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Michele Gran

About Michele Gran

Michele is Global Volunteers' co-founder and vice president. She manages the organization‘s marketing strategy and external messages, and serves on the Board of Directors. Michele earned a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies/International Communications at Hamline University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism at the University of Minnesota. She has led over 60 Global Volunteers service programs in 21 countries.

Entries by Michele Gran

Mental Health Projects Tanzania

Corporate Medical Volunteers Promote Mental Wellness in Tanzania

Convenient MD volunteers Jo Beltre, Brittany Berg, and Diana McWilliam shared their healthcare expertise in homes, schools, and village meetings, promoting mental wellness in the Ukwega Ward. In this report from the field, they stop to reflect on the community’s uncanny receptivity and the unexpected joys of teaching in rural Africa. The corporate team of […]

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May 9, 2025/by Michele Gran
Mental Health Projects Tanzania

Nurturing the Nurturers: The Crucial Role of Mothers’ Mental Wellness in Tanzania

Child raising requires strength, resilience, and boundless love from mothers the world over. For mothers living in rural Tanzania, unique challenges make mental wellness not just important, but essential. Read on to learn why Global Volunteers prioritizes mothers’ mental health in our host communities of the Ukwega Ward. In giving birth to and raising society’s […]

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May 1, 2025/by Michele Gran
Mental Health Projects Tanzania

Tackling Gender-Based Violence: Global Volunteers’ Impact in the Ukwega Ward

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical challenge affecting communities worldwide, with far-reaching consequences on mental health, family dynamics, and child development. In Tanzania where Global Volunteers partners with local governments and community leaders in the Ukwega Ward, we address GBV through comprehensive training programs and targeted interventions. Read on to learn how we collaborate to […]

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March 26, 2025/by Michele Gran
Mental Health Projects Tanzania

New Tanzania RCP Projects Heed Impact of Poverty on Mental Health

The Reaching Children’s Potential Program (RCP) in Tanzania introduced mental wellness as a key component of holistic child and family health in 2018. Working together, Ukwega Ward community leaders, RCP staff and short-term volunteers have built an educational foundation for behavioral and physical wellbeing practices. Two new Global Volunteers projects aim to further address the […]

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February 6, 2025/by Michele Gran
Conversational English Cook Islands, Cuba, Greece, Italy, Puerto Rico, St Lucia

“Escape” to an Island to do good in 2025

Some of the world’s most beautiful islands are also the greatest volunteering locations. If you choose service as a way to refocus your mind onto something larger than yourself, you can take a break in one of our partner communities and make a world of difference. Our service programs engage you in genuine development projects […]

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November 4, 2024/by Michele Gran
Group Volunteering

Employers Say “Volunteer Time Off” With Global Volunteers is a Good Investment

Generous volunteering programs can make the difference when a candidate is considering two comparable offers, say hiring agencies. A flexible Volunteer Time Off (VTO) policy is a favorite “perk” attracting Millennials, but mature job-seekers also say corporate community service influences their assessment of a potential employer. While the corporate out-of-pocket costs can be significant, the […]

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October 20, 2024/by Michele Gran
News and Updates Peru

“There’s No Way to Describe the Joy”

The faded and peeling murals and empty classrooms at Sagrada Familia bear witness to the punishing lockdown during the pandemic. But the children’s cheery demeanor and spring blooms on trees and stems belie the stress of 19 continuous months of isolation. On the first service program back to the children’s home in Ventanilla, Peru, Global […]

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August 25, 2024/by Michele Gran
Mental Health Projects Tanzania

Holding a Light for Addiction Recovery in Rural Tanzania

In 2023, Global Volunteers responded to the critical alcohol abuse problem in the Ukwega Ward by introducing the international addiction recovery program Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) through village meetings. AA was selected because its proven “12-Step” program is familiar to a wide range of volunteers, is accepted in Tanzania, and is founded on non-clinical interventions; extending […]

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June 17, 2024/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices

Three Reasons to Volunteer Abroad in Retirement

Choosing to volunteer abroad in retirement can be the most fulfilling decision you make! Unencumbered by work schedules, you can respond to needs worldwide, and in the U.S., and be assured that your contributions are appreciated and useful. What’s more, the personal connections you make on a service program with Global Volunteers can be profound […]

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May 28, 2024/by Michele Gran
Ripple Effect

The Ripple Effect: Alumna’s “Model of Giving” Inspires Others to Serve

Barbara Rich believes in giving back. From the rain forest of Costa Rica and the Atlantic coast of Ghana to the plains of Minnesota and the “hollers” of West Virginia, the Massachusetts retiree credits her Global Volunteers service with keeping her informed and engaged with the world. At age 90, she’s registered to serve migrants […]

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May 25, 2024/by Michele Gran
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