News Blog Manna Project International BLOG: News Blog http://www.mannaproject.org/ 650 bottles stuffed last week Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/650-bottles-stuffed-last-week http://www.mannaproject.org/650-bottles-stuffed-last-week We had a contest at our Guatemala site to see who could stuff the most plastic bottles with inorganic trash to be used as building blocks for the local school - 650 total!  Now we are ready to start building the second floor.  Pics here and here.

]]> Summer interns are here Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/summer-interns-are-here http://www.mannaproject.org/summer-interns-are-here We have 19 interns between our 3 sites for the first summer session.  We are so excited to help them get started, and already see the incredible additions they will be to our teams!  Check out our blogs for more updates on interns at each site. blogs >>

]]> Manna UGA Chapter Spring Newsletter Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/manna-uga-chapter-spring-newsletter http://www.mannaproject.org/manna-uga-chapter-spring-newsletter Download newsletter

]]> Easy way to raise money for Manna Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/easy-way-to-raise-money-for-manna http://www.mannaproject.org/easy-way-to-raise-money-for-manna Earn $5 bonus donation for your Manna when you join GoodDining during National Dine Out for Charity Month. Sign up now: http://www.goodsearch.com/gooddining.aspx?charityid=380045

]]> Program Director Deadline! Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/ http://www.mannaproject.org/ Today is the next application date for Program Directors.  Be sure to get them in here!

]]> MPI Vandy Chapter meets w/ Muhammad Yunus Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-vandy-chapter-meets-w-muhammad-yunus http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-vandy-chapter-meets-w-muhammad-yunus

A small group of around 30 Manna Vandy students had the incredible opportunity to meet with Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Grameen Bank Founder.  Professor Yunus took questions from the students ranging from ideas about social business, microloans, and how the Manna Spring Break trips could better work towards long-term sustainable development.

]]> Audited financial statements available Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/audited-financial-statements-available http://www.mannaproject.org/audited-financial-statements-available We just finished our 2011 voluntary audit with an external accounting firm.  This provides an extra level of accountability and intergrity to ensure the potential of your donations are maximized.  If interested you can check out the document here.

]]> MPI @ Clinton Global Initiative University Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-clinton-global-initiative-univ http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-clinton-global-initiative-univ We are going to CGIU this weekend in DC.  Are you?  Come find our table!

http://www.cgiu.org/Default.asp

]]> Spring Break! Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/spring-break http://www.mannaproject.org/spring-break We have over 100 college students from 7 different universities coming to serve at our 3 sites this March.  The first ones are already hard at work this week.  Check out our blogs from each site that will be update daily while groups are here.

]]> Check us out on Pinterest Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/check-us-out-on-pinterest http://www.mannaproject.org/check-us-out-on-pinterest Follow Me on Pinterest

]]> MPI Guatemala presenting at local NGO conference Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-guatemala-presenting-at-local-ngo-conference http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-guatemala-presenting-at-local-ngo-conference If you happen to be anywhere close to Antigua, Guatemala, come check out the MPI Guatemala team this weekend.  More details here.

]]> Georgetown career fair Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/georgetown-career-fair http://www.mannaproject.org/georgetown-career-fair MPI reps will be at the Georgetown Non-Profit Expo on Friday, February 17th, sharing info. on summer internships and 2012-3 Program Director positions.  Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center 10 a.m. -3 p.m.

]]> New Ecuador video Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/new-ecuador-video http://www.mannaproject.org/new-ecuador-video Check out this video put together by Program Director Nicole Hamilton.

]]> Career fair at UGA Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/career-fair-at-uga http://www.mannaproject.org/career-fair-at-uga MPI will have representatives at the Non-Profit Career Fair at the UNiversity of Georgia on Wednesday February 8th.  The event is from 10-2 and located in the Tate student center on campus.  Come see us to discuss becoming a Program Director after graduating!

]]> MPI UGA recruitment event Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-uga-recruitment-event http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-uga-recruitment-event We are excited to co-host a recruitment event, 'Post-Grad Opportunities that Make a Difference', with Teach for America through our UGA campus chapter.  Event details:  1/26/12 @ 6:30.  More info - http://mannauga.org/index.html

]]> Mannafit - Vanderbilt chapter fundraiser Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/mannafit-vanderbilt-chapter-fundraiser http://www.mannaproject.org/mannafit-vanderbilt-chapter-fundraiser In the Nashville area?  Come check out this fantastic annual event put on by MPI's Vandy chapter.  Great food, music, silent auction - all for a great cause!  Details here. 

]]> $10,000 for Guatemala Bottle School Project Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/-10-000-for-guatemala-bottle-school-project http://www.mannaproject.org/-10-000-for-guatemala-bottle-school-project We just received an anonymous check to help continue building the local school addition out of recycled plastic bottles in Guatemala.  The first floor structure is currently being reinforced with cement, rebar, and lateral beams in preparation for the second story addition which is where the bottles come in! This donation will go a long way towards buying all the necessary construction materials. The great thing about the donation is that we've been talking about this project for so long, now Chaquijya will finally be able to see some action and progress towards this massive undertaking!

]]> We beat our holiday campaign goal! Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/we-beat-our-holiday-campaign-goal http://www.mannaproject.org/we-beat-our-holiday-campaign-goal

]]> Nicaragua PD Christin Stewart wins Liv Fund Pioneer Award Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/nicaragua-pd-christin-stewart-wins-liv-fund-pioneer-award http://www.mannaproject.org/nicaragua-pd-christin-stewart-wins-liv-fund-pioneer-award A huge congrats to Christin for winning this award to help fund her experience with Manna Project in Managua.  Check out the article here.

]]> MPI at Harvard Summer Opportunities Fair Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-representatives-at-harvard-summer-career-fair http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-representatives-at-harvard-summer-career-fair On Dec. 5 MPI Alumni will be representing Manna at the Harvard Summer Opportunities Fair.  If you are in the Boston area, come check it out.  More info here.

]]> Walmart Employees Volunteer with MPI in Nicaragua Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/walmart-employees-volunteer-with-mpi-in-nicaragua http://www.mannaproject.org/walmart-employees-volunteer-with-mpi-in-nicaragua Check out our video and pictures from our Walmart voluteer day at La Chureca.  Huge thanks to Walmart Central America/Mexico for their partnership - http://mannaproject.org/press

]]> $150 Off Deadline Extended Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/-150-off-deadline-extended http://www.mannaproject.org/-150-off-deadline-extended We know this is a busy time of year - and many of you are still trying to get your applications for the Program Director position submitted.  So we have extended the 1st deadline, with the $150 off incentive, until December 1.  Hope that helps! 

 

]]> Program Director Application Deadline Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/program-director-application-deadline http://www.mannaproject.org/program-director-application-deadline The first application deadline is on November 15th with an added incentive of $150 off!  Fill out your application here.

]]> Nicaragua Walmart employees volunteering with us Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/nicaragua-walmart-employees-volunteering-with-us http://www.mannaproject.org/nicaragua-walmart-employees-volunteering-with-us We are very excited to have 100 local Walmart employees help out at La Chureca on November 16th.  They will be painting the entire clinic, plant a garden and some trees around the area, and providing food for all and a pinata for the kids!  We will post pictures and updates afterwards.

]]> A School Made out of Plastic Bottles!? Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/a-school-made-out-of-plastic-bottles http://www.mannaproject.org/a-school-made-out-of-plastic-bottles Yes, we are working on helping the local school in our community in Guatemala expand by using recycled bottles.  We finally have the architectural plans in hands and can't wait to keep you posted.

]]> Graduation in Guatemala! Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/graduation-in-guatemala http://www.mannaproject.org/graduation-in-guatemala Today was graduation day for 210 of our English students.  So exciting to see their progress!

]]> MPI at Global Volunteer Fairs Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-at-global-volunteer-fairs http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-at-global-volunteer-fairs Are you in the DC or NYC area?  If so, come talk to us and learn more about becoming a Program Director at one of our sites:

New York City IVPA Global Volunteering Fair

When: Thursday, October 27th, 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Where: North Hall at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice (445 West 59th Street)

Cost:  FREE!

More Information:  For a schedule of the day, including attending organizations, and to register, please visit www.nycglobalvolunteerfair.eventbrite.com. 

---

DC  IVPA Global Volunteering Fair

When: Tuesday, October 25th, 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Where: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 1525 Newton St, NW in Columbia Heights

Cost:  FREE!

More Information:  For a schedule of the day and a list of organizations that’ll be at the event, as well as to register, visit www.dcglobalvolunteerfair.eventbrite.com.  

]]> Thanks for voting Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/thanks-for-voting-1 http://www.mannaproject.org/thanks-for-voting-1 Thank you for voting for us in the Chase contest.  We may not have won the money (we ended up 3rd in our category), but it was a great effort and extremely encouraging with many new great partnerships formed and over 10,000 votes!!

]]> 3rd Place and climbing Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/3rd-place-and-climbing http://www.mannaproject.org/3rd-place-and-climbing $1 Million for Manna needs your help.  Have you voted?  Have you helped spread the word.  We are getting closer but still need you!   http://on.fb.me/qHUbXe

]]> $1 Million for Manna! Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/-1-million-for-manna http://www.mannaproject.org/-1-million-for-manna We need your help!  We won $25 K from Chase in 2009.  We were asked to participate in another Chase competition but this time the grand prize is $1 Million!  Vote on Wednesday here.

 

]]> New Guatemala Video Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/new-guatemala-video http://www.mannaproject.org/new-guatemala-video Check out this new video put together by Cameron, one of our current Guatemala Program Directors. 

]]> 7-month Program Directors Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/7-month-program-directors http://www.mannaproject.org/7-month-program-directors We are now accepting applications for Program Directors at all 3 international sites for January - August 2012.
Apply by September 30 for a $100 discount
Apply by  October 31 for a $50 discount
Current Program Directors receive $50 off for referring a friend.  More info here.

 

]]> Huge Thanks to St. Francis DeSales Church Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/huge-thanks-to-st-francis-desales-church http://www.mannaproject.org/huge-thanks-to-st-francis-desales-church We are very grateful for the support of St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church in Purcellville, Virginia who recently donated $4,000 to the La Chureca clinic in Nicaragua and an additional $4,000 to help purchase a new vehicle in Nicaragua.  Big thanks to 2010-11 Program Director Carly Rees, who grew up in this church and helped make this happen!

]]> 2011-12 Program Directors are here! Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/new-program-directors-are-here http://www.mannaproject.org/new-program-directors-are-here We are so excited to welcome the 2011-12 teams of Program Directors to Nicaragua, Ecuador and Guatemala.  It is hard to say goodbye to the 2010-11 teams, but they have done an amazing job training their replacements to ensure continuiity with programs on the ground.  Best of luck to outgoing teams as they take their experiences with them to new endeavors around the world.  The communities you have impacted (including all of us at MPI) will be forever grateful.

]]> MPI 2010-11 Annual Report Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-2010-11-annual-report http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-2010-11-annual-report We have just released our annual report that provides a recap on all of our sites, programs, and finances.  Check it out here.

]]> UGA chapter releases new video Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/uga-chapter-releases-new-video http://www.mannaproject.org/uga-chapter-releases-new-video

]]> MPI announces our online community Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-announces-our-online-community http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-announces-our-online-community Community is at the heart of who we are and what we do, and staying connected is vital to building community.  To help us do this better, MPI has invested in Blackbaud’s Netcommunity.  This online community platform gives you the ability to stay connected with Manna by having access to update your contact information, view your giving history and receipts, and maintain your subscription preferences to Manna’s various newsletters.   
 
Also through Netcommunity, MPI’s donation page is now located internally directly on our website, providing a more secure, personalized, and dynamic online giving experience.   Definitely check it out!

 

]]> MPI introduces new staff Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-introduces-new-staff http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-introduces-new-staff We are proud to introduce three new MPI staff members.  
 
Our new U.S. Director, Joel Griffith, brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience from his previous role as the Executive Director of Hands & Feet Project and as a Director for a youth outreach program in Nashville, as well as a Masters in Cross-Cultural Studies.  Katie Messick enters the Nicaragua Country Director role with a strong international development background with the Peace Corps, Save the Children, and a Masters from Duke University.  And Darcy Phillips takes over the Ecuador Country Director role with impressive volunteer management, teaching, and development experience with BuildOn, Xavier University, and Cincinnati Spanish Academy as well as a Masters from Loyola University.  
 
Our ability to attract such highly qualified, dynamic individuals is a testament to how far we’ve come as an organization and signals an exciting future for MPI.  None of this would be possible without the tireless work of our outgoing U.S. Director, Andrew Preston, Nicaragua Country Director, Amira Tahir, and Ecuador Country Director, Bibi Al-Ebrahim, to who we owe a huge thank you and wish the best of luck going forward.


]]> Manna featured on Catchafire.org's blog today Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/manna-featured-on-catchafire-s-blog-today http://www.mannaproject.org/manna-featured-on-catchafire-s-blog-today Catchafire is a great organization that links non-profits with pro bono work from professionals in related for-profit positions.  Check out the blog and learn more about Catchafire as well.

 

]]> Thanks for voting Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/thanks-for-voting http://www.mannaproject.org/thanks-for-voting Thank you for voting for us in the Chase contest.  We may not have won (we ended up 3rd in our category), but it was a great effort and extremely encouraging for Manna with many new great partnerships formed and over 10,000 votes!

]]> MPI Guatemala is awarded two grants Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-guatemala-is-awarded-two-grants http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-guatemala-is-awarded-two-grants Guatemala’s founding Program Directors have stayed busy this year, not only creating and running programs, but also seeking out funding to grow these programs.  Their time and effort has paid off, as MPI Guatemala has recently been awarded not just one, but two, grants!
 
The first grant of $2000 was generously given by the Dorotheau Haus Ross Foundation,
and will allow us to expand our summer camp program both in size and
program offering.  We will able to double our enrollment capacity from
130 children last year, provide a nutritious snack, buy more programmatic
supplies, offer incentives for local help, and finally provide new and
more rigorous classes in health, art, English, science, and sports.
 
The second grant is a $500 seed grant awarded to our Guatemala Founding Co-Country Director, Dana Zichlin.  Given by DoSomething.org, the grant will support the development of MPI’s English program by allowing us to purchase textbooks, Spanish-English dictionaries, and other school supplies.  Our goal is to not only be more effective in teaching English ourselves, but also equip the local Guatemalan teachers to be effective English teachers to their own students.
 


]]> Help Manna Win $5,000! Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/help-manna-win-5-000 http://www.mannaproject.org/help-manna-win-5-000 The Wills Company, a Nashville-based is giving away $5,000 and your vote could make sure that Manna Project International receives that money!

Just visit the Wills Company voting page and submit your vote for Manna Project International.  It's as easy as that!  

Every vote counts, so please help us jump at this amazing opportunity!

 

]]> Sign the ServiceWorld International Service Declaration Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/sign-the-serviceworld-international-service-declaration http://www.mannaproject.org/sign-the-serviceworld-international-service-declaration Sign the ServiceWorld International Service Declaration
   
]]> Be a Program Director! Rolling admissions now open! Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0800 http://www.mannaproject.org/be-a-program-director-second-deadline-approaching-third-deadline-added http://www.mannaproject.org/be-a-program-director-second-deadline-approaching-third-deadline-added It's not too late to join our international team!  Manna Project International is currently accepting Program Director applications.  If you're interested in international development and want to gain the experience of a lifetime, apply now and spend thirteen months serving at one of our international sites, located in Managua, Nicaragua; Quito, Ecuador; and Chaquiyjá, Guatemala.

We are now accepting applications on a rolling admissions basis!

Apply now!

 

]]> Spend Your Summer Serving Abroad! Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/spend-your-summer-serving-abroad http://www.mannaproject.org/spend-your-summer-serving-abroad Applications for our 2011 Summer Volunteer program are now available! Spend four or eight weeks this summer living and working alongside our Program Directors at one of our three international sites.  Engage in meaningful development work while experiencing a new and exciting culture.  Our first application deadline is January 17, 2011 so get started on your application now!

For more information, check out our Summer Volunteer Handbook, or contact us at summer@mannaproject.org.

 

]]> Apply Now to Be a 2011-2012 Program Director! Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/apply-now-to-be-a-2011-2012-program-director http://www.mannaproject.org/apply-now-to-be-a-2011-2012-program-director Looking for an opportunity to serve?  To experience a new and vibrant culture?  To gain meaningful leadership experience in a challenging but rewarding environment?

Apply now to be a 2011-2012 Program Director, and spend thirteen months living and running development initiatives at one of our sites in Nicaragua, Guatemala, or Ecuador.  We look forward to reviewing your application!

 

]]> MPI Now Accepting Spring Break Group Applications Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-now-accepting-spring-break-group-applications http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-now-accepting-spring-break-group-applications Check out our Spring Break Info Sheet for all the details on the MPI Spring Break experience, then submit your applications to springbreak@mannaproject.org.

 

]]> Program Director Positions in Nicaragua and Guatemala Still Available! Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/program-director-positions-in-nicaragua-and-guatemala-still-available http://www.mannaproject.org/program-director-positions-in-nicaragua-and-guatemala-still-available It's not too late to be a Program Director this year. Now accepting applications for several positions in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Aug-Dec 2010, Jan-Aug 2011 or Aug10-Aug11. Please go to http://www.mannaproject.org/apply for more information.

 

]]> MPI will launch third site in Guatemala! Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-will-launch-third-site-in-guatemala http://www.mannaproject.org/mpi-will-launch-third-site-in-guatemala The Manna Project International (MPI) Board of Directors is excited to officially announce the founding of MPI’s third international site, to be located in Chaquijyá, Guatemala. This expansion will begin this summer, in July of 2010, when Co-Site Directors Dana Zichlin and Kat Mueller, and an inaugural team of program directors, land in Guatemala to formally launch the site and begin programming.

The decision to approve the Guatemala site comes on the heels of an eight-week feasibility trip conducted by Dana, Maddie Jalandoni (Nica Program Director alum 08-09), and Chris Taylor (MPI Expansion Coordinator). During this exploratory phase, the team identified the site location, established promising partnerships with local leaders and laid the groundwork for MPI programming. Based on this preparatory work, we believe that we have found the right community, partners and team to start a successful new MPI site.

MPI’s holistic approach to community development is rooted in a belief that every community is unique and should be addressed in its entirety. Chaquijyá is no different. Chaquijyá is a primarily agricultural community of about 6,000 residents, located 134 km from Guatemala City, and just outside the university city of Sololá. Seventy-seven percent of the community lives in poverty, and thirty-four percent lives in extreme poverty earning less than US$1 per day. Most residents are bilingual, speaking a mix of the native Kachiquel as well as Spanish, although many of the older residents speak primarily Kachiquel. We anticipate that our primary community partner will be ASOATITLAN, a young organization founded by a local resident to improve the quality of life in Chaquijyá through economic, political, social, and environmental empowerment.

This expansion is a big step forward for MPI. First and foremost, it means bringing MPI’s holistic community development model to a new country. We hope the programs and partnerships that we build will have a lasting impact on the lives of people in Chaquijyá and the surrounding communities. This will not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the Program Directors and short-term volunteers who are the lifeblood of our organization. We have been fortunate to see volunteer interest grow year after year and with the launch of the Guatemala site, MPI can now offer fifty percent more international volunteer positions. This expansion also builds the variety of field opportunities we can offer, by adding a new location as well as the potential for various new programming focuses. Lastly, as an organization, this expansion builds on and continues our rapid growth—from operating one site in Nicaragua in 2004 to three international sites and nine domestic campus chapters just six short years later.

We hope that you feel the same sense of excitement about this next step in MPI’s development as we do, knowing that you have contributed so much in helping us get to where we are today. We look forward to continuing to share our progress as the Guatemala site is established.

-MPI's Board of Directors

Luke Putnam, Greg Pasquali, Marcela Camargo, Lori Scharffenberg, Maria Domanskis, and Zak Schwarzman

 

 

 

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