Laguna Beach Woman a Helping Hand to Montana Blackfeet Tribe

Listening to the Blackfeet tell stories around a campfire, sleeping in a teepee, horseback riding on the open plains and chatting with tribal elders while learning ancient customs – these are just some of the highlights volunteers can experience on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Stacy Lang, from Laguna Beach, was part of a Global Volunteers team working in the town of Browning on the edge of Glacier National Park. Volunteers contributed their time and skills on various labor projects on the Blackfeet Reservation. Browning is the cultural center of the Blackfeet Reservation, scenically located in the shadow of the park.

In its 25th year, Global Volunteers pioneered short-term, community-driven service opportunities (“volunteer vacations”) in 1984. Working in 19 countries on five continents, the organization wages peace and promotes justice through the mutual understanding arising from shared work projects between people. Some 160 volunteer teams support host communities annually through direct service, while child sponsorships and project donations also contribute to the long-term development projects.

Working with the local people, this team tackled a variety of projects, including the rehab of the community center, various painting and carpentry projects, helping at a senior citizens center, preparing books and materials for the local library and general maintenance work. The volunteers and local people gained new insights into each other’s cultures and forged bonds of respect and mutual understanding. As a result of her trip, Lang said she has a better understanding of the plights they are facing – health issues, education needs, and unemployment. “I also became aware of how those that do not have make do with what they have – in spades,” she said.

Gary Roberson, a retiree from Edwardsburg, MI was especially moved by an elder couple he met who had been married for 70 years. “What a gift to sit and listen to their lives,” he said. “Nine children - with five college grads, two PhDs. I was humbled and honored to have met them.”

Staci Sievert, a teacher with the Seymour Community Schools in Appleton, WI, said she particularly enjoyed the conversations she had with local community members who provided insights to their values, traditions, trials and tribulations as well as successes. “It made me very proud to see our high school students volunteer and value their new relationships within the Blackfeet Community,” she said. “I hope to make Global Volunteers’ experience a regular opportunity for Seymour high school students.”

Barbara Blankenship from Austin, TX noted that “Even though they are poor, most everyone was happy and always had a smile.” Her experience on this trip made her realize that “every culture wants the same thing – love, peace more for their children, safety and their freedom.”

“What a great thing to be doing with your life,” said Sierra Busch of Cherry Log, GA. “I’ll have a stronger connection with native traditions and religion... and be more humbled and grateful for what I have.”

No special skills are required to volunteer – only a curiosity about other cultures and a desire to be of service. Work projects generally include teaching conversational English, caring for at-risk children, construction and light labor, and assisting with health care.

Families, individuals, couples, and groups of all ages and backgrounds may serve in this unique way – to give back and make a genuine difference by working with and learning from and about local people in their community.

To join a team, call 800-487-1074 today or visit the Global Volunteers website at www.globalvolunteers.org. Service program fees are tax-deductible for U.S. citizens. Airfare and visas are extra.