1. Call for Nominations

   By Guyana RPCVs (Board Member)

   2008 MARIO SAVIO YOUNG ACTIVIST AWARD THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MARIO SAVIO MEMORIAL LECTURE & YOUNG ACTIVIST AWARD INVITES YOU TO NOMINATE A CANDIDATE FOR THE 11th ANNUAL YOUNG ACTIVIST AWARD. THE AWARD THIS YEAR CARRIES A CASH PRIZE OF $6000, DIVIDED EQUALLY BETWEEN THE PRIZE-WINNER AND HIS OR HER ORGANIZATION. This award is presented to a young person (or persons) with a deep commitment to human rights and social justice and a proven ability to transform this commitment into effective action. The nominees should have demonstrated leadership ability, creativity and integrity. Specific eligibility requirements are: * Under age 30 by 9/1/08 (preference will be given to applicants under age 26); * Engaged in activism for social change, promoting the values of peace, human rights, economic or social justice, or freedom of expression; * Acting within the context of an organization, social movement, or larger community effort; * Considered an inspirational leader or motivating force by others in that context; * Based in the United States, although work may be international in scope; * Able to attend award ceremony in Berkeley, CA (Nov/Dec; expenses paid). * Preference will be given to candidates who have not been widely recognized and do not have personal privilege or a strong institutional base of support. This award honors the late Mario Savio (1942-1996), who came to national prominence as a spokesperson for the Berkeley Free Speech Movement in 1964. His moral clarity, his eloquence, and his democratic style of leadership impelled thousands of his fellow Berkeley students to struggle for, and win, more political freedom, inspiring a generation of student activism. Savio remained a lifelong fighter for human rights and social justice. NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BY JULY 31st, 2008. Nomination forms and additional information are available at www.savio.org or e-mail savioatsonic.net.

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2. Letter to Trainee

   By Aimie Langenfeld (Volunteer)

   Hey Everyone, I got an email from a soon-to-be-trainee going to Guyana and wrote back some tips/advice... thought I'd post it here for any other trainee's to read and for any other RPCVs to edit... cool. ******* Nice to hear from you! First off, let me just say that I so understand where you're at right now- your questions are good and I'll do my best to help you out with them, but it's so normal to have that unprepared feeling right now and that probably won't go away for awhile even after you're in Guyana, so probably my best advice would be to just try and enjoy the ride and not stress too much. But, with that said, let's talk Malaria. I really wouldn't worry about this one too much at all. Policy wise, yes, PCVs are supposed to take anti-malaria medication and there are a couple to choose from so if for some reason you did have crazy side effects, you can definitely switch to another drug. I really wouldn't advise bringing any anti-malaria drugs with you as I would imagine that would be quite expensive and really the drugs you need are already here for you, but you're definitely free to bring them if you choose. Malaria isn't even in most areas of Guyana and it's hardly a daily worry of the every day person here - same with Dengue, etc. It's around, and people do get sick from it, but it seems like most of the time it's people who are working in the interior (rainforest) who get sick. There are a lot of different reasons why volunteers leave during training or during their service- I think for a number of people, it's just not a good fit... whether that be because of the slow pace of a developing country, or two years away from home, or not liking their job, or some combination. From time to time someone does leave due to medical issues, but usually those seem to be pre-existing conditions, not something new they've picked up in Guyana. And of course, the habitual ruler breaker is sent home from time to time, as well. There's also been a lot of changes (for the best!) with Peace Corps Guyana training since I swore in in 2004. But the training is supposed to be an introduction to living and working in Guyana- the interviews are supposed to help find the best fitting job for you that matches your skills- it's not supposed to be intimidating or like a job interview (you're already hired- you're coming to Guyana!). Communication is relatively good in most parts of Guyana, along the coast and in Georgetown (where 80% of the population lives) EVERYONE has a cell phone and there are internet cafes as well. You'll definitely be able to call/email home within the first couple of days in Guyana. I know that in the interior communication is improving, but not everywhere would have cell phone service, internet, etc. The cells here can call/receive international calls but most people would call overseas from an internet cafe (it's a lot cheaper). It's up to you if you want to bring your own cell phone, but I don't think that it's necessary at all, as long as you can wait a couple days or so after you arrive until you guys get a chance to go out and buy a cell. And again, if communication is really important to you, you can express that during your interviews. (By the way, even in the most remote parts of the country PCVs are givin ways of communicating with the PC office like a satellite phone, etc. in case of emergency). Most of the current (electricity) along the coast and in Georgetown is 110v, which is the same as in the US. Some house are 240v though- you'd just have to ask before plugging something in- don't bother bringing an adaptor or anything like that since it's hard to say if you'll even need it or not (and you can buy it here if you do find you need one). Mail is one of those things in Guyana that's really unpredictable as far as how long it takes to reach the US and vice versa. A couple weeks is as good of an estimate I could give. When you're in training your address is a Peace Corps PO box, so I think that they technically do say that they go through the mail to check for like illegal or dangerous substances or something, but they don't read the content (is what I understand), but once you move to your site, you get your own address and no one (is supposed to) go through your mail. I did happen to live close to a handfull of other volunteers during my service, but it really depends on your site and the other sites that they have available to determine if you'll be close to other PCVs or not. PC does also try and take in to consideration if you prefer to be close to others or not- and you can express your preference to them during your interviews. I felt very safe with the host families I lived with... PC makes sure that the houses are good and safe for you. You just gotta make safe decisions when you're here and you should be good to go. Your vacation time does accure, you can travel back to the US (or any other country for that matter) and use vacation time. When you are looking to travel around the country, you can use what's called an "Out of Site", which you get one weekend of travel a month. As far as packing, you can totally get everything that you'll need right here in Guyana (at times, you'll have to be creative, but you'll be able to get what you need)... but, I would advise bringing enough hygiene supplies to last you for training- you're going to be pretty busy during those first couple weeks and most likely will already have a lot to think about/deal with as far as settling-in, adjusting to the heat and food, etc. and won't want to have to worry about buying whatever. Tampons are about the only exception I can think of right now- bring more than three months if you need them because it's hard to find here (I think you can only get them in Georgetown) and they're expensive. Bring comfortable, light-weight, business/casual clothing that you can wear during the training sessions (skirts, pants, khaki's, button down short sleeves, etc) and then clothes you'll wear around the house/out side of training like shorts, tank tops, jeans, tshirts, etc. Guyanese appreciate well-dressers. Don't forget to pack some stuff from home that will help make your transition here a bit more comfortable- pictures, a good book, favorite DVD, etc. I brought a bunch of Luna bars with me and a journal which really helped for those stressful moments. :) I never expected to still be living here after 3 years of service- but, here I am! Most people do go back home after service, return to their old job, start a new one, go to grad school, get married, etc., though. And yes, some times are "amazing" here, and some times suck (just like anywhere), but for me, the challenges and stress and hard work were worth it. I hope it's the same for you! I'm excited for you and your journey here and I hope that this email helps paint a little bit more clearer picture for you. Please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with. Take care! All the best! Aimie P.S. This is all just my opinion, PC's not responsible for me, etc. Thanks, bye.

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