VOLUNTEER / INTERN NEEDS Updated February 15, 2009 To volunteer, explore an internship, or get more information - contact Ana Oya Ametz (Naomi Archer) at 828-230-1404 or by email to fourdirections [at] riseup.net. ** Currently, our volunteer/intern needs are locally-based (Western North Carolina) or can be done over phone/email contact. We anticipate having on-site volunteer needs in NE Florida and Lakota very soon. 1. LAKOTA OYATE: FREE LAKOTA PEOPLE Following up work with Cante Tenza and traditional Treaty Councils to support a free Lakota nation. We need the following help: Website development assistance (drupal, css, etc) Creating/sorting a Contacts database Netroots development (Myspace, Facebook, etc.) Elder Support Network development Lakota Systems: helping to define alternative community-based systems in energy, food production, medical care to replace Bureau of Indian Affairs dependence. 2. SE NATIONS PROJECT Our developing work with the Yamasi Nation in NE Florida/SE Georgia Food Distribution Network setup (phone calls, emails, etc.) Finding/creating low-no-cost medical care support network Other ongoing projects involving phone, email and computer work. 3. CANTE TENZA: STRONGHEART WARRIOR SOCIETY Ongoing work with Cante Tenza, the Strongheart Warrior Society of the Lakota Asheville and WNC Fundraiser/Event/Public Speaking organizing (find opportunities and spaces, help to publicize events, etc) 4. FOUR DIRECTIONS NETWORK CAPACITY Renew commitments from our International Network (phone, email) Website management/web assistance Fund raising/Grant writing Local Western North Carolina media work VOLUNTEERING WITH FOUR DIRECTIONS While donors and contributors share funding and materials for our projects, volunteers turn that generousity into action. We're very thankful for the level of participation that we have received from both native, and non-native volunteers. Thanks to each and every one of you! A Different Kind of Service - An Introduction to Volunteer and Intern Work with Four Directions We believe volunteering within Indigenous communities is among the most rewarding and honorable kinds of service . Whether it is traveling from your own native community to another, or even if you have never been to a native community before - supporting the strength and sovereignty of Indigenous communities is a sacred task. We also believe it comes with its own unique considerations. In order to do this work respectfully, there are three key ideas we would like to share to describe the work we do. They are: 1) culturally appropriate, 2) traditionally minded, and 3) solidarity/mutual-aid. Working Within a Cultural Framework Culturally appropriate means all of our work must be done within a cultural framework as directed by our native Community Coordinators who understand the unique cultural aspects of each location. For example, one aspect common to every Indigenous culture is honoring the land and all living things. We work in some very beautiful natural places. So when we are in other communities, we ask people to respect our Earth Mother, pick up trash (even if its not your own), not to visit Sacred Places without permission, and don't abuse animals, plants, rocks, or other living things. Honoring Tradition Being traditionally-minded means we honor traditional values, while working to understanding the impact that modern systems of material wealth and exploitation have had on traditional communities. This honor is expressed by addressing Elders and community members respectfully, and not participating in offensive or disrespectful behavior. We ask people to refrain from using offensive gestures or language. Most importantly we let the Grandmothers, Grandfathers, and Community Coordinators guide our actions. We Don't Do Charity Solidarity/mutual-aid refers to how we provide support. We are not a charitable organization. We don't perform charity. Instead, we work as community partners - as equals - recognizing the give and take that is necessary for healthy and empowered relationships. Working in solidarity helps to build a closer friendship with our partners. However, we do ask Four Directions staff and volunteers to refrain from alcohol and drug use when working within our projects. Similarly, we ask volunteers not to buy or assist those we serve with obtaining alcohol or drugs.