Barry has been a volunteer and entrepreneur for most of his adult life. Barry started a 4 year path of free-lance service by visiting Thailand and hosting a guesthouse. He set up an internet shop which was expanded with a local entrepreneur as a sustainable business. He also worked on a major self-sustaining bio-system while doing web development work on the side while in Thailand and submerging himself into the community. Working with eco-tourism in Ecuador and frequently stopping in Gallup in his travels in the states, Barry was recruited this year for this VISTA project in Gallup. Writing his own work plan and working closely with the Gallup Development Commission, Barry is working on continuing the community garden/greenhouse and farmers market project. His expertise in self-sustaining bio-systems and local support as a community project is exciting as Gallup takes the road to being more conservative and water conscious and explores alternative farming and energy avenues. Barry is also working closely with the GDC and the City to help manage the El Morro theater. His work in this area has involved starting a community association to do booking, and also in helping write management procedures and the theater use policy. Continued work will be done to organize community events and promote local entrepreneurs in the arts and media. Barry is also working on developing web networks through these projects and with the city and tourism organizations.
Contact Information: bjdehaan@yahoo.com (505) 870-7672