Another Fair for Isla

Come and visit Isla representatives at the BeLocal Fair on the Plaza at Colorado State University on 29 April from 10.00am-2.30pm. Click here to find out what this event is all about on Isla's Facebook page or here on the BeLocal website! And stop by for a visit with Isla representatives at the Fair on the 29th!

A Sampling of Isla Volunteer and Internship Opportunities in Natural Resources in Bulgaria

Natural Resources in Bulgaria

Many opportunities for wildlife and natural resource conservation, management, program development and implementation. This is also a great opportunity for individuals to discover the beauty and rich culture of Bulgaria and travel to incredibly gorgeous areas of Eastern Europe! Here is the scoop on three of Bulgarian partners working in natural resources:

Green Balkans Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre has released a new video regarding their work with wildlife. Work along side four other European volunteers with Green Balkans on wildlife rehabilitation and breeding projects.

Watch the video, relax, and enjoy the fantastic music of Bulgaria here!

Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds would like to receive volunteers and interns with a background in natural resources, biology, geography, watershed management, and more. Check out their website above to see the fantastic work they do and the gorgeous areas where they work in Bulgaria.

BlueLink Information Network aims to create a free forum for exchange of information via the internet in order to support sustainable development, democracy and civil society in Bulgaria. BlueLink is looking for volunteers and interns to engage in capacity building of the organization. A volunteer intern may assist in the development of an on-line shop, marketing of BlueLink services, fundraising for specific projects, BlueLink user research, and research and evaluation of suitable on-line applications. Volunteers should have a background or interest in the environment, web programming knowledge, marketing and PR skills, and good writing and analytical skills.

Bulgarian language skills are not required for any of these projects because while Bulgarian is spoken, the working language is in English due to the many worldwide volunteers these organizations receive.

Details on each program are found here: Bulgaria Programs Details

Isla Volunteers and Interns Wanted for the Summer and Fall 2009

Occupational Therapy in Bulgaria
The opportunity for OT and other applied science students, working professionals, and retirees to serve at the Cedar Foundation's Gorna Koznitsa Project is an amazing way for aspiring as well as experienced professionals to step outside the box of traditional volunteer work. The Cedar Foundation is taking the lead in de-institutionalizing orphanages in Bulgaria. The need for OT development compared to the amount of assistance available is so great that Isla volunteers will have the advantage of helping to lay the foundation for successful practices in occupational therapy in rural Bulgaria while developing their own skills in leadership and sustainable development!

Isla seeks OT students and professionals who are adventurous, able to adapt quickly to a foreign environment, have the ability to take initiative, who are flexible and open-minded, service-oriented and who possess good communication skills. Please note that while occupational therapy is a major need, the project will also benefit enormously by volunteers who have other related skills such as art and music therapy, education, and other applied sciences.Bulgaria Partners

Natural Resources in Peru
Isla is offering a unique opportunity to travel and work in the Ucayali Region of the Peruvian Amazon with host organization, Village Earth, and the Shipibo Nation to individuals with knowledge of:
Environmental conservation, outdoor education, or ecotourism
Natural resource management or wildlife management
Ecotourism
NGO capacity building in coordination with the Village Earth project leader and Shipibo indigenous organizations. (Spanish language skills required)
Aquaculture
Teaching English as a Second Language, English, and Teaching
Peru Partners

Learn About the Isla Peru Program - Where? Village Earth Latin Dance Party Fundraiser!

Viva la Salsa! Let's Dance! Village Earth is having a Latin Dance Party 24 April 2009, beginning at 7.30pm, at Club Tico in City Park, Fort Collins, to benefit their projects in Peru! Isla representatives will be present to share our program opportunities!

Viva La Salsa! has a $5.00 cover and offers beverages, food, and plenty of dancing! Come early to avail of the free salsa dance lessons!!

Isla has partnered with Village Earth in two ways. First, Village Earth provides Isla participants with excellent pre-departure training in the Principles of Sustainable Community Development. Secondly, Isla and Village Earth have partnered to provide an Isla Summer 2009 service learning program in Peru beginning 20 June 2009.

Isla will be at the party to share details regarding this wonderful opportunity in Peru. And of course we hope to dance the night away, too! Come and join in the fun!

Isla Participates in Sustainability Fair at UNC

University of Northern Colorado is hosting a Sustainability Fair on Wednesday, 15 April, 11.00am - 2.00pm at the University Center in Greeley, CO to celebrate Earth Day and provide a forum for the local student population and community to learn about local and international sustainable social enterprises and opportunities.

Stop by and visit the Isla table to speak with an Isla representative to learn about our short term volunteer work (from 2-9 weeks) and internship (from 9-52 weeks) service learning opportunities in Peru, Bulgaria, Ghana, and India. Isla programs focus on and provide all participants with valuable training in sustainable community development.

Please note that it is not too late to apply for the Summer 2009 programs! We're also accepting applications for the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010!! We hope to see you at the Fair!

As President Barack Obama says "...it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential".