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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 Peru

Magnify Your Volunteer Efforts in Alto Progreso, Peru

On the barren hillsides of Alto Progres, Peru, you can magnify your volunteer efforts by assisting families in need! Within the district of Pamplona – one of 150 destitute communities districts of Lima  – Alto Progreso’s 350 families survive amidst extreme living conditions. Within a sea of more than one million people,  children and youth grow up with intermittent electricity, no […]

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June 15, 2015/by Michele Gran
Reaching Children's Potential Cuba

First Volunteers Give Freely, Are Thanked Warmly

Report from Cuba – By Pam Cromer, Team Leader Global Volunteers’ historic first volunteer team is doing important work – not only meeting the community’s labor requests, but building long-lasting relationships.   This is the foundation of every successful program – important, directed work, and compassionate, open-minded volunteers.  When combined, long-term change can occur. Each volunteer teaches English in the […]

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June 6, 2015/by Michele Gran
Conversational English, Volunteer Voices Cuba

“We Knocked it out of the Park”

Last views of Ciego de Avila – very sad to be leaving. My pal, Ramon: a short build of a man always smiling very willing to teach – quite skilled – yet so gentle, willing to share his lunch – a fried fish sandwich with the tail sticking out the bread. Best meal in Cuba […]

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May 26, 2015/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices Cuba

English and Relationships go Hand-in-Hand

Today, some of us go to the English class at the Community Center. Everyone else goes to their assignments.  Sandy tells me that the workers at the Church pulled 50 – 2 x 12 x 18” cement blocks up to the second floor dorm to build a new wall.  Gail was there to help with […]

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May 25, 2015/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices Cuba

“The best trip I have ever taken”

Once again, I had tears in my eyes as I saw how the hotel kitchen staff shows their love for us. They had decorated our table with two bouquets of handmade long-stemmed paper roses – one for each tem member. They had also gotten some individual packages of strawberry jam for us. I have no […]

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May 25, 2015/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices Cuba

“Truly I feel at home here”

“I continue to be blown away by how hospitable and kind our hosts have been. In the South we have something called ‘Southern Hospitality, ‘ but I can confirm that Cuban Hospitality is another beast entirely. It is one thing to say you are glad to have us here, but to actually show it, and […]

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May 24, 2015/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices Cuba

First Week of Volunteering Wraps up in Cuba

You might expect that our English classes at the Community Center on Day Five would be routine. No – every class has its surprises with new students and endearing returnees. Randy, Lou and Marietta introduced our classes to “This Little Light of Mine.” It brought smiles all around. Glenda got all of us moving and dancing in […]

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May 22, 2015/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices Cuba

Minneapolis Veteran Volunteer Calls Cuba Program One of the Best

“I knew I wanted to experience Cuba as a volunteer, ” said Sue Surma – long-time Global Volunteer team member and leader.  “As soon as my best friend Holly signed up for the first team, I told her I’d go with her.”  Sue and Holly try to volunteer together as often as Holly’s work schedule […]

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May 21, 2015/by Michele Gran
Volunteer Voices Cuba

Reflections on a Cuban Volunteer Journey

Snapshots of Cuba – It has been five days since we landed in Cuba.  This country has been so close to Miami and so far from the United States for my entire life. Here we are. There are so many snapshots or images that we have experienced that seem to POP our eyes and minds wide open […]

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May 21, 2015/by Michele Gran
News and Updates, Reaching Children's Potential Cuba

Farming in Cuba

Global Volunteers assists local farmers in our partner community of Ciego de Avila.  On our inaugural service program in May, 2015, volunteers worked alongside paid community laborers on weeding and harvesting produce at “Garden Number 2.”  (Read “Being a Farmer In Cuba” on one volunteer’s blog.)  The vegetables are provided to childcare centers and sold to community […]

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May 20, 2015/by Michele Gran
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