·     The Arts & Crafts Project sells locally-made jewelry and crafts. The Project also sponsors a traditional art camp program and classes in beadwork, sewing and entrepreneurship.  Your smal business, computer or art skills could help develop artist’s business skills or help us promote items though the Internet and other venues.

 

·         The “My View Point” photography project has a need to become a year round program. The MVP teaches youth photography through point and shoot cameras, digital cameras and a black/white darkroom. We’d like to expand the project to include video.

 

·         The After School Program offers a variety of recreational and educational activities. We especially need people to lead sports clinics that support health and fitness and Kidz Lit/Math to support learning and staying in school.

 

We work closely with Tribal organizations such as Youth Diabetes Prevention, Four Bands Community Fund, local schools and churches, Tribal Ventures, community health representatives and community center organizations and their leaders. You would be working with Sioux YMCA staff and their staff on many of our projects and program. See our website for photos, more details and examples of current programs and services.

 

Requirements: Male or female candidates need to commit to serve for a minimum of six to eight weeks, be at least 19 years old, with a preference to those over 21 years old, must be a US citizen, able to lift 35 lbs. unassisted, have a valid drivers license with a good driving record and commit to an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free life-style while serving with the Sioux YMCA.  There is an interview and a written application that includes an essay on personal learning and service goals. Long term volunteers and interns must submit to and pass a driving and criminal background checks prior to acceptance and a drug test once here. If you do not pass the drug test, you will be required to leave.  

 

We provide a three bedroom, one bath, furnished house with heating/air conditioning and DSL. It is within easy walking distance of the Sioux YMCA, grocery store, post office and laundry. You might be sharing the house with another volunteer or intern. Pets and smoking are not allowed. Generally, meals are your expense.  During the year, we serve lunch twice per week and Monday through Friday in the summer. You are eligible to eat these meat-based meals with the participants and YMCA staff.  Depending on our budget, we might be able to negotiate a small weekly stipend to assist you.

 

All travel to and from South Dakota is your expense. It is advised that you have your own vehicle for personal use.  The YMCA will pay for gas only when you use your vehicle for YMCA business. There is a YMCA truck and van for program use if you need to travel for your particular program/activity.

Most cell phones do not work here.  A calling card is needed to place your long distance phone calls. Weather conditions are extreme, from 110 degrees above to 30 below, with wind chill. You must be able to travel long distances over gravel roads to serve the communities outside of Dupree. Listen, observe, learn and join in. Weather and funerals change “plans”.  Be flexible, create options, be open to the complexities of the issues and relationships, have a sense of humor and you’ll not only make a lasting contribution, but gain a life-changing perspective and knowledge.

Other expectations: Often, individuals arrive with inaccurate, preconceived notions of Native Americans and Reservation life. These ideas usually stem from common media stereotypes, false assumptions and agendas of various authors or media.  Each Native People has its own history, culture and current day issues. The dynamics within the communities on the Cheyenne River Reservation vary from each other just as reservations vary from each other.

Other opportunities: While here, we encourage you to visit and/or volunteer at cultural events, such as a Pow Wow, but we ask that you do not come with an agenda and a list of ceremonies you want to partake in. Ceremonies are deeply personal and spiritual for the participants.  The Sioux YMCA is not in the business of tourism, rather we are here to serve and work towards the best interests of the youth and their families. The Black Hills, Bear Butte, Devil’s Tower and Badlands are within easy driving distance and worth including in your travel.

Contact the Sioux YMCA today at the above address and discover how you can impact the life of a youth like this: “My parents made sure my presence existed at the YMCA. I attended camp many, many times, went on trips and what ever else they (Sioux YMCA) had to offer. I was there. I look back on all of it now and count my blessings that I was able to attend and make so many unforgettable memories. I am now thirty years old. I live in Topeka, KS where I have a family and a great job and where I get to help the public (fire fighter - EMT). I’ve reflected many times on how I got this far in life. And I know one of them is that I was fortunate enough to have had the Sioux YMCA in my life while I was growing up on the reservation. I know how much the impact the YMCA programs has provided for the youth of my people. Forever grateful, Michael Barbosa