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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

Development Impact

Global Messages Offered for International Day of Peace 2023

The United Nations designates September 21 every year as the “International Day of Peace” to focus the world’s attention on unity and reconciliation by observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving […]

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September 21, 2023/by Michele Gran
Why I Give Peru

Why I Give: Because the Need is Obvious

Peru Alumni Volunteer Kurt Jaeger admits his relationship with kids in Peru is exceptional. On the campus of Global Volunteers’ partner, Sagrada Familia, he’s revered as an engaging volunteer teacher, a compassionate elder, and more – a talented musician. Sharing his violin and voice, Kurt inspires students to push boundaries and give their all. Since […]

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September 18, 2023/by Michele Gran
Partners' Stories Peru

Resourcefulness is Invaluable Skill for Peruvian Partner

Willy Vera knows how to make things work.  At 67, he’s been creating and building with metal since he was 14. As a local volunteer at Sagrada Familia, Global Volunteers’ community partner in Peru, Willy has become not only the thrifty Mr. Fixit on the compact campus, but also a revered and patient teacher of […]

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September 11, 2023/by Michele Gran
Classroom Assistance, Conversational English Nepal

Nepal Community Partners Celebrate Volunteers’ Return in 2023

In Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Nepal, Global Volunteers’ community partners urgently anticipated the first volunteer teams since the pandemic lockdown of 2020. After a protracted absence owing to international travel restrictions and volunteers’ hesitancy, our Nepal Service Program resumed this year with classroom painting and conversational English instruction. As students return to school and programs “slowly […]

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September 6, 2023/by Michele Gran
Cultures and Traditions Cook Islands, Cuba, Greece, Italy, Puerto Rico, St Lucia

“Escape” to an Island to do good in 2024

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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August 14, 2023/by Michele Gran
Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Mental Health Needs Assessment Points Way for Village Families in Tanzania

Pregnant and post-partum women along with fathers who are vulnerable to mental stress because of family conflict, physical illness or disability, food or economic insecurity, and many other threats are at the center of Global Volunteers’ Reaching Children’s Potential Program (RCP) Mental Wellness Initiative. A 2023 needs assessment identifies priority areas for intervention, treatment and […]

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August 2, 2023/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices

Transgender Woman Shares Advice for Service Travel

Nine-time Global Volunteers alumni Linda Roberts says from an early age, the concept of the Peace Corps inspired her. As she neared retirement, she sought out similar programs with a shorter time commitments. Global Volunteer’s policy of inclusivity encouraged her to inquire how she might share her skills with similarly inclusive partner communities who need […]

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June 9, 2023/by Michele Gran
Development Impact Montana

Insight and Compassion Fuels Blackfeet Food Security Program

The Blackfeet Food Access and Sustainability Team (FAST Blackfeet) helps people living in poverty on the Blackfeet Reservation confront food insecurity head on. By providing recipes, nutrition classes and weekly access to meal staples and traditional foods – such as medicinal teas and local bison – at the Ō´yō´•ṗ´ Food Pantry, Global Volunteers’ partner is […]

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April 21, 2023/by Michele Gran
Conversational English Cuba

“Reluctant Teacher” Says Cuban Teens Inspired Her Confidence

When first-time Global Volunteer and Ameriprise Financial Director, Cindy Hanson, prepared for her Cuba Service Program in 2022, she “overlooked” the expectation she’d be teaching basic English skills for part of every day. Once onsite, she learned that sharing conversational skills with eager teens need not be daunting. “Just discuss what you know,” she was […]

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March 10, 2023/by Michele Gran
Development Impact, Reaching Children's Potential

Care for Women and Heal the World

Women of the world are an overlooked, dismissed resource for unimaginable change. Over generations, societies which tolerate or promote gender bias and deny girls and women full participation in development squander and repress the contributions of half of the world’s population. With our focus on human and economic development, Global Volunteers is committed to working […]

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March 8, 2023/by Michele Gran
Page 1 of 38123›»

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