SGGM Temple Volunteer Handbook

Purpose

The SGGM Temple Volunteer Program supports all temple activities to provide a spiritually enriching, safe, and organized environment. This handbook applies to all volunteers, including Sunday Vedic School teachers, event volunteers, kitchen staff, and maintenance teams.

Volunteer Commitment

• Serve with humility, sincerity, and a spirit of seva.
• Act as positive role models and maintain a spiritually focused environment.
• Treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
• Uphold the teachings of the Guru Parampara and follow temple guidelines.

Attendance, Punctuality & Accountability

Volunteers must arrive on time, be prepared, and notify coordinators early if unable to attend. Vedic School teachers must arrive 5 minutes early and stay 5 minutes post-dismissal. Volunteers are responsible for checking in/out and reporting task completion.

Professional Conduct & Etiquette

Volunteers must maintain a welcoming demeanor, demonstrate Vaishnava etiquette, and lead by example. During service, stay focused on responsibilities, avoid excessive phone use, and follow dress guidelines.

Service Area Responsibilities

• Vedic School: Prepare lesson plans, follow approved curriculum, and maintain a structured environment.
• Events & Festivals: Assist with crowd management, setup, and cleanup.
• Kitchen & Prasadam: Follow hygiene standards and handle food respectfully as prasadam.
• Operations: Assist with facility maintenance and report safety concerns promptly.

Safety, Technology & Integrity

• Safety: Never leave children unsupervised and report accidents/misconduct to leadership immediately.
• Technology: Limit mobile use to essential communication only.
• Instructional Integrity: Teachers must teach in alignment with Guru, Sadhu, and Sastra and avoid personal speculation.
• Stewardship: Treat temple property with respect and participate in setup/cleanup.

Conflict Resolution & Leadership

Address disagreements privately and respectfully. Foster unity, be open to feedback, and involve leadership when necessary to resolve issues.