Volunteer in South Dakota

Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to volunteer at a youth centre located on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. The non-profit youth centre serves children and families living on the reservation and is a grass-roots organisation run by members of the Lakota tribe and the surrounding communities. The Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation is home to around 15,000 residents and lies within two of the poorest counties in the United States. The unemployment rate is high, occasionally reaching over 75% in some areas, and the majority of families live at or below the poverty level (according to USA standards). As much as 50% of the population of the reservation is under the age of 18 years old, which means that youth and outreach programs have become vitally important to securing a viable future for the Lakota people.

The Program

Volunteers will work with children aged from 4 to 18 years old. During the school term the youth centre is open in the afternoons and during the summer holidays it is open all day. There is no typical day at the centre and activities will vary according to the time of the year and how many children are at the centre.

Activities include: Library time, arts and crafts, helping with homework, working in the organic garden, outdoor games, serving meals, fundraising drives within the community, helping with general upkeep of the centre. In addition, volunteers with particular skills, for example language or sporting skills, will be encouraged to implement their own programs with the children.

Program Location

The youth centre is located in Eagle Butte. With a population of around 3000, it is the largest town on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and the center of tribal government. The reservation is situated in the mid-west state of South Dakota, bordering North Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. The reservation encompasses approximately 2.8 million acres of rolling prairie land. Volunteers are housed at the youth centre in dormitory-style accommodation.

Program Requirements

As a volunteer in South Dakota you must:

• be 18 or older
• be a native speaker or fluent in English
• have no health problems
• be enthusiastic about working with children
• have cultural sensitivity and respect
• be eligible for a visa to enter the United States*

*Although there are no restrictions on the nationality of volunteers that wish to participate in this program, you need to be able to obtain your Entry Visa independent of the volunteer organisation.

Program Schedule

Volunteers can arrive on the first or third Monday of each month and the program runs year-round. Volunteers can choose to volunteer from 8 weeks to 6 months. Longer-term positions may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

The centre also welcomes volunteer groups, which can volunteer for a minimum of two weeks. Groups would have to arrange their own transport from the airport to the centre and would pay a reduced program fee, depending on the number of people in the group.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your South Dakota Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the South Dakota program is:

• Cost for 2 months - US $797
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $857
• Cost for 3 months - US $917
• Cost for 4 months - US $997
• Cost for 5 months - US $1077
• Cost for 6 months - US $1157

The in-country fee covers in-country coordination and administration, food and accommodation, as well as transport to and from the airport.

The other costs you will need to meet are: your flights to South Dakota, visa (if required), travel insurance (required) and corresponding airport departure taxes.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• International Travel Advice
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the South Dakota Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a full money back guarantee on your application fee if you decide not to go.
Click here to apply for the South Dakota program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently overseas, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a provisional letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the provisional letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will fully refund your application fee if you decide not to go.

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here