Network
Vance Walstra
Location:
Portland, USA
University: Montana
Regions of interest: Asia, Latin America
Skills: work with children, teaching, fundraising, environmental issues / alternative energy, economic development, construction
Volunteer Activity:
Helping Hands December 01, 2008 - June 01, 2009
I am a freelance archaeologist (a.k.a shovel bum). I travel from job to job learning about the past, who we were, and where we've been. Sometimes I dig, but I prefer survey which requires me to hike and and search the ground for artifacts and/or sites... to me, this is the coolest job anyone could ask for!
I am orginially from New England, yet spent many years of my life in Georgia, before heading out west. I graduated from the University of Montana before relocating to Portland, OR. While I would call Portland the closest thing to home, I have been on the road for nearly a year, traveling, working, playing and always searching for new opportunities.
I also love learning through helping others, and through that love I managed to find Omprakash. I can't begin to put into words all that Omprakash empowered me to do. I do believe that "empower" is the best word to describe what Omprakash does; Giving people from here to the other side of the planet, the resources, love, and support, empowering them to make their own changes.
I worked with Helping Hands in Peru for 3 months doing various projects during the winter/spring of 2009. Relavent information can be found on the grant recipient page. I also spent several weeks traveling around the country to expand the Omprakash network by connecting new grassroot organizations with Omprakash.
I then returned to Peru in May of 2010 with 3 high-school students from Pacific Ridge in San Diego to create a film documentary about 3 different grass-roots organizations in Pisco, Huancayo, and Cusco. We were there for 3 weeks and I hope that this video can help Empower these 3 Omprakash partners.
In 2011, with the help of planning from Omprakash team member Lacey Worel, I endured a 40-day bicycle outreach tour, spanning 3 states, nearly 1000 miles and over 15 college presentations to raise awarenes about Omprakash.
I am now a dedicated Outreach Coordinator for the Omprakash Foundation. My duties include, mentoring volunteers and partners, continuing outreach to colleges and high schools, and assisting with fundraising.
*If anyone is interested in volunteering with Omprakash partners in Peru, please don't hesitate to contact me. I have worked with many of the Peruvian partners and may be able to provide you with answers questions.
Skills
Outreach Coordination: I enjoy assisting with outreach planning and fundraising. I have and continue to give presentations, host seminars and visit academic institutions throughout the western United States.