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"Former CRYP Volunteer stays involved from home..."

London resident Benjamin Cranham, who recently spent six months as a volunteer with the Cheyenne River Youth Project®, has announced that he plans to run the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 25 as a fundraiser. He will donate all proceeds to CRYP!

While living in Eagle Butte, Cranham helped to run The Billy Mills Youth Center, affectionately called “The Main,” for 4- to 12-year-olds; and the Cokata Wiconi Teen Center.
“The centers were set up to provide places of security, hope and opportunity to the young people of the reservation,” Cranham said. “When I returned home, I wanted to do more for the people in this community, who had made me feel such a part of their family. When I left, they honored me and wrapped me in a star quilt, the traditional Lakota way of saying thank you. I knew then that I wanted to do more.”
Cranham decided to run the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for the youth project. As part of his training, he completed the Hastings Half-Marathon, and he said he now feels confident that he will be ready for the 26.2-mile run on May 25.
“I don’t have any idea how long it will take me, but I’m sure I will be able to finish,” he said. “I got round Hastings following Worzel Gummidge - maybe I’ll tag onto a dalek this time. It’s important that I can help make a difference for families I have known and worked with.”
Cranham, who currently is curating CRYP’s History Wall project from his London home, has posted the event details on his Facebook page. He also is using the online tool to describe CRYP, its mission and its programs for those in the United Kingdom and around the world who may not be familiar with the reservation and the challenges its youth face every day.
To support Cranham in his Edinburgh Marathon fundraiser for the Cheyenne River Youth Project, contact him at benmarathon@uk2.net. For more information, please see a copy of our press release here.

"CRYP Now Hiring 6 New Interns..."

CRYP will be implementing an exciting new internship program in the next months designed to provide community members with the chance to develop on-the-job skills and receive valuable training, while working as part of a dedicated team to create effective and inspiring youth and teen programs. This learning opportunity is open to all community members, 21 years of age or older, who want to learn more about positive youth work and non-profit management. Areas of training will include budget preparation, grants management, volunteer coordination and program development, as well as youth crisis prevention and advocacy. Short position descriptions can be viewed by clicking here.

Interns will be expected to work 32-34 hours per week and will receive an hourly wage of $9. In addition, interns who complete the first year of the program will receive a $1000 educational bonus. Interns who complete a full second year will receive an additional $1500. Educational bonuses may be used to pay for tuition, purchase books, attend conferences, or to support any number of other educational activities.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of reference, a brief resume and a writing sample (when available) to Julie Garreau at julie@indianyouth.org. Of course, applicants are also welcome to visit the Cheyenne River Youth Project (The Main) or call 605-964-8200 for more information.

"Volunteer Leaders Needed..."

If you have already read our section on Volunteering, then you know how important volunteers are to both our organizational philosophy and our mission. We pride ourselves in attracting volunteers who are self-directed, dedicated and strong.

Even with the most qualified and motivated volunteers, the need for leadership from within is always there- to ensure that both the organization and the volunteer get the most out of their experience. The Cheyenne River Youth Project provides guidance and mentorship. Our volunteers provide each other with community and support. 

To further develop this concept, the Cheyenne River Youth Project is looking for Volunteer Leaders, who are willing to provide their assistance in coordination of volunteer staff, both long term and short term. These individuals take on a few extra responsibilities to facilitate youth activities, volunteer training and volunteer support. CRYP hopes that this will be an opportunity for those individuals who feel they have something to offer to gain new experience and test their existing skills in organizational development and volunteer coordination.

If you, or someone you know, is considering a career in volunteer coordination, or has previous experience in this field, CRYP encourages you to contact our Youth Programs Director, Alex Meador.

"Dear Friends and supporters..."

Ċokata Wiċoni needs your help! The Cheyenne River Youth Project is proud to announce the Dedication of our new teen center, Ċokata Wiċoni.  As you might already know, the building will not be in use until October 2006, due to additional construction, but we hope to start serving the community of Cheyenne River as soon as possible.  However, there are still many needs that need to be met, in terms of supplies, furniture and program support. 

Our library still needs furniture and shelving units for new books and reference materials.  We will also be posting a book list in the coming weeks for those of you who would like to contribute to our literacy program.  In addition, our art studio would like to procure some additional pottery wheels and a gas kiln.  If you or someone you know would like to support creative talent on the reservation, please call the youth center for more details. Finally, we still have over $900,000 to raise in order to meet our fundraising goals, so those of you who would like the chance to be a part of this great achievement are welcome to contact us for more information on how you can help!!

We have always been able to count on our friends and family in our time of need and we know that we will all pull together to ensure that this new building is full of opportunities and hope for Cheyenne River Teens.  Thank you all in advance for your help!

"Art Therapy from within the community...."

The Cheyenne River Youth Project would like to announce a very special gift from Mr. Lynn Burnette Sr., a Lakota artist and wonderful friend and supporter of the Cheyenne River Youth Project.  Last month, Mr. Burnette visited the grand opening of Ċokata Wiċoni.  At the event, he listened to the words of Billy Mills, who spoke about the virtues of the Lakota people as a valuable resource in the struggle toward self-determination and success, and he was inspired to create a special work of art for the new teen center (painting pictured below). 

According to Mr. Burnette, the painting is a representation of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, from the Christian religious tradition, depicted as Lakota braves riding into battle prepared and confident.  The warriors are in tight formation, with strong, agile horses and brightly coloured regalia.  Mr. Burnette hopes that the painting will inspire, as Mills inspired in him, a sense of solidarity and cultural renewal for teenagers as they struggle to make their way in the world. We are so happy to accept Mr. Burnette's gift with gratitude and awe for his amazing talent, and we appreciate his message of hope for our youth.

Other works by Mr. Burnette (including those for sale) can be found at www.spiritriderart.com.