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!

Service-Learning, Volunteer Voices Cuba

“Do Good” Retirees Explore Cuba as Grateful Global Volunteers

Freedom from career demands led retired college professors Sharon and David Moore of Arizona to Cuba with Global Volunteers. In an interview with Volunteer Engagement Manager Maggie Bjorklund, Sharon and David explain how retirees can explore…

caring for children in Peru

Service-Learning, Volunteer Voices Peru

Retired Long Distance Friends Unite as Volunteers in Peru

Forty years ago, Laura Tomlinson and Kim Berge worked together in Colorado Springs. They parted ways soon after college to pursue their careers - Kim attended a Physician Assistant program in CT and Laura pursued a graduate…

Development Impact Peru

A Day at a Time in Peru – Building a Partnership for Progress

Global Volunteers' partnership with Sagrada Familia in Ventanilla, Peru has enabled volunteers to integrate fully into the daily rhythms and activities of the children's lives. Team members leave feeling fully invested in the community,…

Role of women Africa

Development Impact, Reaching Children's Potential

The Global Role of Women – Caregivers, Conscience, Farmers, Educators and Entrepreneurs

Throughout history, the central role of women in society has ensured the stability, progress and long-term development of nations. Globally, women comprise 43 percent of the world’s agricultural labor force - rising to 70 percent in some…

Delia,like all children, having fun

Volunteer Voices

The Impact Of Service Renews Student Volunteer’s Career Direction

Allyson Olson said her service program in Romania made such an impact on her that she inevitably decided to complete her Master's Degree in Child Development/Child life. It was the opportunity to truly make a difference, she said, that…

Maddy

Volunteer Voices

Compassion, Curiosity and Conviction Motivate Women of all Ages to Volunteer Internationally

“Marvelous Maddy,” (above) is a student volunteer who raised over $6,000 worth of dental supplies for the RCP (Reaching Children’s Potential) Clinic in Ipalamwa, Tanzania.“Seeing the children’s faces light up as they held on…

volunteer in youth

Volunteer Voices Cook Islands

Teen Cites Three Reasons to Volunteer as a Youth

The benefits of volunteering are endless across the spectrum of life. Service to others helps us understand the world and ourselves, connect with people, impact events and make a difference. During her gap year, 18 - year - old Cassidy Richardson…

experienced compassion

Service-Learning, Volunteer Voices Vietnam

Compassion in Action as a Global Volunteer in Vietnam

In her second installment, Vietnam Volunteer Diana Swansen reflects on how she and her teammates experienced compassion while volunteering in Hanoi, Vietnam. As an aviation trainer, she transmitted her passion for aviation to a classroom…

Why I Give Tanzania

Why I Give: Dental Hygiene for Village Children in Tanzania

"Seeing the children’s faces light up as they held on tightly to their new dental tools was so heartwarming. At that moment I was so proud of our fundraising efforts and the people who helped my dream become a reality!" This was the first…

Cook Islands culture

Service-Learning, Volunteer Voices Cook Islands

A Milestone Birthday of Service in the Cook Islands!

When Annie saw the description of Global Volunteers' Cook Islands program, she suspected it might be precisely the type of "once-in-a-lifetime" destination for her wife, Toby's, 70th birthday. Together, they decided that celebrating Toby's milestone…

Family Volunteering, Service-Learning, Volunteer Voices Cuba

Mother – Daughter Duo Say Exploring Cuba as Volunteers Surpassed Expectations

Geri says serving in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba for two weeks with her daughter Bridget was a journey of discovery. Together they acquired new skills, explored a new culture, and learned something new about each other. Bridget and Geri share a few…

Conversational English, Family Volunteering

Lasting Family Memories from Service Trip to Romania

Global Volunteers Alumni Tracey and Tom of Colorado, with sons Matthew and Andrew say their two weeks volunteering in Romania enhanced their understanding of each other. The program journal they share here describes their service together…