Guest Volunteer Program

About the Retreat

Building upon our rich history of successful volunteer programs and responding to the growing interest from past guests, we are delighted to announce the launch of a new initiative in collaboration with Tao de Jade, our affiliated trade school. This program, is designed to provide a genuine immersion into Mexican life, an opportunity for hands-on Spanish language practice, and a chance to contribute to meaningful community service.

Your involvement will take you beyond the typical tourist experience, allowing you to engage directly with the local community, understand their needs, and participate in projects that make a real difference. We invite you to explore the details of the Tao de Jade volunteer programs and consider lending your skills and enthusiasm to our community for the 2024 Winter or Spring period.

Your questions and thoughts on how you’d like to contribute are highly encouraged. We value your willingness to be a part of this journey and look forward to the possibility of working together to create a positive impact.

Best wishes,

Laura and the Tao de Jade Team

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM INFORMATION

Program Dates: 

• Winter: From January 13th to March 23rd, 2024

• Spring: From April 13th to May 25th, 2024

Duration of Stay: Volunteers must commit to a full week (7 nights) at a time.

Arrival and Departure: Participants should plan to arrive and leave on Saturdays.

Length of Stay: You have the flexibility to choose any Saturday within our specified date ranges for your arrival, and you are welcome to extend your stay for as many weeks as you’d like, subject to availability. For a more comprehensive experience, staying for two to three weeks is advisable.

Rates: In order to make this experience accessible to everyone, we offer three different housing options.

Tao de Jade Farm: $550 per week for a private room

Chacala Shared House: $950 per week for a private room

Mar de Jade New Volunteer Quarters: $1,450 per week in a private room

Discounts available for extended stays (2 weeks or more) and for shared rooms. All rates include meals and taxes. Please contact us for more detailed pricing information.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Volunteer Program Types

• Volunteer-Vacation: Open to anyone who wishes to get involved in the Tao community and do hands-on work alongside students at our Trade school and Farm. Minimum one week. For an optimal experience we recommend staying 2-3 weeks. Knowing Spanish is helpful but not a requirement. Spanish classes are available as an add-on to your program.

• Volunteer Teacher: Experienced, skilled professional capable of teaching in an area that matches current needs at TAO. Examples may include: ESL, carpentry, chef, bio-intensive organic agriculture, clothes design, art (pottery, drawing skills, performance arts, etc), yoga, emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Conversational Spanish is desirable, but not always a requirement. By application only and arranged on a case-by-case basis. 

Volunteer Areas

Whether you’re looking to learn new skills or contribute your existing talents, our diverse range of volunteer areas offers a place for everyone to make a positive impact and engage in a meaningful cultural exchange with our community. Find the area that resonates with you and join us in creating lasting change.

1. Organic Farming:

Dive into the world of bio-intensive organic agriculture by joining our farming team. Volunteers will learn and participate in various agricultural practices, from planting seeds and tending to crops, to harvesting and preparing produce. No previous experience is required, making this an ideal choice for those looking to connect with nature learn the principles of sustainable farming, and contribute to our community’s food security.

2. Cooking, Baking and Food Processing:

Engage in the culinary arts by assisting in the preparation of meals and processing of food. Volunteers in this area will have the chance to learn traditional Mexican recipes, work with fresh ingredients from our organic farm, and understand the processes behind food preservation and preparation. This hands-on experience is open to all, regardless of culinary skill level, and is a delicious way to immerse yourself in the local culture while nurturing the community.

3. Carpentry:

Put your craftsmanship to good use in our carpentry department. Volunteers will assist in creating and repairing furniture, as well as participating in various woodworking projects. This area is suited for volunteers with experience in carpentry who are open to teaching specific skills and techniques to the students or working alongside the local teacher.

4. Sewing:

Contribute to our community by joining the sewing team. Volunteers in this area will work on creating garments and other fabric-based items. This area is ideal for those with some sewing experience, eager to contribute their talents to support the local community. 

5. Maintenance (Electricity, Plumbing, Construction):

Lend your skills to our maintenance team and help teach students valuable skills. This area requires volunteers with experience in electricity, plumbing, or construction, ready to lend their expertise to support the community’s infrastructure.

6. ESL (English as a Second Language):

As a tourist destination, English proficiency is an extremely important skill that opens up many job opportunities. Make a lasting impact on the lives of our Tao students by assisting in English language education through interactive and engaging activities. This area is perfect for those with experience teaching ESL to adults and a desire contribute to the educational growth of the community.  Ideally, teachers would stay for 4 weeks minimum. Longer, work-exchange stays can be negotiated for highly experienced teachers (3 month commitment). 

7. Art:

Tap in to your creativity and inspire others by volunteering in the arts. This area welcomes volunteers with experience teaching art to adolescents and adults. Especially useful are art techniques with practical applications for the elaboration of products that can be sold by the students.

8. Personal Development Workshops:

Share your knowledge and skills in personal development by leading workshops in mindfulness, somatic healing practices, and other transformative disciplines. This area is specifically seeking individuals with experience in facilitating group sessions tailored to young people, aiming to foster resilience, self-awareness, and a positive path forward in a supportive community setting.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Complimentary daily meditation (except Sunday)
• Complimentary daily yoga (except Saturday)
• Spanish Classes (additional cost: group $15 p/hour | private $25 p/hour)
• Excursions (additional cost, see menu)
• Spa treatments (additional cost, see menu)

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM

Schedule

• General Volunteer: Monday to Friday 9:30am-3:00 pm (25hrs per week). Breakfast at MDJ 8:30am / Lunch 12-12:30pm at TAO / Dinner 6:30pm at MDJ. Afternoon, evenings and weekends are free time to enjoy the beach, Mar de Jade facilities and local excursions.
• Note: Art, ESL and Personal Development classes are offered in the afternoon only, so teachers leading workshops in these areas will follow a different schedule, TBD.
• Optional Spanish classes will be offered in the afternoons, schedule TBD.