Become a Listener

Purpose

Foster a welcoming space at Underhill House, create an invitational environment and an opportunity for another person to be heard, and when requested, provide prayer for anyone who enters Underhill House. Becoming a listener is an opportunity to increase your listening skills and prayer life.

A Listener is NOT a therapist or spiritual director. The role of the Listener is to simply listen, reflect appropriately, and when asked, to pray.

Duties, Expectations, & Requirements

• Welcome people when they enter Underhill House
• Hold the sacred space in quiet contemplation for any guests who enter
• Be available if someone desires a friendly listening ear
• Be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Discern with the director if this volunteer opportunity is a good fit for you and for Underhill House
• Commit to being a Listener for a minimum of one 2-hour block per month (current hours are Thursday, 12 – 2 p.m.)
• Take Safeguarding God’s People (free training offered by Diocese of Olympia) within six months of start date or provide proof of equivalent training

Skills/Qualifications

Listeners should have an alignment with the Underhill House mission and values, a desire to grow in contemplative life and active listening, and a general desire for openness, especially when related to different beliefs and faiths. Holding sacred space, offering an opportunity to encounter sacred stillness in the midst of the bustle of daily life, and offering your presence to another person with no agenda — these are precious gifts. If you are interested in sitting and be present with people, please contact executive director, Phil Fox Rose to discuss it: