Volunteer in Leon

By Robert Terenzi, Jr.

I am lying in my hammock after lunch when Dania, my nine-year old host sister, tosses a mango into my lap. Mango season is only just beginning and yet, already they lie scattered around my host family’s driveway and yard. I scoot over to share the hammock as Dania and I peel back the leathery outer skin in eager anticipation. I sink my teeth into the succulent and sweet flesh, and she laughs at me as juice dribbles down my chin and on to my shirt.

General Responsibilities

• Learn about pressing local economic, social, and environmental justice issues through conversations with community members and civil society groups
• Work with community to identify resources that may be used to address these challenges
• Learn about possible solutions to these challenges as proposed by the community
• Help implement advocacy initiatives through a bottom-up planning approach

Specific Responsibilities

• Work with coordinator to prepare a long term work plan; translate and share with both the Consejo Sur and the Consejo Norte
• Work with coordinator to prepare monthly work plans and evaluations of work done
• Prepare bimonthly reports on work being done and send to Minnesota
• Research and post regular web updates on pressing events and news items in Nicaragua
• Facilitate the Cyber Amistades letter exchange program
• Prepare Solidarity in Action bulletins
• Attend weekly advocacy meetings with both project Coordinators in Leon
• Present an advocacy update at the beginning of monthly Consejo Sur meetings
• Assist coordinators with PMGL delegations by translating / otherwise accompanying delegates.
• Attend Arte Infantil sessions at least occasionally
• Attend monthly preschool teacher training sessions
• Attend monthly mid-wife training sessions
• Support youth development in El Chague. Possible examples: facilitate discussion groups, participate in organizing sports teams….

Qualifications

Must be at least 17 years old. Proficiency in Spanish. Must be mature and independent. Must have a persuasive style. Must be passionate about justice. Must be able to work in a team and with limited resources. Must possess strong written and oral communication skills. Cross-cultural experience preferred, Organizing skills helpful. Priority given to Minnesota Residents.

SENIOR Advocacy Intern Position
Fall 2005 and Spring 2006

• Identify pressing local economic, social, and environmental justice issues through conversations with community members and civil society groups

• Identify local resources that may be used in addressing these challenges

• Identify possible solutions to these challenges as proposed by the community

• Research and network with organizations and community leaderships facing similar issues

• Facilitate the implementation of advocacy initiatives through a bottom-up planning approach