Wateca Challenge! Traditionally, our ancestors took great responsibility for their own physical needs, including carrying their own eating utensils when they attended gatherings or even just visiting. Next to their ceremonial bundles, their eating utensils were just as important and were also considered sacred. "WaTEcha" in the contemporary meaning is used when you attend a gathering and bring food home. We joke by saying "Bring your wateca dishes!" 

However, today at gatherings and spiritual ceremonies people depend on using styrofoam dishes and plastic-ware provided, which has eliminated this very basic, yet very important, individual responsibility of feeding ourselves.  Sadly, now we see styrofoam & plastic dishes strewn out over the land. Let's revive this tradition of being responsible guardians of Unci Maka. As TFA's first eco summit, the 2018 NA Summit calls for the ban of all plastics and styrofoam in honor of Mother Earth.

Click here to learn more about the Wateca Challenge

The Native Alliance Corps Member Leadership Summit prohibits all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment and any other form of harassment (such as harassment based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, uniformed service member status, pregnancy, parenthood, genetic information or characteristics [or those of a family member] or any other characteristic or status protected by law). 

Accordingly, such harassment, whether by a staff member of Teach For America (including managers and co-workers), attendees, or by third parties with whom Teach For America does business, will not be tolerated. This policy also prohibits harassment by or towards a staff member, corps member, alumni, unpaid intern, contractor, temporary or seasonal employee, or any other third party with whom Teach For America does business.

Click here to view our harassment statement.

It is the policy of Teach For America to provide a safe, drug-free work environment. In light of this policy, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at Teach For America events. Violations of this policy will be grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to expulsion from the event. This policy does not prohibit the possession and proper use of lawfully prescribed drugs taken in accordance with a valid prescription.

Further, it should also be noted that Native Alliance Corps Member Leadership Summit is an alcohol free event. Intoxication at Teach For America events, or while executing any Teach For America job responsibility, is strictly prohibited. In necessary instances, Teach For America reserves the right to take disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the event, for such behavior.