Malu ‘Aina in Search of a Volunteer Farm Coordinator and Farm Volunteers!
Malu ‘Aina in Search of a Volunteer
Farm Coordinator and Farm Volunteers!
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action, founded in 1979, is a small all volunteer non-profit peace farm in Ola’a (Kurtistown) on Hawaii Island. We are looking for a farm torch carrier, someone to take on the volunteer farm coordination that Jim Albertini has done for over 40 years. Jim, pushing 77 years of age, hopes to concentrate more on peace organizing and continuing Malu ‘Aina’s emergency food pantry work, and less on farm work.
Malu ‘Aina is a grassroots non-profit organization that started with a donation of land. but no buildings. Over the years, we built some simple structures. Malu ‘Aina does not seek government or foundation money. Too many strings attached. We do an annual appeal to supporters for donations to keep the work of Malu ‘Aina going. Our main “crop” is non-violent activism on a variety of social issues including opposing war, militarism, injustice, and redirecting war spending to meet basic human needs, including protecting the environment.
We are looking for someone to volunteer part-time, or full-time, to help maintain the fruit trees on the farm, and perhaps with the help of other volunteers replant some vegetable crops. Some basic gardening/farming skills would be a plus but not essential. I’m willing to help train. The new volunteer farm coordinator could be someone already living on the east side of Hawaii Island, or someone willing to come and live at Malu Aina rent-free and with basic food needs provided. Life at Malu ‘Aina involves off-grid simple living on small-scale solar and water catchment. Currently, Jim is the only person in residence at Malu ‘Aina though over the years we usually had a couple of people in residence along with a few other short-term visitor volunteers.
Due to the last 3 years of Covid, volunteer help has been minimal. Our tractor which had a major breakdown just before Covid arrived is now up and running after a difficult time finding parts. Jim is doing mowing in the orchards and farm roadways but farm fruit tree maintenance has been lacking. There are approximately 175 fruit trees here that require lots of weed whacking and other maintenance.
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in being the Malu Aina farm coordinator, or simply helping as a farm volunteer sharing fruits from Malu Aina, please encourage them to complete the volunteer application below. Also check out our webpage at www.malu-aina.org to see Malu ‘Aina peace, justice, and environmental issues of concern.
Mahalo for your consideration and support.
Jim
Jim Albertini, President of Malu ‘Aina
Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown), Hawai’i 96760
Phone (808) 966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org to receive our posts.
For more information see http://www.malu-aina.org
Malu ‘Aina Volunteer Application Date: ________________
Name ______________________________________________________________
Current address ______________________________________________________
City/Town ______________________________________________ State/country _____________
Zip ____________________ Phone __________________________________________
email _______________________________________________________________
Age ________ Date of Birth ___________________ Sexual identity ____M ___F _____other
1. Are you interested in living as a volunteer at Malu Aina or simply coming to volunteer from an off-site residence? When would you like to start volunteering? How long would you like to volunteer?
2. Please explain briefly why you would like to be a volunteer at Malu ‘Aina.
3. Do you have any experience in gardening? farming? If so, please share…
4 What is your physical condition? poor, fair, good, excellent
5 Do you have any physical impairments that would prohibit or limit your volunteer work on the farm? _____No ____Yes If yes, please explain
6. Do you have any special skills or special needs? If so, please explain.
7. Please tell us a little bit more about yourself – strengths and weaknesses. Do you have any experience in peace, justice, or environmental activism? Anything else you would like to share?
Mahalo for taking the time to fill out this application. Please email your completed application to ja@malu-aina.org. After I have reviewed it, I will contact you to arrange a phone interview and a possible farm visit.
Jim Albertini Malu ‘Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Ola’a (Kurtistown) Hawai’i 96760 Phone 808-966-7622 Email ja@malu-aina.org Visit us on the web at www.malu-aina.org
