Global Volunteers professes that every volunteer helps wage peace and promote justice in partner communities worldwide But, you might wonder: “Can I really make a difference in my two weeks of service? Can I truly impact at least one person’s life?” If you have doubts, this story may just convince you how important you can […]
Cassidy Matz, an early childhood education student, learned that expanding her comfort zone on a service program in Greece was the impetus she needed for a new lifeview on genuine service. This reflection is excerpted from her team journal. By Cassidy Matz, 2019 Greece volunteerBefore embarking on my service experience with Global Volunteers, volunteering to […]
First-time volunteer Kathy Lafond was motivated to expand her volunteering options once she retired. “It’is time for me to give back to those less fortunate,” said the former IT project manager from VA. She chose St. Lucia for the opportunity to tutor 6- year-olds for two weeks. There, she said she learned more than she […]
May 1st is celebrated in many countries worldwide, with two seemingly contradictory intentions. One dates back to ancient times – officially welcoming spring with flowers, festivities, and Maypoles. The other dates to the 19th century, when May 1st was chosen as the date to celebrate International Workers’ Day – a celebration of worker solidarity and […]
A dedicated volunteer, Thomasina Tafur, is once again getting ready to pack her bags – to serve in both Poland and Italy. She says she “loves to serve,” especially “helping young people maneuver through their life’s path.” She began her Global Volunteers journey in 2017, with a service program in Cuba, and followed it in […]
By Maho Jordan This was my first experience with Global Volunteers. Being of service as part of a team taught me the importance of connecting with other cultures through education, service and friendships, and small acts of kindness. It just differs so much from being the “regular tourist.” I was able to learn about the […]
Retired engineer and Global Volunteers alumnus Greg Enders has been motivated by a lifelong desire to support and help those in need. He first joined Global Volunteers in China in 2008 to teach conversational English in schools. His second service program in Asia came with the opportunity to experience more of the continent’s diverse culture […]
Alumni volunteer Sapna Srivastava and sons Shaan (10) and Rowhan (13) Daly volunteered over the boys’ spring break – serving the children in Maleviziou, Crete. It’s become a family tradition to serve together. Rowhan participated on his first Global Volunteers service program with Sapna in Montana in 2013. Shaan soon joined them when they served […]
After a 30-year professional teaching career, Global Volunteers alumna Pat Harper said she’s not finished teaching! In her 80s when she first served with us in Vietnam in 2014, she was drawn to the the opportunity to again help others learn. The joy she found teaching in retirement on a service program in Cuba not […]
Fed up with a harsh Minnesota winter, alumna Alan Maclin boarded a plane bound for sunny St. Lucia to volunteer and get his mind off snow drifts. In his own words, Alan reflects on his service experience, and explains how the warm and friendly primary school students he taught helped him forget the cold back […]