Red Cloud Volunteer Program
Since the 1960’s, Red Cloud volunteers have worked in partnership with the Lakota community, Jesuits and religious sisters to serve the mission of Red Cloud Indian School. Become a part of this living history!
Each year, volunteers serve nearly 600 Lakota students in one of three Catholic, Jesuit schools on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. During their ten-month term of service, which can be renewed for up to three years, Red Cloud volunteers work as classroom teachers, school support staff, bus drivers, coaches, and/or activity club sponsors. The volunteer experience, however, extends well beyond the boundaries of our classrooms and schools:
Red Cloud volunteers have opportunities to become involved in the larger Lakota community through participation in Lakota-Catholic parishes, Lakota religious ceremonies, Lakota language classes and camps, cultural events such as powwows, basketball leagues, and family gatherings to mourn or to celebrate. The Red Cloud Volunteer Program is a uniquely powerful to learn and practice intercultural solidarity.
Red Cloud Volunteers live in intentional house communities according to the core values of the volunteer program:
1. Building community
2. Growing spiritually
3. Living simply
4. Working for justice in education
The Volunteer Coordinator invites volunteers to greater depth in each of these values by way of ongoing accompaniment, three retreats in the mountains and plains of South Dakota, and monthly all-volunteer dinner gatherings.
If you have a strong desire to serve the mission of Red Cloud Indian School, immerse oneself in Lakota culture, and grow in these core values, contact us today! We are happy to answer any questions that you might still have. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (605) 867-5888 ext. 2236 or volunteer@redcloudschool.org.
Now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 volunteer cohort! To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Ryen Dwyer, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@redcloudschool.org.