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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

CYCLING TO STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING

WHAT: Cycling with Indian women survivors of human trafficking to raise awareness, build confidence, and strengthen communities.

WHEN: May 22- June 25, 2009

WHO: 10 female volunteers will be selected to bicycle ride for 30 days with 20 young women survivors of Odanadi Seva Trust. Odanadi is a non-profit organization based in Mysore, India, which rescues, rehabilitates and empowers young women and children survivors of sex trafficking. Note: Due to the sensitivity of this work, only female volunteers who are at least 18 years old and in good physical health are requested to apply.

DESCRIPTION: Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bicycle ride with 20 strong survivors and learn first-hand about human trafficking in India. Participants will cycle for approximately 20 km (12.4 miles)/day for 30 days to 60 villages in Karnataka, India. In each village, the Odanadi women will make presentations about human trafficking and environmental justice. The girls and volunteers will plant a tree in each village as a gift from Odanadi and as a reminder about the issues discussed. Volunteers will have the opportunity to:

• Connect with 20 amazing young women and learn from their experiences about the challenges and ramifications of human trafficking in India.

• Learn about the history, culture and issues faced in South India by interacting daily with the young Odanadi women and with the various members of different villages.

• Provide support and motivation to the young women during the bicycle ride.

• Help raise awareness locally and globally so Odanadi can continue to provide the critical services for survivors, and the political and social activism to eradicate human trafficking.

COSTS: Each volunteer or sponsoring organization/institution will be expected to pay for the costs of the flight to and from India and pay $800 US to Odanadi for all costs, including food, accommodations, transportation and bicycle equipment.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 6, 2009

GENERAL ITINERARY:

May 22: Volunteers arrive at Bangalore Airport [morning/early afternoon] Volunteers transported to Mysore

Note: if volunteers wish to arrive earlier in Mysore, they will need to arrange their own transportation and accommodations. Odanadi can facilitate these arrangements.

May 23-24: Orientation at Odanadi

May 25- June 23: 30 days cycling to 60 villages in Karnataka, India

June 24: Closing, De-brief, Evaluation

June 25: Volunteers depart Odanadi Transportation will be provided to Bangalore Airport, however if volunteers wish to extend their stay in India they must make their own arrangements. There are plenty of guest houses available in Mysore if volunteers wish to continue working with Odanadi, and/or take yoga classes, travel, etc. More information can be provided upon request.

Sample daily schedule:

6am: Wake-up and dress

6:30: Yoga

7:00: Breakfast

8:00: Cycle to village

10:00: Presentation at village

1:00: Lunch

2:00: Cycle to village

4:00: Presentation at village

6:00: Dinner

8:00: De-brief and preparations for next day

Note: Some days will include visits to various historical, cultural and heritage sites in Karnataka.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Upon arrival, volunteers will be staying in guest housing for the first three days in Mysore. Shared rooms will be provided. During the bicycle ride, all participants will be staying in the accommodation facilities generously provided by the villages. Mostly, this will be in school auditoriums with Indian squat toilets and bucket baths. Odanadi will provide a sleeping mat and light blanket.

VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS: Volunteers are expected to:

• Demonstrate a desire and/or experience in learning about and addressing the issue of human trafficking and/or environmental justice.

• Demonstrate a desire and/or experience in working with young women survivors of trafficking, domestic abuse, etc.

• Be physically fit and motivated to bike 20 km a day.

• Be supportive, caring and pleasant with the Odanadi women.

• Be sensitive to different cultures and open-minded to different experiences.

• Be patient and willing to listen.

• Be flexible and able to live/travel under simple conditions.

• Refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol and using illicit drugs during the duration of the trip.

Some volunteer duties: We rely on the diverse talents of our volunteers. In addition, to the general qualifications listed above, we will be particularly looking for volunteers with skills/experience in:

• Social Work or Counseling (to provide support to Odanadi girls)

• Medicine (i.e. practicing doctors or nurses or medical/nursing students who could attend to possible health issues)

• Massage Therapy (to provide such therapy during the journey)

• Yoga Therapy (to provide stretches in the mornings/evenings)

• Art/Drama/Singing (to help women with creative presentation in each village)

• Social/Political Activism (to assist in framing the issues)

• Leadership (to provide an example to the young Odanadi women)

• Photography (to help document the experience)

• Journalism (to write and publish articles about the journey)

• Teaching

• International Development or work in developing countries

Further details covering issues such as vaccinations, visas, and event and organizational information will be provided upon acceptance.

Please download and complete the application form and email to Christina Lagdameo, clagdame@gmail.com, by April 6, 2009.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.