2007 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Those of you who have followed Red Feather's work have seen the organization transition from the philosophy of "Building One House" to focusing our efforts on two reservations: the Northern Cheyenne and the Hopi. Our goal is to build annually within each community as we work with tribal members to develop community-based sustainable housing programs.

June Project | September Project | Volunteer Information

JUNE PROJECT - RENOVATIONS

To successfully navigate the arduous bureaucratic process required for homebuilding on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, we are developing a long-term plan that allows us to work with multiple families until they are able to build their new straw bale home. For one family, this means addressing credit issues before they can feasibly expect a home mortgage. Another family hopes to work with the tribal government and Bureau of Indian Affairs to acquire a feasible homesite and determine with Red Feather how they might be able to afford a mortgage. A third family has land, but not the Title Status Report (TSR) for that land - a critical document required by lending institutions. Receiving this TSR through the Bureau of Indian Affairs may take up to two years.

As a result, Red Feather's work in 2007 is focused on furthering our relationship with our Northern Cheyenne partners. Rather than attempt to aggressively pursue a new home project in 2007 by pressuring the BIA and alienating our organization from this important ally, Red Feather will continue to work with families on their credit, land, and title issues in preparation for a home project in 2008. Our program in 2007 will directly address housing issues by working to prevent families who already have housing from joining the ranks of families who presently need it. To achieve this, we will conduct a number of home renovations for Northern Cheyenne tribal members who are elderly or have special circumstances. Red Feather will also attempt to join tribal members in other community related service projects.

Due to the nature of these projects, we can only accept a limited number of volunteers for each week. High priority will be given to skilled applicants with the ability and interest to teach participants in our Indigenous Builders Exchange. However, individuals of all skill levels are encouraged to apply.

JUNE HOME RENOVATION PROJECTS

Project Location: Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Montana
Project Date: June 2 - 23, 2007
Notify Red Feather of your interest by: April 20, 2007

The following is the weekly project arrival and departure schedule:
Week One: Arrive June 2nd; Depart June 9th
Week Two: Arrive June 9th; Depart June 16th
Week Three:Arrive June 16th; Depart June 23rd

SEPTEMBER PROJECT - NEW STRAW BALE HOME

Red Feather's September 2006 build with the Shebola family of Bacavi was by far the most successful project to date. Many Hopi individuals and organizations have welcomed Red Feather and are working with us to identify potential partners who wish to move forward and initiate community-run organizations.

Red Feather is currently working to identify families that have shown interest in building their own straw bale homes in 2007 and beyond. With community leaders, we have developed an appropriate application and selection process. At least 40 Hopi families have received application packets for building a new straw bale home with Red Feather. Having already met with a number of eligible families, we expect to once again build a new straw bale home on the Hopi Reservation in September 2007 and, in addition, to conduct weekly rehab construction projects throughout the area.

SEPTEMBER STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Project Location: Hopi Reservation, Arizona
Project Date: September 1 - 29, 2007
Notify Red Feather of your interest by: May 4, 2007

The following is the weekly project arrival and departure schedule:
Week One: Arrive September 1st; Depart September 8th
Week Two: Arrive September 8th; Depart September 15th
Week Three: Arrive September 15th; Depart September 22nd
Week Four: Arrive September 22nd; Depart September 29th

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Red Feather volunteer opportunities combine service with real world learning that teaches, inspires, and motivates individuals involved. In its focus to create a new paradigm of active citizenship among natives and non-natives alike, Red Feather recognizes that we are each dependent upon one another and play an integral role in strengthening the vitality of each community - even those communities only distantly related. As citizens live and act with responsibility and conscience, there is no end to the positive changes each of us can affect in our own communities and in the global community at large.

As Indian and non-Indian people work together toward a common goal, they develop understanding of one another that leads to respect and communication. Each culture begins to heal by virtue of crossing boundaries that have kept people apart for centuries. As we learn to recognize individuals and cultures within the context of a complex history rife with sadness and exploitation, we take responsibility for the histories we are making right now, and we discern the ways in which poverty is not personal, but a burden we all share.

If you are interested in volunteering your time during a Red Feather straw bale home construction project, please start by becoming a Red Feather member or renewing your membership by making an annual donation of $25 or more. All Red Feather members receive our Building One House annual report/newsletter - distributed in February of each year - which brings our members up-to-date with all we have accomplished with their generosity and support. In addition, members will receive invitations to attend Red Feather special events, including announcements of our volunteer opportunities and building projects - also sent no later than February of each year. Once members receive our volunteer/project announcements, we ask that members notify us and let us know of their interest to participate and attend our project(s).

NOTE: Red Feather has a seven- to ten-year commitment to the Northern Cheyenne Nation of Montana and the Hopi Nation of Arizona. For the foreseeable future, Northern Cheyenne home projects will be scheduled for the entire month of June and Hopi will be scheduled for the entire month of September.