteer service.

Disclosure does not automatically disqualify an individual. Each situation will be evaluated individually, considering community safety, the nature of the concern, demonstrated accountability, and the wellbeing of current and prospective patrons.

Concerns involving a volunteer may result in temporary restrictions or a pause from volunteer duties while leadership assesses the situation. Depending on the circumstances, restrictions may also affect leadership responsibilities, internal system access, or attendance at Temple events.

Volunteer participation may be modified, paused, or discontinued based on an individualized assessment of community safety and organizational responsibilities. The community's established reporting and accountability procedures apply.

Facility Responsibilities

Volunteers are expected to:

  • Follow opening and closing procedures.

  • Care for Temple facilities, equipment, supplies, and shared spaces.

  • Leave the space better than they found it.

  • Report safety hazards, damage, or operational concerns promptly.

Volunteer Acknowledgement

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Volunteer Code of Conduct and the Official Patron Code of Conduct.

✓ I understand that serving as a volunteer at Samsara Temple is both a privilege and a responsibility.

✓ I agree to uphold Samsara's mission.

✓ I agree to protect confidential information.

✓ I agree to fill out the fae contact form.

✓ I agree to help protect this community.

✓ I agree to follow applicable organizational policies and procedures.

✓ I understand that failure to meet these expectations may result in restrictions, a pause, or discontinuation of my volunteer service.