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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

Conversational English, Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

“Iringa Town” is New Service Destination for 2016 Tanzania Volunteers

Over 30 years,  team members have come to know the sights, sounds and energy of Iringa – the small economic center and transportation hub which has been Global Volunteers’ overnight stop on the way to our partner communities.  But, visits have been limited to a comforting meal at the end of the day’s travel, a cozy bedroom and a quick shopping trip at the […]

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May 12, 2016/by Michele Gran
News and Updates Cuba

Make Sure You Help, Not Hurt When Visiting Cuba

As President Obama declares “Change is going to happen in Cuba, ” Global Volunteers President and CEO offers advice to Americans in a widely released editorial: Cuba is a wonderful country of many contradictions. It boasts one of the world’s highest literacy rates, yet food is rationed throughout the island.  Its highly educated teachers and […]

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March 22, 2016/by Michele Gran
Conversational English Vietnam

Teach, Learn and Wage Peace in Vietnam

Enlarge Their Capabilities – And Your Perspective. Service adds meaningful dimensions to life. On a Vietnam volunteer vacation, you not only work with children and adults one-on-one, you expand their role in the country’s future. As a volunteer, you contribute to the country’s long-term development and position in the global marketplace, just by sharing what you already […]

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February 29, 2016/by Michele Gran
News and Updates China

China: Leave Your Mark on History

Working together, we change the world. Nowhere else can you be more effective!  Teach English to Chinese students, and help Chinese English teachers improve their skills.  Contribute to the common good that secures world peace. Doubt it? Consider this: We know direct people-to-people initiatives bring lasting change. Governments and businesses can’t do that.  But you can. Powerful […]

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February 28, 2016/by Michele Gran
Family Volunteering Tanzania

Family Volunteering Offers Gift of Giving to Mother and Sons

Amy Kleissler and her son Jack said volunteering together in Tanzania was a highlight of their year. This was the second program for Amy, who has taken four sons to Tanzania during summer vacation. She talks about the “immeasurable value” of experiencing this culture with her children, and the gifts of knowledge and insight the […]

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December 21, 2015/by Michele Gran
Family Volunteering

The Kay Family in Romania: A High School Student’s Reflections

When 14-year-old Cassi Kay volunteered in Romania with her grandmother, Shirley and Aunt Colleen, she wasn’t aware how that experience would impact her future education. Her essay, “My Epiphany, “ submitted with six college applications, helped secure six admissions. Here is Cassi’s story: “I was fourteen when I discovered what so many search for their […]

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December 21, 2015/by Michele Gran
Family Volunteering China

The Gaultieri Family in Kunming, China

“Returning to the Land of Their Birth” Fran and Tom Gualtieri are committed to exposing their three daughters – Nora, Geni and Dia – to all aspects of the country of their birth. In 2012, and again in 2013, the family volunteered together in Kunming, China to teach conversational skills to Chinese English teachers. They […]

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December 21, 2015/by Michele Gran
Family Volunteering Peru, Poland, Tanzania

Family’s Investment in Worldwide Service Provides Life Lesson for Daughters

Global Volunteers’ partner communities have engaged families of all ages and sizes in community development projects on service programs since 1984. The Huff family is exceptional; sharing the world of service in Romania, Poland, Peru, Ecuador, Tanzania and Ghana with their four daughters. Lisa Huff tells their story: In the spring of 2007, my husband […]

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December 21, 2015/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices China, Italy, Poland

Grateful Volunteer Says: “I’ll Remember You Forever”

Marilyn has served in three different service programs. Here she speaks about the experience of teaching English in three countries.  The eyes are equally expectant, although the faces are different. Silent, shy, and incredibly polite college freshman in Xian, China; raucous, rambunctious and never quiet high school seniors in Ostuni, Italy; and respectful, mature adults […]

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December 17, 2015/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices

Service Feeds the Solo Traveler’s Soul

by Ladelle Dilli Helen Keller said, “I’m only one person and I can’t do everything, but I can do something. I will not let the fact that I can’t do everything prevent me from doing what I can.” Spending vacation time in travel that feeds the soul is possible for me as a Global Volunteer. […]

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December 17, 2015/by Michele Gran
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