Volunteer in Navajo Nation

  United States

• Other Cities in United States: 
Tuba City

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Feb.13-Feb.19;Apr.17-Apr.23, Apr.24-Apr.30, others

Description: The Navajo Nation Volunteer Program is only available to groups of 6 or more people.

The Navajo Nation is like no place on earth with its beautiful sandstone mesas, towering buttes, colorful canyons, and dramatic desert scenery. From the Navajo Code Talkers who won World War II to exquisite artisans, the Navajo have a fascinating culture and history. As a sovereign nation and people, the Navajo are working to enhance their families and communities while embracing their traditional lifestyles. Volunteers will have the opportunity to tutor elementary school children in a local community school, where they will directly impact the students' ability to excel in the classroom. Volunteers will be provided with tutoring materials and receive teacher guidance. In addition, volunteers may have the opportunity to complete a small construction project, such as building a school playground, creating park areas, and helping renovate the community center. There are many opportunities for volunteers to learn about Navajo culture and history, through talks with local community members, sharing in a traditional meal, visiting a traditional sheep camp, and exploring the distinct Navajo artistry. There are also many regional opportunities including visiting the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and Monument Valley.

Highlights: In communities on five continents, over 2,000 Amizade volunteers have cooperated with community members to complete sustainable, community-identified projects that address needs in education, the environment, health and well-being. Within the context of a unique cross-cultural experience that offers educational and recreational opportunities, Amizade volunteers have constructed an orphanage that houses forty children in Bolivia, built a vocational training center for street children in the Brazilian Amazon, and completed historical restoration and environmental preservation in the Greater Yellowstone Area. Volunteers do not need any special skills, just a willingness to help. Current opportunities exist in Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Nepal, Northern Ireland, the USA, and in several other other communities around the world.

Amizade offers pre-scheduled programs for individuals and customized programs for groups. Additionally, through a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, the Amizade Global Service-Learning Center facilitates courses that combine inter-cultural service and academic coursework for college credit. Volunteer program fees range from USD 500 to USD 2,500. The program fee includes room and board, transportation during the program, recreational, cultural, and educational activities, Amizade staff, and a donation to the community.

Qualifications: Volunteers do not need any special skills, just a willingness to help. Amizade staff will supervise and assist volunteers on all aspects of the project.

Cost in US$: 575 USD

Amizade alumni, families of four or more, and volunteers who sign up for more than one program will receive a discount. Amizade is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Program Contributions are tax deductible. Program fees do not include
* Airfare or travel to the program site
* Passport
* Visas
* Immunizations
* Travel insurance
* Departure taxes

Salary / Pay: none

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Someone who is enthusiastic, willing to learn about another culture and serve a needy community.

Age Range: 12 - 99 years

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of up to 30 volunteers

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Amizade Global Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs's Mission Statement: Amizade inspires individuals and communities through worldwide service and learning.

Year Founded: 1994