Mahpiya Luta Red Cloud Volunteer Program
Goal of Program
Maȟpíya Lúta Volunteers work for and stand with the Oglala Lakȟóta people on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Pine Ridge is located in Oglala Lakota County, one of the three poorest counties in the country (based on per capita income), but it is also one of the richest and most beautiful communities in terms of culture, spirituality, hospitality, and landscape. Volunteers serve nearly 500 Lakȟóta students in a K-12 Catholic School System, which is jointly administered by the Jesuits and the Lakȟóta people. During the ten-month term of service, which can be renewed for multiple school years, volunteers work as classroom teachers or support staff. Volunteers also assist with bus driving, coaching, and after-school activities. If you have a desire to work within a challenging cross-cultural and inter-religious environment, live simply, grow spiritually, work for justice in education, and become more socially conscious, then this program may be a good fit for you. We'd love to hear from you!
Type of Placement
Arts & Music | Education | Library Science | Recreation, Camp Counseling & Coaching | Religious Education & Retreat Work | Tutoring & Literacy Programs | Mentoring | Campus Ministry
Service Area
Pine Ridge, South Dakota and Porcupine, South Dakota
Service Length
10-month school year, renewable for multiple years
Requirements
Bachelor degree or higher; competent to fulfill one's job duties as a teacher/support staff; and a desire to enter into Lakȟóta/Catholic/Jesuit mission of the school with an open and receptive spirit.
Financial Arrangements
Room and Board | Stipend | Medical Insurance | Transportation | Loan Deferment/Forbearance
Living Arrangements
Maȟpíya Lúta has two volunteer communities with six to ten volunteers in each house.
Training
Comprehensive orientation with introductions to Lakȟóta history, culture and language; Lakȟóta, Catholic, and Jesuit educational values; and retreats and professional development throughout the year.
Application Deadline
Applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Most apply between December and April.
Address
100 Mission Drive
Pine Ridge Shannon, 57770
Phone: 605.867.5888 ext. 2236
Website
https://schools.mahpiyaluta.org/volunteer-program/
Primary Contact
Jonathon
Affiliations
Lakȟóta, Catholic, and Jesuit
Secondary Contacts