Today’s environmental movement needs leaders who know how to take constructive action that will create a lasting positive impact. The Global South is suffering from the effects of climate change. Rural communities across the South are increasingly impacted by deforestation, the degradation of their natural environment, frequent droughts and changing weather patterns. Are you ready to step up and become an environmental leader for tomorrow, ready to take on the complex and multi-dimensional challenges that face our living planet?
At Sadhana Forest, we look at the bigger picture. We adopt a grassroots community-oriented approach to provide comprehensive, long-term solutions to current environmental challenges. Do you want to learn hands-on tools to regenerate ecosystems and empower climate vulnerable communities? Are you ready for a two year in-depth, on-site, immersive experience in an international environmental non-profit? Then our Environmental Leaders Fellowship may be something for you!
Content
This two year fellowship will provide you with the hands-on skills and experience needed to run a successful reforestation project and work effectively with rural communities. The program will start in Sadhana Forest in Auroville, south India, where you will receive initial training in reforestation, water conservation, sustainable living techniques and the core values of Sadhana Forest. Afterwards, Fellows will be posted in one or more of Sadhana Forest’s rural centers and work closely with the local population to implement water conservation techniques and plant indigenous, drought-resistant food-bearing trees. You will learn to train tribal and rural communities in the Global South in cost-effective, locally appropriate land restoration techniques. In doing so you will provide them with the knowledge, tools and experience to build water & food security and climate resilience for the long run. Eventually, if you are willing and able, you may be offered a leadership role in one of our projects.
Guidelines & support
This Fellowship is aimed at growing consciousness and self-awareness and is fully vegan and substance-free. Fellows are required to be vegan during the entire Fellowship and abstain from consuming tobacco, alcohol or any other kinds of drugs. Failure to do so will result in immediate ending of the Fellowship and removal from Sadhana Forest. Fellows will live and serve full time at Sadhana Forest’s off-grid sustainable living campuses in India, Haiti, Kenya or Namibia, alongside a diverse international team of volunteers. Fellows will be part of the Sadhana Forest management and help operate our centers.
This Fellowship is offered free of charge. Fellows will receive food and accommodation. Transport between the different Sadhana Forest centers during the Fellowship will be provided for. Upon successful completion of the Fellowship, you will receive a certificate of participation and a personalized recommendation letter. You will also have the opportunity to continue to serve at one of Sadhana Forest’s centers. Participants need to be minimum 18 years of age. No prior knowledge or experience is required.
Assessment
The initial training in Sadhana Forest, Auroville, will serve as an assessment period. Based on your commitment to the values and seva (selfless service) of Sadhana Forest, the management of Sadhana Forest will decide whether to continue with the Fellowship and send you to one of its rural centers. If not, you may be offered to stay in Sadhana Forest, Auroville, as a long-term volunteer, and complete at least one full year there. In return Sadhana Forest would offer you free stay and accommodation in Auroville. As a long-term volunteer Sadhana Forest will not cover your travel costs, if you were to decide to travel to another center.
Application
To apply, please fill out this application form. For any questions, you can contact us at fellowships@sadhanaforest.org.
Other opportunities
Sadhana Forest also offers the opportunity to be a long-term volunteer at one of its centers in return for food and accommodation. You can contact us at longtermvolunteer.sf@gmail.com for more information.
About Sadhana Forest
Sadhana Forest is an award-winning grassroots reforestation organization, active in Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya in India, in Haiti, Kenya and Namibia. Our partners include the UN, World Bank and different governments. More information.