Mastate Charitable Foundation

We are thrilled to announce a new, dynamic and exciting internship opportunity for a motivated, hard-working, organized, patient, flexible, bilingual Spanish/English speaker with building experience who is interested in natural design, green construction and community development in rural Latin America (specifically Costa Rica).  

The Mastate Charitable Foundation (MCF), a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and based in Seattle, WA, works to advance benevolent, educational and scientific efforts in and around the small community of Mastatal and La Cangreja National Park, Costa Rica.  Having created and facilitated such opportunities as solar installations, educational scholarships, debt reduction, scientific research, medical and spay/neuter clinics, and school and home improvements, MCF is now embarking on its most ambitious project yet.  Planning is currently underway for the construction of a Community Learning and Sharing Center (CLSC) in the middle of Mastatal, and MCF is looking for one dedicated individual willing and able to coordinate the project. 

The CLSC will be a library, an artisan and visitor’s center, a gathering place and a focal point in the community.  Right in the heart of town, it will be constructed by local hands with native materials and resident knowledge.  Designed as a multifunctional space, the CLSC will provide a place to learn, conduct business, read, rest, tell stories, share and create.  The CLSC will be inclusive by nature, and from the initial planning to the final construction and operation, the men, women and children of Mastatal will be participating in their future.

MCF envisions this location to become the social center of town and a place that all community members can be proud to call their own. It will demonstrate their dedication to a sustainable way of living and serve as a place to educate both the youth of the surrounding towns and visitors to the community about ways that we must live to improve the well-being of our planet and the social fabric of our communities.

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As the intern overseeing this project, we will expect you to wear many hats, including but not limited to:

-          liaison between the community, the local government and MCF

-          project manager supervising the construction of the building

-          budget director managing the project’s finances and operations

Prerequisites include a heavy interest in natural building/design and community development and at least an intermediate level of Spanish.  The latter is a must, as nearly all business and day-to-day interactions will involve speaking it.  Having the ability to converse and the willingness to learn more will enhance the intern’s experience by allowing him/her to better understand the community of Mastatal and the country of Costa Rica. 

This is a 6-month to 1-year opportunity in which MCF expects you to work a 40-hour week in exchange for a monthly stipend of $100, all delicious vegetarian meals and a comfortable bed and living situation provided by Rancho Mastatal, and an amazing opportunity to work in an incredible environment doing influential, empowering work.  MCF will cover all of your project related expenses and you will have complete access to Rancho Mastatal’s extensive library and facilities, as well as the guidance of its owners and the MCF Board of Directors.

We are currently seeking a qualified and motivated individual to direct this amazing project starting as soon as possible (on-site by January 2010). 

To apply, please send a resume and letter of interest to info@marioninstitute.org.

For more information about the community of Mastatal, the CLSC and MCF, a serendipity project of the Marion Institute, please visit www.marioninstitute.org/mastate. 

For more information about Rancho Mastatal, please visit www.ranchomastatal.com