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!

Volunteer Voices Montana

“Getting to Know You”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: given by Tim (from Davenport, IA) (From Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson) Chp. 15 introduction: “Not hammer-strokes, but dance of the water, sings the pebbles into perfection.” **Global Volunteers are part…

Volunteer Voices Montana

“We waged our own little act of peace today.”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: given by Maureen (from Rhinebeck, NY) Advice from a lake: Be Clear…. Make Positive Ripples…. Look Beneath the Surface… Stay Calm… Shore Up Friendships… Take Time to Reflect… Be Full of Life… (Taken from…

Volunteer Voices

Wednesday, May 27th

I don't even know where to start!! I guess I'll start with the most important part....the children!! Since my last post on Monday, we have gotten even more acquainted with the children. Most of them are not partial to people, but nonetheless…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Build Understanding of My Language and Culture

Travel is so educational, especially when it’s more than a tour as in “if it’s Tuesday it must be Poland”. Yesterday I was slightly lost in Beja. A couple from Winnipeg, Canada asked me directions to the castle. I flapped my arm in…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

We Have Planted the Seeds for the Growth

Since I do not interact with many of you during my teaching day I will tell of some of my experiences working in the schools in Vidigueira. There is a Basic and a Professional school. Michelle and I are a team and board the school bus each morning…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Let’s Experience Portugal

Let's experience Portugal! Beja is in Alentejo in southern Portugal. Alentejo is supposedly sun baked (but we've seen the unusual rain) and large – one third the size of Portugal. The guide book describes it as having vast rolling…

News and Updates

Because I have been given much, I too must give

Last Christmas break, I was given the opportunity to volunteer at the Puericultorio (P.P.A.) orphanage in Lima, Peru with Global Volunteers. During my time at P.P.A., I was thoroughly trounced by the orphans on the soccer field and learned,…

News and Updates

Reaching Out in Uncertain Times

Now more than ever, our host partners are looking to Global Volunteers for the kind of help we have been providing for 25 years. Our volunteers bring the face of kindness and compassion in person, through their hands-on service to organizations…

News and Updates

In Gratitude for the Privilege and Value of Volunteering

Global Volunteer Rick Koniar in Chennai, India In Gratitude for the Privilege and Value of Volunteering As a volunteer to local efforts apart from my role with Global Volunteers, I personally experience the joy and satisfaction of making…

Cultures and Traditions

Chennai Sangamam

Chennai Sangamam The only Festival of India that belongs to people of all religions, as well as to the non-believers. The harvest fest of Tamil antiquity - The Pongal re-discovering itself as urban thanksgiving. It's Chennai Sangamam. More…

Volunteer Voices

2008 in Review

A year ago, I lead my first team of Global Volunteers. During this year, I have had the privilege of working with 7 teams of truly committed and generous volunteers. I have come to realize to what extent the quality of the volunteers is what…

Volunteer Voices

Thank you for my India Trips of a Lifetime

Thank you all at Global Volunteers so very much. I had a wonderful time serving in Chennai again this year. I have Stephen and Sheeba and the Hosts to thank for my experience. Stephen is a most remarkable, patient, generous, kind and wise…