Global Citizens Network: La Push, Washington

  United States

La Push

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: June 20-27, 2009

Description: Global Citizens Network (GCN) sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to La Push last one week; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Such projects have included working with the after school program, clearing evacuation trails and building wheelchair accessible decks. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Volunteers should be aware that everything is subject to change.

The tribal council of La Push has invited GCN to work in partnership with their community. Most projects will focus on maintaining their culture, language, and way of life. Possible projects include building a home for the Self Help Drumming Group, a support group for drug and alcohol recovery, the building of an outdoor amphitheater to exhibit cultural traditions to the visitors who vacation in nearby cottages, and the creation of a museum to house the tribes antiquities now being held by the National Park Service. Past GCN teams have helped the youth build observation decks on several buildings so that elders and wheelchair-bound people can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, cleared trails, recorded elders stories, amongst many other activities. A highlight for many participants has been a salmon bake on the beach and participating in a drumming circle.

Highlights: The tribal council of La Push has invited GCN to work in partnership with their community. Most projects will focus on maintaining their culture, language, and way of life. Possible projects include building a home for the Self Help Drumming Group, a support group for drug and alcohol recovery, the building of an outdoor amphitheater to exhibit cultural traditions to the visitors who vacation in nearby cottages, and the creation of a museum to house the tribes antiquities now being held by the National Park Service. Past GCN teams have helped the youth build observation decks on several buildings so that elders and wheelchair-bound people can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, cleared trails, recorded elders stories, amongst many other activities. A highlight for many participants has been a salmon bake on the beach and participating in a drumming circle.

Qualifications: No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills--some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Cost in US$: $975

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives primary financial support from program fees and individual donors, while relying heavily on volunteers to make our work successful. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, participants immerse themselves into the daily life of villagers and gain a unique perspective, while making a contribution in the lives of others.

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: Experience of a lifetime.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees...these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range: 8 - 88+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available. - Global Citizens Network scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial & circumstantial need. Because our Scholarship Fund is very limited, we generally award scholarships to those who would otherwise not be able to participate without financial help; please keep this in mind when you are applying. Scholarships are awarded for up to $250(domestic) $400(international) per individual, $500 per family per year.

Application Process Involves:

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement: Global Citizens Network recognizes the interdependence of people around the world, and that social and economic injustice, racial and ethnic inequality, and ecological loss affect all people. But through cooperative effort, individuals of all cultures can experience and enhance their ability to make a difference in their community and their world. To foster that cooperation, Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures where participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community. Each volunteer team is partnered with a local grassroots organization active in meeting local needs. Global Citizens Network creates a worldwide network of people and organizations committed to addressing global issues. By providing participants the opportunity to learn about the society, knowledge, art and livelihood of other cultures, Global Citizens Network seeks to honor and help preserve those cultures. By providing the resources of participating volunteers and project grants, Global Citizens Network seeks to assist human and community development in those cultures. By creating a network of people and organizations, Global Citizens Network also seeks to enhance participants' impact on issues of local and global concern.

Year Founded: 1992