The All You Need Institute is seeking fellows, collaborators, and partner(s). This post will focus on the fellows.
See
https://allyouneedinstitute.com/blog for the original post
The All You Need Fellowship Program
Who are we looking for?
All You Need is looking for up to 4 individuals seeking short term stays on the
land (between 3wks-3mos). We seek those who are inspired by our mission, and are willing to live in rugged conditions. All You Need Institute is an education and retreat center located on 111 acres of diverse ecosystems, nestled into more land in DeSoto National Forest. We share our home with the endangered gopher tortoise and the rare and delicate lichen-covered xeric forest.
We have a four-fold mission of taking responsibility for our impact on the earth, teaching and exchanging knowledge on how, holding space for the earth’s wisdom and intent, and building networks of mutual aid with those of like mind, particularly in the Gulf South. We work to live in right relationship with the earth and look for people who are inspired by and share a deep respect for the land we steward. We admire individuals who are self-reliant, self-reflective, and courageous. We ask that anyone who seeks to join us in this way also intends to cultivate a mutually supportive community, where all are welcome to heal and be nurtured regardless of identity or background. As white people in this work we aim to be as conscious as possible to the ways colonialism and white supremacy lingers in our actions and accountable to our community when we cause harm. Those who wish to join our community
should be ready to embrace these efforts.
Qualifications / Skills:
Respect for the earth, the land at The Burrow, and AYNI’s mission & values
Self-reliant and able to complete tasks with minimal supervision
Enjoys creative
freedom and solving problems with limited or previously used resources
Able to keep track of their own tasks and hours
Possesses a flexible attitude in sync with nature’s “schedule”, as well as the dynamic needs of the organization
Possesses curiosity and a desire to learn new skills
Willing to live primitively out in nature with limited privacy and luxuries
Willing to connect with nature/the land on a regular basis
Willing to reduce use of resources and use toiletries compliant with our systems
Willing to work in a close community of up to 6 others
Willing to focus personal time toward reading and educating themselves about the social, environmental, and cultural impact of their actions
Willing to challenge their internal biases against marginalized groups and other living beings, and practice using their voice and privilege to advocate for others
Willing to grow through conflict with others
Common Tasks:
These are examples of common jobs/projects from the past. However, they change with the current needs of the land. We often have several options in a given week that interns are able to choose from based on interest or skill level.
Gardening / Composting /
Water Management systems
Mushroom Growing and cultivation
Maintaining campground and retreat facilities
Managing invasive species
Carpentry- building or fixing facilities
Trail-clearing and brush management
Producing and utilizing bio-char
Assisting during retreats
Wild foraging, medicine making, preserving
Answering campers’ and retreat participants’ questions and fulfilling their requests
Outreach and coordinating bookings for rental facilities
Updates on social media, including videos, instagram, and blog posts
Prescribed burn assistance
Animal Care including Dogs,
Chickens, and
Beekeeping
Education,
Experience and Age Requirements:
We believe in the value of a wide diversity of skills, interests, and work styles and do not feel there is a particular education level or experience one would need in order to qualify. We’d love to hear what you’re interested in exploring on the land and what gets you excited and passionate. Our minimum age is 18.
In addition to the All You Need Fellowship Program we are looking for collaborators of all kinds. Click here to learn about what we are imagining for collaborations.
Exchange & Benefits:
Past agreements have designated 12.5hrs/week of work in return for full access to the land, the yurt, camping amenities (tents, cots, fans, etc.) and some modern utilities (
shower, electricity, water, wifi), and 12.5hrs/week work in exchange for participating in a meal plan, 3 meals a day. These hours are not set in stone, and can vary based on your skill set and commitment capacities. Our facilities are always under development as we build more spaces for people to live simply and comfortably, so check in when you apply about what’s available. We also have options for those who are already living in their vehicles, converted vans, mobile homes, buses, etc. Be prepared to live a rugged and flexible lifestyle.
Those completing a fellowship on the land become part of a small community which can range in size between 3-7. In addition to work hours, we ask individuals staying on the land to participate in this community. We hold weekly meetings where community members are invited to address concerns and reflect with one another, as well as practice communication skills. We also request in our agreements that individuals engage in interior work during their time on the land, taking whatever form is most nourishing for the individual. AYNI and interns will collaborate on and sign a simple agreement outlining the details of the exchange after discussing these points.
Work study participants are permitted, whenever possible, to attend AYNI events like plant walks, dream circles, workshops, and collaborations for free. Work-study participants will receive hands-on experience and instruction about the projects they assist on, choosing from the list above. Participants will also receive the opportunity to explore up to 200 acres of sandhills, creek bottoms, pine savannas, and other ecosystems, receive discounts on facility rentals, and can host guests on the land. Kayaks are also available for nearby river trips. Reach out if you have any other ways you’d like to receive from the time you invest with us.
TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter/intro email explaining why you are interested in this program and why you feel it’s a good fit for you now to
info@allyouneedinstitute.com
You’ll be informed via email what our current space availability is like and how to proceed further. We accept applications on a rolling basis and are happy to schedule stays months in advance!
