April Update
It’s Spring! A time of transition here on the prairie and also at Re-Member. A touch of green is starting to creep its way across the landscape, that for so much of the winter has been brown, beige and yellow. As the days grow longer and warmer, the birds are again singing and the cows are starting to look a little less miserable as they wander about the countryside.
It feels good to get the volunteer season back underway. To get people back out here on the Rez. To talk with them, share our story, and to hear some of theirs. To connect and build new relationships. To see people’s eyes open as they listen to our speakers and the wisdom of the elders. As they learn the hard truths of the past and about the reality that is life here on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
It's always refreshing to see the growth that occurs over the course of a week. To see people go from unknowing and uncertainty, to genuine concern and emotion that inspires the desire to take action, to the eventual acknowledgement and recognition that the issues on Pine Ridge are big and complex and not easily resolved. These issues will not be “fixed” in a week, nor are we the ones who should be dictating what is being “fixed” or how.
This is some of the most important work Re-Member and our volunteers do. The work within ourselves that allows us to be better purveyors of beneficial action. Work that allows us to see beyond the limitations of our definitions of “what is best.” To invest in a community that was wronged and to take our guidance on the best path forward from that community, because how could we ever know better than them.
It’s amazing to see how people’s thinking evolves as they spend more time on Pine Ridge. To witness them cast away their preconceived notions about who the Oglala Lakota people are, to stop looking for what they thought they were supposed to see and to start looking at things simply as they are. To look at the world with different eyes, more patient and more compassionate. To stop worrying so much about the roles of who is giving and who is receiving, but to be open and to meet people where they are. To give as needed and receive as offered with no expectations on either side. This type of connection is truly a gift for all involved; it is a mutually beneficial exchange, and it is inspiring to see this work in action everyday.
“I may not be able to make a difference in the world by the end of this week, but if I make a difference in someone’s life, it will mean the world to them.”
Re-Member Volunteer
Our Work Continues
Our volunteers have been busy at our woodpile and in our workshop. We have continued to cut, split and deliver firewood as winter weather persists on the prairie. We have delivered almost 700 loads of firewood and will continue to do so over the coming weeks. Volunteers have already built and delivered dozens of beds to families around the reservation. We have outhouses constructed and ready to be installed when the weather warms and the ground thaws a bit more. Our committed staff of Sidney, Bill, Wyatt and Emmett lead our volunteers through the day, getting important work done, while sharing some laughs and good times along the way. Michelle has the program humming along and Kim continues to do great work in our office working with our operations team and the community. Devorah has begun planting seed starts indoors in anticipation of the coming growing season. A lot going on at Re-Member and we hope you will find time to join us in 2024!
Remembering Betty O’Rourke
The Re-Member family lost a beloved member earlier this month with the passing of Betty O’Rourke. Since 1999, Re-Member volunteers have visited Betty’s home in Manderson for lunch. The stop was a program staple and something everyone always looked forward to. “Bette’s Kitchen” was a restaurant that Betty ran out of her home. Bette’s Kitchen was literally Betty’s kitchen. She was always warm, welcoming and kind. She was a tremendously knowledgeable and strong Lakota woman. She had a powerful love for her family.
Re-Member offered these words at the time of her passing. We will miss her tremendously.
If you wish to offer financial support for the family, donations can be made to Re-Member in Betty’s honor. Please allocate your donation to the “general fund” and note that your gift is in memory of Betty O’Rourke.
Be A “Growing Tuesday” Early Supporter
“Growing Tuesday” is Re-Member’s day of giving before the start of our spring planting season. This year, “Growing Tuesday” will be May 7th, so mark your calendar. On this day we provide updates and raise funds to grow our gardening efforts at Feather II, our property in Porcupine. Last year alone, we grew over 1,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious produce that was distributed to the community. This year, we hope to grow more.
This spring, we will add two new high-tunnels, which will nearly double our growing capacity. We have hired additional local support staff and hope to acquire and outfit a “Veggie Wagon” in the coming months, allowing us to spread our impact further in the community.
Learn more about “Growing Tuesday,” our ongoing efforts at Feather II, and consider donating as an early supporter online!
Sign Up For Your 2024 Volunteer Trip With Re-Member
We are still accepting trip bookings for the 2024 volunteer season. A week at Re-Member is an experience unlike any other. Join us for an immersive week of learning and serving alongside the Oglala Lakota people. Encounter a beautiful culture, a valuable perspective and an incredible community. Contribute with meaningful work, while meeting new people, building relationships, and having a great time!
We would love for you to join us on the reservation in 2024.
Visit our website to check weekly availability and book your trip today!
We thank you for your continued commitment to Re-Member and for being a part of our story. We are grateful to the community we serve and the Oglala Lakota people who we work alongside. We are continuously humbled by the support we receive and appreciate the opportunity to continue our vital work here on the Pine Ridge Reservation.