Volunteering

NHI Summer 2008 Health Justice Internships

~~ What to expect (a brief look) ~~

What is NHI?
The Native Health Initiative is a partnership between Native communities and health professions students, where both parties are invested in a common goal – addressing the health inequities identified by tribal leaders and their communities. We do this through a culture of “loving service,” which is best put in words by saying that we value “why we do the work” as much as the work itself. NHI’s first volunteers came to North Carolina in the summer of 2005, and have ranged from undergraduate to graduate students, those interested in health to others interested in policy, education, etc, and have come from all over the U.S., Canada, Norway, and Poland.

What are the principles behind NHI?
NHI is founded on four principles, all of which are elaborated in the “Principles of NHI” link. These four principles are (1) Educating future health care providers on the health issues and disparities facing native communities, (2) Providing concrete, sustainable benefits to the communities involved (3) Supporting students and communities to engage in meaningful cultural exchange, (4) Empowering native youth through mentoring and training.


Who should think about NHI for the summer of 2008?
*anyone interested in learning about American Indian communities, from culture to issues related to health
*anyone invested in social justice, and in better understanding/addressing how health injustices lead to health inequities
*anyone interested in public health, primary care health fields, and community leadership
*anyone who is interested to learn a lot, work hard, and have fun

What will I be doing when I am an “NHI volunteer”?
You will most likely live in a Native community in rural North Carolina, working closely with the designated tribal leaders for your project site. You will work with the tribe to create a meaningful project that both meets the community’s needs and which utilizes your strengths.

Dates for the 2008 internships?
These dates are tentative, and will be confirmed by 1/27/08. Orientation will begin Friday, June 20th in Pembroke, NC; projects and placements in communities will begin the following week and run for five weeks until closing ceremonies on Saturday, July 26th. All efforts will be made to accommodate individuals’ schedules.

Funding?
NHI proudly ran its first year’s projects on a budget of $0. While we may have up to $200 per volunteer this summer, you should expect to raise money from scholarships and sources close to you. NHI will do everything possible to help volunteers find funding opportunities!

Living expenses?
Expenses will be quite simple – housing will be provided, food and other living expenses are your responsibility. Travel expenses while in North Carolina will be minimal. In total, you should not need more than $200 total for living expenses and leisure activities.

How do I apply?
Fill out the volunteer application and send it to Shannon Fleg (smfleg@hotmail.com) by March 1st, 2008.