Current News, Field Reports and Volunteer Voices

Several times each week, we post stories about work we do in our host communities – through the voices of our partners, volunteers, and those we serve. Subscribe using the form below to receive updates in your inbox when they’re published. If you’re looking for deeper insight into service in a specific country, on a particular type of project, how you can share your unique skills or volunteering as a family or a group, you can find a wealth of information here. Use the categories next to the posts here or on any page (below right column) to explore more stories that suit your interests.

We welcome your ideas on topics you’d like to see here. Please contact us at marketing@globalvolunteers.org. Enjoy our blog!

travel with purpose

Volunteer Voices

A Global Volunteer Explains: “Why I Choose Purposeful Travel”

Three-time volunteer Jim Gorski writes that purposeful travel unites communities and travelers in meaningful learning opportunities, and such connections form the foundation of humanity's well-being. In these difficult times, Jim says, social…

Global Volunteers 2020

News and Updates Montana

COVID-19 is Yet Another Health Threat to the Blackfeet Reservation of Montana

American Indians historically suffered through epidemics brought by foreign invaders that, time after time, nearly extinguished them. So, the current pandemic is not as much an existential threat for the Blackfeet Nation, as another layer in…

Heraklion Greece volunteer abroad

Development Impact Greece

Greece Facing a Crisis Deeper Than COVID-19

After the economic crisis of 2009 and the financial crisis of 2015, Greece was slowly but steadily recovering. COVID-19 has dramatically reversed that rebound. Thankfully, the death toll hasn't risen to the highs of many other European countries.…

International community development

Development Impact, Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

International Community Development Profile: Lenida Nyenza Family in Tanzania

In this series, Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Program families in Tanzania explain how their involvement in this demonstration program is improving their lives. The RCP program engages short-term volunteers who help parents deliver…

Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Happy Healthy Birthdays for These RCP Children in June, 2020!

The Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) program of the Ukwega Ward in central Tanzania measures its success by the growth and development of the children in the program. Meet these girls and boys who reached their first birthdays in June,…

Development Impact, Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Chicken and Egg Production Increases with RCP Model Coop Project in Tanzania

The next step in improving nutrition and decreasing stunting through the Tanzania Reaching Children's Potential (RCP) program launched with the sound of chickens clucking in their coop. Raising the birds by RCP families is a development and…

Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

International Community Development Profile: Sesiana Duma Family in Tanzania

In this series, Reaching Children’s Potential (RCP) Program families in Tanzania explain how their involvement in this demonstration program is improving their lives. The RCP program engages short-term volunteers who help parents deliver…

Dentistry volunteering in Africa

Projects for Professionals Tanzania

Retired Dentist Returns to Practice Through Volunteer Service

Procerfina Kebabian, a retired dentist from Massachusetts, decided to spend her winter differently this year and embarked upon a volunteer journey to Tanzania for three weeks. Originally from the Philippines, Procerfina (Procy) retired from…

houses saint lucia covid-19

Development Impact St Lucia

St. Lucia’s Poverty Grows Amid COVID-19

St. Lucia, famous for its gorgeous beaches, bays, and friendly people, is experiencing a halt in tourism that will surely plunge a greater percentage of its citizens into poverty. This article explores the current situation and future scenario…

Experienced voluntee shows us the value of volunteering abroad.

Volunteer Voices

Inveterate Travelers Find Meaning in Relationships Formed Through Service

Greg and Marcia Potvin have served on eleven service programs with Global Volunteers since 2007. In this interview with Maggie Bjorklund, Volunteer Engagement Manager, Greg and Marcia tell why they continue giving of themselves as volunteers,…

Streets of Havana, Cuba.

News and Updates Cuba

COVID-19 Complicates Poverty Relief in Cuba

A virus doesn't discriminate. It doesn't ask if a country is ready to deal with illness; it doesn't consider the current struggles of a community or the devastating effects on those who are already fighting to survive. COVID-19 has hit Cuba…

maori warriors fight COVID-19 New Zealand

News and Updates Cook Islands

Beating COVID-19 in the South Pacific

The Cook Islands have been "COVID-19 free" for more than a month - without one diagnosed case since the pandemic erupted. Across the international date line, the country's associated state of New Zealand has beaten back the disease with just…