Become a volunteer

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If you are thinking about these things, we have a suggestion to make.

The brothers of the community, together with the sisters of the other communities who live in Taizé, would be unable on their own to welcome the large numbers who come throughout the year. The presence of a group of volunteers makes the international meetings possible.

    

The volunteers at Taizé are young adults aged 18 to 29 who, already familiar with the youth meetings and in agreement with the community, stay at Taizé for several weeks or months and take on various practical tasks related to the meetings.

As a general rule, around forty young men and women stay in Taizé for a few months or a year. They come not only from Europe, but also from different continents. Their common life is organised into different groups, with separate accommodation.

Staying on as a volunteer is above all an opportunity to think a little more about the next stages of your life, through personal reflection, regular common prayer and sharing with others. Each volunteer has the opportunity, during regular meetings with one of the sisters (for young women) or one of the brothers (for young men), to talk about their questions and ideas.

 

Becoming a volunteer means

Taking an active part in the life in Taizé, including its daily rhythm of three community prayers;

making yourself available for the various tasks and services needed for the meetings;

participating in and enriching the common life of the group in which you live.

Volunteers are initially welcomed for a trial period of 6 to 12 weeks before committing to stay longer. We cannot accept volunteers for less than 4 weeks (during certain periods, the minimum stay may be 6 weeks, depending on availability). At other times of the year, we do not accept volunteers.

Staying as a Volunteer in Taizé

Volunteer Charter

This charter describes the experience that the community offers to volunteers, what is expected of each volunteer, and the mutual commitments between Taizé and the volunteers.

charte des bénévoles_2025-11-20_en
PDF

If you would like to stay in Taizé for more than a week and become a volunteer, please write to [email protected] introducing yourself, explaining your motivation and specifying whether you have already been to Taizé. If you are in contact with one of the brothers or sisters, it is also useful to mention this.

FAQ

What will I do during several weeks in Taizé?

The meetings in Taizé are organised on a week-by-week basis. We ask those who come for longer periods to spend their first week together with the meeting participants, choosing from among the different groups offered that week. From the second week onwards, you will join one of the volunteer groups and take part in various practical tasks – cleaning, preparing meals, helping in the church or the refreshment bar – or you can help with the running of the meetings – in the night team or the welcome teams, etc. It is also possible to spend a week in silence during your stay.

How does a typical day look like?

Other tasks may also be requested (silent service at the church, washing up, distributing meals, etc.). Each volunteer has free time during the day.

Twice a week there is a Bible introduction with a brother or sister or another person involved in the meetings at Taizé.

Once a week, a sharing session is offered in the group with a brother or sister.

Do I need to speak other languages?

You do not specifically need to know how to speak other languages. English is the main language of communication between volunteers, and speaking a little French will be useful for certain tasks. However, you will improve your communication skills faster than you think!

What is the financial contribution?

We ask those who stay on as volunteers to make a financial contribution for the first week of their stay. After that, no further contribution is required.

Where will I be staying?

From the second week onwards, you will be accommodated in a dormitory with other volunteers who are staying for a longer period. Those staying for a longer period are accommodated in a single room or a twin room.

All volunteers have access to a washing machine. Taizé provides some basic toiletries: soap, shampoo, sanitary towels, shaving foam, etc.

What about meals?

Volunteers eat their meals in smaller groups, sometimes accompanied by one of the brothers or sisters.

Is it possible to come with a friend?

Coming to Taizé is a personal journey. It is therefore important to come individually rather than with friends or as a couple. At certain times of the year, a group for couples is also offered.

What should I bring with me?

What if I have other questions?

Simply write and ask: [email protected]