Volunteering

Written By Parul Kaul

“Service is the best way; serve others and do your sadhana alongside.” – Sri M

Blossom Foundation NJ’s programs are made possible through the dedicated efforts of volunteers. Volunteering is a meaningful opportunity to offer Seva in a spirit of sincerity, support the smooth running of the programs, and connect more deeply with the community gathered around Sri M’s teachings.

Volunteer Details

Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

Volunteer Registration Opens: Saturday, August 22, at 12 PM ET

Volunteer Registration Closes: Sunday, August 23, at 12 PM ET

Registration

Format: Volunteer registration details will be shared on this page when available.

How to register: Check this page for the “Register for Volunteering” button on August 22, when registration opens.

Application acknowledgment: After submitting your application, you will receive an automated email from Jotform confirming receipt of your application. Please note that this is not a confirmation of your volunteer placement.

Notification: A confirmation email will be sent from volunteers.blossomfdnj@gmail.com within 7 business days of registration, to the email address used during registration. Please add this email to your safe senders list.




Who Should Volunteer

Volunteering with Blossom Foundation NJ is for those who wish to support these programs in a spirit of service care, and responsibility. Volunteer registrations will only be confirmed for events where you are not already registered as a participant. If there is a conflict, your participant registration will supersede any requests for volunteering.

Eligibility

To be eligible to volunteer:

  • You must be at least 15 years old as of the program start date.

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) holder.

Registration Policies

  • Please register using your full legal name and date of birth exactly as shown on your valid government-issued photo ID. Incorrect details may result in cancellation of your registration.

  • Volunteers between 15 and 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must be registered either as a volunteer or as an attendee for the same program.

  • During registration, applicants may indicate the event or program they wish to support, along with their preferred service roles.

  • Only confirmed volunteers will be permitted to serve on site.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers may be asked to support in several areas, including:

  • Dining and meal service support

  • Cleaning and upkeep

  • Registration and attendee check-in

  • Parking and traffic coordination

  • Other general event support as needed

You are welcome to indicate your preferred areas of service during registration. Every effort will be made to match volunteer interests with program needs.

Volunteers should be prepared to dedicate 8-10 hours each day, depending on the needs of the program and their assigned role. If you have work obligations that may interfere with your volunteer schedule, it may be better to volunteer for a future program when you can give your time more fully.

Volunteer Schedule

Volunteering for Kriya Yoga Retreat

Arrival: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 8:00 AM ET

Departure: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

Volunteering for An Evening with Sri M

Arrival: Monday, October 26, 2026, 3:00 PM ET

Departure: Monday, October 26, 2026, 7:15 PM ET

  • Volunteer arrival times, orientation details, and reporting instructions will vary depending on the program and assigned role. 

  • Confirmed volunteers will receive full details before the program begins.

  • Mandatory volunteer orientation before service begins.

  • Volunteers are expected to support the full duration of the program for which they are assigned.



WhatsApp Group

  • After confirmation, volunteers will be invited to WhatsApp groups to coordinate carpools, share hotel information, and connect with other volunteers.

  • Please leave the WhatsApp group if your volunteering plans change.

  • Important updates may also be shared through the group, so volunteers are encouraged to monitor it regularly

Volunteer Benefits

  • There is no fee to volunteer.

  • Vegetarian meals may be provided on volunteer days, depending on the program.

  • Volunteers may also have the opportunity to participate in selected portions of the program, depending on event flow and assigned responsibilities.

  • Any such details will be shared during volunteer orientation.Note: Kriya Yoga initiation is not part of the volunteer program.

Pranams

In accordance with Sri M’s wishes expressed during the Guru Purnima address on July 29, 2026, there will be no pranams at the Fall 2026 programs in New Jersey.

Accommodation, Travel, and Logistics

  • Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transportation and local travel.

  • Volunteers should plan to arrange their own stay.
    Participants may choose from a range of nearby hotels and lodging options in Princeton and surrounding areas. Hotel coordination may also be shared through the WhatsApp group after confirmation.

    Group rates are available for:

    Quality Inn near Princeton
    3270 Brunswickpike, US Rt.1N, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
    Call the front desk at 609 450 3084 and use the code “Blossom Foundation NJ” to make reservations.
    King bed - $100 plus tax
    2 Queen beds - $109 plus tax

    Homewood Suites by Hilton Princeton
    3819 US-1 S, Princeton, NJ 08540
    Please click here to avail of group rates and make a reservation.
    King 1 Bedroom Suites - $139, plus tax
    Double Queen 1 Bedroom Suites - $159, plus tax

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Princeton
    4355 US Route 1, Princeton, NJ 08540
    Please click here to avail of group rates and make a reservation.
    To avail of the group rates, please book by September 20th, 2026.

Staying Healthy

Please note that volunteers may be serving in close proximity to a large number of people arriving from different places. To help maintain a healthy environment for all, we encourage everyone to take reasonable precautions before and during the program.

  • Consult your doctor and review any relevant health advisories before traveling.

  • Consider wearing a mask in airports, carpools, and other crowded public settings, if appropriate for your situation.

  • Greet others with Namaste rather than hugging or shaking hands.

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, touching shared surfaces, or touching your face.

  • Use hand sanitizer as needed.

  • If you have a fever, please do not come until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

  • If you have cold or cough symptoms, please consider wearing a mask.

  • Bring any medications you may need and consult your healthcare provider regarding precautions specific to your health needs.

Questions

For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, please write to volunteers.blossomfdnj@gmail.com

We look forward to serving together during these special events.



Parul Kaul
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