Making it Possible: Visit, Volunteer, Work Exchange, Internship

 

In its current state, The Organic Logic Project operates largely as a small organic farm and relies on volunteer work-exchange labor and support. Below is an overview of the volunteering opportunities available now at in Patagonia, Chile. The project has been accepting volunteers since 2018, and is now accepting volunteers for the upcoming spring season. The general scope of the arrangement is that volunteers work around 5-6 hours a day in exchange for room and board. Currently accommodations are basic but manageable. The Project has host profiles on 3 international volunteer work-exchange platforms; WorkAway, HelpX, and WWOOF Chile. These platforms charge a small annual fee for their services. If you would like to volunteer at the project site in Patagonia, Chile, please see my host profile at one or more of these sites. If you wish to volunteer or visit outside of one of these platforms, please contact the project and consider making a donation. Donations help secure the feasibility and intention of those wishing to visit. You can also find my profile on Couchsurfing, if you want to come for a visit.

 

Host Profile: The Organic Logic Project

 

The creation of the Organic Logic Project is a response to the cultural quest for a more harmonious path into the 21st century. The approach is organic, integrated, holistic, and interdisciplinary. The Project is located on a small island of the Calbuco Archipelago in the Pacific Gulf of Ancud, in in southern Chile. The organic project is well under way and welcomes all who are called to consciously contribute to the project. There is immediate need and availability for volunteers in Patagonia, Chile. There is also an opportunity for a long term volunteer or family, please inquire for more details. There are no cars on the island but there is electricity. There is internet access by cell phone but limited Wi-Fi.

 

Daniel Evanoff is the host and coordinator of the project. He is from the US and has lived in Chile for the past 10 years. His Spanish is ok, (Chileno es ma o meno). He formerly taught Kundalini yoga and English but now he devotes his time to developing the project; organic principles and agriculture, the origins of language, insight meditation, functional analysis, and interdisciplinary research.

 

The Mission of The Organic Logic Project is to establish a functional organization, founded on the principle that a system of essential production without net harm to the environment is possible. The Vision is to live in a world where there is no acceptable amount of deliberate toxins in our food, water, air, or Earth. Through systematic organic methodology, and conscious development, the project is organizing to transcend the limits of the conventional practices and logic that are creating disequilibrium throughout the planet. The project is initiating a movement towards expanding organic methodology to all aspects of the mode of food production and also to the cultural landscape. Fueled with adaptive logic and organic strategies the project is taking aim at the background forces and causes of the ecological and cultural instability posing a threat to current and succeeding generations. The objective of Project is to cultivate the wisdom of the ages, producing a more organic culture.

 

We need help with many projects and work around the farms like organic farming and gardening, construction and maintenance, improving accommodations, building infrastructure, general clean-up and restoration and various other jobs.

 

Type of Help

 

The type of volunteer help here is in two general categories. The first is the various types of farm work for hands-on volunteers, encompassing a wide variety of jobs around the farms, gardens, fields and houses. This is the type of work that volunteers have been helping with as the project has developed in the last few years. This type of work is ongoing and, if we have availability, hands on volunteers are always welcome. One of the main current tasks is to improve the accommodations in the main house and to prepare another house for occupation. More details are listed below.

 

The second type of volunteer work falls in the category of publicity, fund-raising, and web development. This type of help could potentially be done partially or completely off-site and represents the next phase of the project development. The first publicity objective is to gain recognition for the project, and start a movement towards creating a more organic culture. The Project website is being developed to gain wider recognition and support. The second and eventual objective is to become formal agency as an NGO, non-profit organization. Just as there are various kinds of volunteer work on the farms, there is a great deal of volunteer opportunity available in helping to present the project on the informational level, encompassing a wide range of skills from web development to grant writing and video production. People with experience or inclination in developing these areas, please feel free to inquire for more details.

 

 

To return to the various types of farm work for hands-on volunteers, like on farms everywhere, there is never a lack of things to do. All year we are involved in maintaining and repairing the accommodations, gardens, and grounds. Current emphasis is on improving and expanding accommodations for guests and volunteers on the two farms and houses of the current principal project site. People with carpentry or construction experience are welcome to come to help take on some bigger jobs. We can use help with all aspects of construction including, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, remodelling and general repair and innovation. Preparing gardens, planting, weeding and harvesting are perennial tasks. Cutting grass with a scythe for mulch is also something new you can learn and practice here. Many fields and orchards have not been maintained for several years. Another ongoing project is clearing out the overgrown vegetation from the fields and orchards and pruning the apple trees. We plan to plant more fruit trees and berries like blueberry, raspberry, gooseberry, and currents. We welcome those with experience as well as those wishing to learn.

Other ongoing projects include: clean-up work, fixing and building fences, collecting firewood and general maintenance and repair. There are many other jobs that emerge rganically out of the present. You can mariscar (collect seafood) and fish all year around. The full moon and new moon are the best times for fishing and collecting seafood.

In springtime (September- November) there is preparing fields and planting of vegetable gardens and there is always weeding and grass cutting to do.

In summer (December- March) we are harvest seasonal fruits and vegetables, garlic, potatoes, berries Including maqui, and blackberry. We also weed and take care of the gardens and plant some crops.

In autumn (March- May) we harvest late potatoes, apples, berries and garden vegetables. Also we prepare the fields for fall planting of garlic and fruit trees and perennial crops.

Another project is to clean up the grounds and to make accommodations more comfortable for guests. Many of the grounds and houses have not been maintained for a few years and there is a lot of clean-up work to do..

I’d like to start a wind power system. I like the idea of micro-generators. Small is beautiful and simple is efficient. I’m doing some research on it but would welcome input, suggestions or donations from people who might know something about it.

Another pending and ongoing job is to clean up the trash that has accumulated on the beaches and grounds. Like a lot of other places the sea has washed up all kinds of plastic and trash onto the shores and beaches. Little by little it can be cleaned up with a little help and vision. There is no shortage of work to do, and is greatly appreciated as you are called to contribute.

 

 

Type of accommodation

 

English
There are 2 adjacent farms, both have houses and fields , apple orchards and animals. The farms are called the North Farm and South Farm. I stay at the north farm and the south farm has the house for volunteers. Now there is one small bedroom in the volunteer house. But there is a lot of potential to remodel and restore the volunteer house,  and could be made into a suitable house for a long-term internship. There is a need for a person or family to look after the farms here on the island during the off-season, winter months. This position would probably be best arranged after a shorter volunteer trail, so that one can get the idea of the work mission and vision, accommodations, and potential of the project.
The accommodations here are basic. There is water from rain collection and wells, but there is no running hot water. The rooms are equipped with beds or mattresses. it is a good idea to bring a warm sleeping bag if you have one. You will want to check with us when before you come to understand the actual situation at the time.
We generally eat vegetarian meals and seafood. There are no stores on the Island but there is ferry (lancha) which goes to Calbuco in the morning and comes back to the Island in the afternoon and it is possible to make a daytrip to the mainland (except Saturday). We have a lot of potatoes and garlic and some other vegetables and fruits that are seasonably available and there is seafood if you have time to find it. Breakfast is usually oatmeal and lunch is typically consists of potatoes and seasonally available veggies and often mariscos from the island. We can provide two meals a day but it’s a good idea to bring some food with you from Calbuco when you come. If you like potatoes you’re in luck as we usually have plenty,
It rains often here, but not much in the summer (December – March). It is a good idea to bring rain gear if you have it. In your time off it’s you can go to the beaches and walk about. It’s a good place to relax and to find peace and tranquility. There are all kinds of birds here and you can swim with the fish and dolphins.
We also appreciate donations of tools, functional housewares or materials that you are willing to donate. We can meet people in Calbuco and help people to arrive on the Island, with any items they may wish to bring. I can’t think of any tool or appliance we couldn’t use here, and we really appreciate anything that you might want to donate. There is a lot of hand labor here and good tools make the jobs a lot easier and we would really like to make our homes more comfortable for guests. If anyone has experience in grant writing or how we can get more help with the project here, we can use all the help we can get. Gracias

Español;
Hay 2 fincas adyacentes, ambas tienen casas y campos, huertas de manzanos y animales. Las granjas se llaman North Farm y South Farm. Yo me quedo en la finca norte y la finca sur tiene la casa para los voluntarios. Ahora hay un pequeño dormitorio en la casa de voluntarios. Pero hay mucho potencial para remodelar y restaurar la casa de voluntarios, y podría convertirse en una casa adecuada para una pasantía a largo plazo. Existe la necesidad de que una persona o familia cuide las granjas aquí en la isla durante los meses de invierno fuera de temporada. Esta posición probablemente se arreglaría mejor después de un período de voluntariado más corto, de modo que uno pueda hacerse una idea de la misión y visión del trabajo, las adaptaciones y el potencial del proyecto.
Los alojamientos aquí son básicos. Hay agua de recolección de lluvia y pozos, pero no hay agua caliente corriente. Las habitaciones están equipadas con camas o colchones. es una buena idea traer un saco de dormir cálido si tiene uno. Querrá consultar con nosotros antes de llegar a comprender la situación real en ese momento.
Generalmente comemos comidas vegetarianas y mariscos. No hay tiendas en la Isla pero hay un ferry (lancha) que va a Calbuco por la mañana y regresa a la Isla por la tarde y es posible hacer un viaje de un día a tierra firme (excepto los sábados). Tenemos muchas papas y ajo y algunas otras verduras y frutas que están disponibles según la temporada y hay mariscos si tiene tiempo para encontrarlos. El desayuno generalmente es avena y el almuerzo generalmente consiste en papas y verduras disponibles en temporada y, a menudo, mariscos de la isla. Podemos proporcionar dos comidas al día, pero es una buena idea traer algo de comida de Calbuco cuando venga. Si te gustan las patatas estás de suerte porque solemos tener muchas,
Aquí llueve a menudo, pero no mucho en verano (diciembre-marzo). Es una buena idea traer ropa de lluvia si la tiene. En tu tiempo libre puedes ir a las playas y pasear. Es un buen lugar para relajarse y encontrar paz y tranquilidad. Hay todo tipo de pájaros aquí y puedes nadar con los peces y delfines.
También apreciamos las donaciones de herramientas, artículos para el hogar funcionales o materiales que esté dispuesto a donar. Podemos conocer gente en Calbuco y ayudar a la gente a llegar a la isla, con cualquier artículo que deseen traer. No puedo pensar en ninguna herramienta o aparato que no podamos usar aquí, y realmente apreciamos cualquier cosa que desee donar. Aquí hay mucho trabajo manual y las buenas herramientas facilitan mucho el trabajo y realmente nos gustaría hacer que nuestros hogares sean más cómodos para los huéspedes. Si alguien tiene experiencia en la redacción de subvenciones o cómo podemos obtener más ayuda con el proyecto aquí, podemos usar toda la ayuda que podamos obtener. Gracias

 

Additional info

English;
We live on a less populated part of the island and most of the people here are farmers, fishermen and sea farers. Isla Tabon is not a touristic island. The pace of life is slow and simpler than is typical in today’s world. Now we are just getting started on the organic project and you probably won’t meet too many other people on the island. I’m living in one house and am often here alone. We are planning to integrate organic farming and permaculture practices to create a culture to work organically with all aspects of the environment and web of life. The Organic Project mission is to put theory into practice and create something unique to be a model for future generations. I especially encourage young people to come and learn and to share with us to create a new culture for future generations. The project Vision is to work and live organically in harmony with Mother Earth without toxins of any kind, in the soil, in the mind, body or spirit. We are here now to live and learn consciously from each other, to give, to serve, to laugh and to love. I was called to come here and serve and I seek to find others who have heard the same call from Mother Earth to create a more organic culture.
We are easy going and relaxed here and welcome those who are called to come. If you hear the call to come, please answer it now.

Español;
Vivimos en una parte menos poblada de la isla y la mayoría de la gente aquí son agricultores, pescadores y viajeros de mar. Isla Tabon no es una isla turística. El ritmo de vida es lento y más simple de lo que es típico en el mundo de hoy. Ahora estamos empezando el proyecto orgánico y probablemente no conozcas a demasiadas personas en la isla. Estoy viviendo en una casa y estoy a menudo aquí solo. Estamos planeando integrar la agricultura orgánica y las prácticas de permacultura para crear una cultura que funcione orgánicamente con todos los aspectos del entorno y la red de la vida. La misión del Proyecto Orgánico es poner la teoría en práctica y crear algo único para ser un modelo para las generaciones futuras. Animo especialmente a los jóvenes a venir y aprender y compartir con nosotros para crear una nueva cultura para las generaciones futuras. El proyecto Visión es trabajar y vivir orgánicamente en armonía con la Madre Tierra sin toxinas de ningún tipo, en el suelo, en la mente, el cuerpo o el espíritu. Estamos aquí ahora para vivir y aprender conscientemente unos de otros, para dar, servir, reír y amar. Me llamaron para venir aquí y servir, y busco encontrar a otros que hayan escuchado la misma llamada de la Madre Tierra para crear una cultura más orgánica.