DONATE TO THE RACE!

Drone Footage of Tipi Raiser's Volunteers:

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IT'S ON!
​Join Us in the Race to Winterize Pine Ridge Homes

On October 15th the Tipi Raisers launches a 24/7 WORK EXCHANGE program on Pine Ridge to complete construction of the Belt family home and assist Pine Ridge families in repairing their homes and preparing for winter.
In July of 2018 a devastating hailstorm and tornado tore through Pine Ridge leaving a trail of destruction behind it. FEMA declined to provide the much needed assistance and tribal officials have directly asked The Tipi Raisers and our corp of volunteers to help in whatever ways we can. 

We have established the Work Exchange program to work on as many of those homes as we are able to as well as to cut and distribute badly needed firewood and complete the Belt family home. While we have secured some funds from generous donors (which will provide initial food, lodging, building materials, skilled trade supervision as well as cultural and recreational activities), the "Race to Winterize Pine Ridge Homes" fundraising campaign has been set to keep the Work Exchange running as long as is needed in order to make the greatest impact before the official start of winter!

As the harsh South Dakota winter quickly approaches, we face an urgent deadline of December 15 to complete as much as possible, to help address the need for shelter, safety, health, and provision of heat.  Come work and play with us at the volunteer base camp comprised of Native and non-Native volunteers!

Q & A:
How do I get there?
Volunteers are asked to provide their own transportation to and from Pine Ridge. Car rentals are available at the airport (the nearest airports are in Rapid City (90 minutes) and Denver International Airport (6 hour). Depending on the volunteer response ride-sharing might also be an option.
What does it cost to join the Work Exchange?
The Work Exchange is Free!  
 While there is no fee to join the Work Exchange program, if you are coming to volunteer we do ask that you help us continue to raise funds so that we can make the greatest impact!  Click HERE for an easy template to set up your own Crowdfunding 
Campaign!
When should I schedule my visit?
Other than the black out dates of  November 22-26, the Work Exchange will run continuously through December 15th (contingent on funding) and volunteers are welcome to join any time during this time period. Please plan on a 3 day minimum stay and coordinate your dates by contacting us prior to making your travel arrangements.
What are the cultural and recreational activities?
Throughout the week, volunteers are invited to educational and cultural presentations; discussions with tribal elders and youth ambassadors; the opportunity to visit Fort Robinson, Wounded Knee, the Badlands and the Black Hills; horse back riding; learning about and observing traditional dance and drum circles, etc.
What is the lodging like?
The lodging facilities are located in the community of Oglala and located on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation.  The facilities are bunkhouse in style and include a modern kitchen, showers and bathrooms.  The facility is clean, safe and comfortable.
What should I bring?
After you Contact Us or REGISTER AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE, more details and a recommended packing list will be sent to you.
How else can I help?

• Donate supplies, tools, trucks, etc. See NEEDS LIST. 
• Launch your Crowdfunding Campaign now and share widely! 
• SPREAD THE WORD. Bring family or friends with you or, if you belong to a school, university, business, church, etc. bring them along!
• Submit a BLOG post about your experience.
• Volunteer to cook at base camp or as a driver to help transport people from the airport, pick up supplies, etc.
• Provide work-site supervision if you are experienced in construction, plumbing, electrical, etc.
• If you're not able to join the Winterize Homes on Pine Ridge Work Exchange Program, please consider a donation- even the smallest DONATION can make a world of difference!

For more information, please contact us at: info@thetipiraisers.org.

Examples of projects you might be working on:

• Continued construction of a new home for a family of five on Pine Ridge.
• Cutting and distributing firewood to families across the reservation.
• Replacing siding on homes that were damaged in the July 2018 hailstorm.
• Construction of wheel chair ramps.
• Replacing and/or installing windows and doors.
• Insulating homes, repairing roofs, fortifying trailer skirts, etc.

REGISTER TODAY!

Please complete the following form and click "Submit" to begin the registration process. Upon receipt of the form, you will be contacted and a registration packet will be sent to you.  

Thank you!!