Come defend the Appalachian Mountains by joining us on the front lines.
United Mountain Defense (UMD) is a group living and working in Appalachian to protect Tennessee’s heritage from destructive surface mining which is blowing them up, layer by layer. We refuse to sacrifice our mountains, forest, and streams to greedy coal corporations.
UMD conducts activities in three principle areas: legal and policy advocacy; scientific monitoring and data collection; and public education, outreach and grassroots organizing. These activities are conducted within the state of Tennessee, primarily in Campbell, Claiborne, Scott, Fentress, Bledsoe, Knox and Blount counties.
UMD is supported by an entirely volunteer workforce and your participation would greatly add to the diversity of voices and energy in our fight to save the Tennessee Mountains, watersheds and coalfield communities.
Please consider becoming a UMD volunteer. The future of the Appalachian Mountains depends on you!
Volunteers Needed Starting this Spring
United Mountain Defense has seasonal openings for volunteers. We have opportunities for volunteers during every season, but are in great need for folks in the spring and summer.
All volunteers are provided a place to stay and meals can be supplemented. We respect all diets including vegan and vegetarian. We are located in a cozy house on 30 acres of land just a few miles outside of Knoxville, TN.
Address:
United Mountain Defense
POB 20363 Knoxville, Tennessee 37920
E-mail: umdvolunteerhouse@yahoo.com
Please contact us before you make your plans to volunteer. When you arrive, you will be greeted by a volunteer coordinator who will help get you settled in. There will be an orientation and training period to familiarize you with the volunteer house and schedule and allow us to assess your abilities and where your skills can be used the most effectively to help save the mountains. There are many jobs to choose from... field work, house projects, educational projects, we have a long list.
The UMD Volunteer House
The UMD volunteer house is located a short distance outside of Knoxville, TN. Volunteers have the opportunity to live in the UMD house, camp on the 30 acres around the house or stay at nearby coalfield campsites.
We are located on approximately 30 acres of land (15 wooded acres) containing a spring fed pond stocked with bass, catfish, and brim and the neighbor’s horses roam in an adjacent field. The property backs up onto a ridge line that gives way to over 200 acres of uninhabited beautiful southern Appalachian temperate rainforest. The sounds of nature are accompanied by nearby construction and regular rifle shots. Hey it’s Appalachia, what did you expect.
Volunteers are encouraged to solicit food donations from their communities and are required to bring food to the Campaign. We supplement vegetarian and vegan cooking and meat, when available, for meat eaters.
There are many activities besides volunteer events that make the UMD volunteer house run. We need people to help cook, clean, chop wood, garden, work on cars, and work in the office. There’s always something to do that will fit your skills and talents.
When you’ve got down time, there are endless opportunities for quiet reflection, hiking, wildlife watching and exploring. Across the road there is a field perfect for games of Frisbee, a paved greenway, basketball court, tennis court, soccer field, and a baseball diamond. The city of Knoxville is nearby and offers a variety of entertainment options.
A Day in the Life of an UMD Volunteer
Dailey scheduled activities vary depending upon the day of the week and planned events. Throughout the week activities take place in the nearby coalfield communities. Volunteers travel to participate in water quality monitoring projects, listening projects, trail maintenance, mycoremediation, land reclamation projects and other community projects.
Volunteers also have the opportunity to engage in outreach education and grassroots organizing in Knoxville. Volunteers table at local events, organize fundraisers, distribute media, and organize local media events. Other work in Knoxville includes working with UMD staff attorneys on legal and policy advocacy, creating electronic and paper media, and editing and writing for our newspaper The Tennessee Defender.
Example Daily Schedule (Times vary depending on time of year and length of day)
8:00 a.m. - Wake Up for Morning events
8:00a.m.-9a.m. – breakfast (pack a lunch)
9a.m.-4p.m. – Field work or in town event
Nightly Meeting & Strategy
Dinner
Free-time
Sunset- Late Night- Evening Tabling Events (when scheduled)
In addition to the day’s scheduled events all volunteers are expected to help with the overall running and upkeep of the volunteer house as well as participate in evening meetings. House work can include cleaning, cooking, mending gear, and gardening, splitting wood, office work, and countless other tasks.
What to Bring with You
You must be completely self sufficient for the duration of your stay at the volunteer house.
· sleeping bag or bedding
· tent and tarp if you want to camp on the property
· money for gas, travel, and living expenses
· food - Volunteers are encouraged to solicit food donations from their communities and required to bring food to the Campaign.
· personal hygiene products, toilet paper, soap, etc.
· boots or comfortable closed toed shoes for hiking. Shoes for walking in streams. (Closed toed sandals or old tennis shoes work nicely.)
· Raingear, flashlight, work gloves
· a day pack (for snacks, water, and gear)
· personal first aid kit (if you can)
· a vehicle is helpful but not mandatory
· MOST IMPORTANT: desire to protect the Appalachian Mountains and coalfield communities.
Below are optional items that would benefit the campaign:
TOOLS: axes, shovels, pickaxes, hammers, handsaws, chainsaws, hoes, pliers, nails, rope, sledgehammer, construction tools, etc. If you have access to any of these bring them but not necessary.
Electronics: cameras, video cameras, audio and DAT recorders, GPS, navigation systems, laptops, desktops, printers, etc.
Office and Art Supplies: duck tape, tarps, sharpie markers, exacto knives, printing paper, manila file folders, charcoal, multi media spray adhesive, 10 X13 inch clear acetate envelopes, 100lb length spiral bound 9 X 12 white drawing paper, etc.
It is important that you come adequately prepared to contribute to the work being done. UMD volunteers should be self-motivated, hard working individuals who are eager to learn new skills and ready to positively contribute to the campaign work. Volunteers should also be comfortable working closely with a small group of individuals who live and work together in a close community.
United Mountain Defense Volunteer House Agreement
UMD Security
Volunteers are asked to fill out an application and provide references. Anyone living in the volunteer house with a warrant will be asked to leave until the warrant is cleared.
Commitment to Non-Violence
UMD is a nonprofit organization that works to embody non-violent philosophy and practice. We do not condone any property damage or any act that could cause harm to others. We provide training in the theory and techniques of non-violence on a regular basis, so you can learn more about what "non-violence" entails.
Personal Conduct
UMD is a non-discriminatory organization. UMD has a zero tolerance sexual harassment policy. All volunteers are expected to treat others with respect and remember that your actions reflect on the campaign and will affect how volunteers are perceived and treated in the future. In public and at home volunteers are asked to use proper conduct when interacting with others. Inappropriate profanity and sexual harassment are not acceptable. Volunteers are expected to live communally. From housework to providing a safe environment for everyone, communal living encourages sharing, patience, and acceptance of diversity. New volunteers will be paired with an experienced volunteer for their first few volunteer events. Experienced volunteers assume responsibility for training new volunteers in all areas of campaign life. New volunteers can take on responsibilities as they feel comfortable and confident. All volunteers are expected to take care of themselves and the volunteer house as part of their responsibility to the community.
Substance Policy
UMD provides a substance-free environment. The UMD volunteer house promotes an alcohol and drug-free environment. Alcohol and non-prescription drugs are not permitted on the premises of the UMD volunteer house property; in the house, on the porch, while in the field or tabling, nor in campaign vehicles, or coalfield campsites. This applies to both volunteers and any persons visiting the UMD volunteer house. Please do not bring anything into this environment that may get the group into trouble or cause harm to others. Those who choose to drink must do so away from the house and are asked to stay away until 8 am the following day. However, if a volunteer is still under the influence by 8 am they are required to stay off of UMD premises until sobriety is maintained. It is not acceptable to go out to morning events if you have been drinking the night before and are still drunk.
UMD Weapons Policy While on UMD sites and at UMD activities, volunteers are prohibited from introducing, possessing, using, buying, or selling unauthorized weapons, firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other dangerous weapons. This policy does not apply to knives or to the possession of disabling chemical sprays when used for self defense.
Pet Policy
UMD has a No Dog Policy. Animals are not allowed inside the house. Pets impact wildlife and other residents of the property, jeopardizing our ability to continue to rent our current quarters. Please do not bring your dog or puppy.
Before you come
Fundraising in your local community
Fundraising in your local community can be a great way to build excitement and share information about the work that you will be doing at UMD. It is also an alternative way to raise the funds you will need for your living expenses and to contribute to the campaign. In addition to holding fundraising events you may also want to ask local organizations for donations to support your work at UMD. There might be stores in your area that would like to donate to the campaign. It always helps when we have more food, gear, office and art supplies, etc. We are a nonprofit and their donations are tax deductible. Feel free to contact us for fundraising ideas or to request a copy of our donor request letter.
Media in you local community
You also might want to contact media in your area and let them know you are coming to Tennessee to protect the mountains and coalfield communities. Encourage them to do a story on you and your time with United Mountain Defense. Contact us if you would like help in contacting your local media.
Research
If you are coming to join the fight against surface mining in Tennessee then do a little background research. Researching the following topics will help you learn about the coal mining issues in Tennessee as well as help you prepare for living at the volunteer house and actively participating in the fight against Mountain Top Removal.
Look over the UMD website to learn about our past successes and current work www.unitedmountaindefense.org
Mountain Justice – Learn about the regional campaign to stop mountain top removal
http://www.mountainjusticesummer.org
History of coal company violence
www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2006/05/appalachia200605
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/coal-mine.htm
http://www.coalcreekaml.com/newsOak080806Part1.htm
Security culture
http://security.resist.ca/personal/securebooklet.pdf
COINTELPRO http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/POLITICS/COINTELPRO/agent.knocks.html
We Need You! The Mountains Need You!
Please join us whenever you can, for however long you can. Some folks stay a weekend, a week, a month, or even a season. We can send you a volunteer information packet that offers a bit more detail about the volunteer house and volunteer opportunities.
We invite you to join us in the fight to save Tennessee's mountains and watersheds. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at umdvolunteerhouse@yahoo.com if you can join us, have questions about volunteering, or would like more information. If you plan on coming, please submit the application and references by mail or e-mail.
We can’t wait to meet you. The mountains await your help; see you soon!
Can’t Come to Volunteer? Adopt a Volunteer Instead!
Make a donation to help keep our volunteers in the field and working to protect Tennessee Mountains and watersheds.
United Mountain Defense Volunteer Application
This information is confidential and stays in United Mountain Defense’s records.
Name: _________________________ Date: _________
Address__________________________________________________________
City________________ State_________________ Zip____________
Phone___________________________ E-mail_____________________
When and for how long can you commit to volunteering with UMD? (Give specific dates if known.)
________________________________________________________________
Will you need sleeping space in the volunteer house or do you prefer camping space?
_____ House _____ Camping
Do you have any medical conditions or dietary needs we should know about? (Allergies, vegetarians, etc) ________________________________________________________________
Will you be bringing a vehicle? _____ Yes _____ No
Are you able to use your vehicle to transport volunteers to events and field excursions? ______________________________________________________
Vehicle make and model: ___________ License plate number:______________
Do you have a valid driver’s license? __________________________________
Please respond to the questions listed below. In your reply, please feel free to elaborate on any topics not addressed here and include questions you have about our work. Feel free to type or handwrite your responses on a separate sheet of paper. We look forward to hearing from you!
1. How did you hear about United Mountain Defense (UMD)?
3. What skills do you have and how will they relate to the campaign (i.e. writing, computer, backwoods, art, medic, carpentry, mechanical, gardening, permaculture, etc.)
4. Which of these skills, if any are you comfortable giving trainings in?
5. Have you attended or will you attend a Mountain Justice training camp? Do you have other relevant trainings?
6. Do you have any project ideas for UMD to work on that weren't mentioned? If so, what are they? Do you have a project in mind that you want to work on yourself? Tell us about the project you want to work on. Are you part of a group that will work on this project? If so, do you need more people?
7. Are you interested in taking on a coordination role? ( media coordinator, outreach coordinator, volunteer coordinator, etc)
8. Will you be able to be self-sufficient for the duration of your stay at the UMD volunteer house?
9. Describe the environment where you live.
10. Tell us more about any activist or environmental work you have done. Tell about specific projects you have worked on.
11. Have you had experience with living or working in a collective or cooperative? What did you like about it and what would you like to do differently next time?
12. What would you say is the most challenging thing about working with you?
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Contact #1: Name: ______________ Phone: _______________
Address__________________________________________________________
City________________ State_________________ Zip____________
Emergency Contact #2: Name: ______________ Phone: _______________
Address__________________________________________________________
City________________ State_________________ Zip____________
References
Please provide the name and contact information for three different references that you have known at least 2 years. Please make sure at least one reference is a person you have worked or volunteered with.
Reference #1: Name: ______________ Relationship: ________________
Phone: ________________ E-mail: __________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
City________________ State_________________ Zip_____________
Reference #2: Name: ______________ Relationship: ________________
Phone: ________________ E-mail: __________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
City________________ State_________________ Zip_____________
Reference #3: Name: ______________ Relationship: ________________
Phone: ________________ E-mail: __________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
City________________ State_________________ Zip_____________
Please sign and date the following items:
I have read and understand the UMD volunteer house agreement:
Signature: ______________________ Date: ________________
I am prepared to be completely self-sufficient. This includes bringing personal supplies, food and money to help with gas and transportation cost:
Signature: ______________________ Date: ________________
I agree to follow all guidelines of the UMD volunteer house:
Signature: ______________________ Date: ________________
Nonviolence code of UMD:
Historically coal companies have engaged in violence and property destruction when faced with citizen opposition to their activities. UMD is committed to nonviolence and will not be engaged in property destructions.
Sign here if you agree to the UMD nonviolence code:
Signature: ______________________ Date: ________________