In the months since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic, many alumni volunteers tell us they look forward to resuming the service travel in 2021 that they missed in 2020. One frequent volunteer is Don Marshall of Sebastopol, CA, who recently reminisced about about his rewarding Vietnam service journey, including memories of teaching and […]
Three-time volunteer Jim Gorski reveals why he says “yes” to opportunities despite uncertainty and discomfort about new experiences – and why he anticipates that discipline will be most important post-COVID-19. By Jim Gorski, Global Volunteers Alumnus and Board of Directors Member There will come a time when the pandemic recedes into the past and some form […]
Tim Cunniff and Keith Kresge are Global Volunteers “veterans.” Between them, they’ve served on 44 programs in 18 different countries – from Tanzania to the Cook Islands. Despite the obvious contrasts between these societies, they say one truth is common to all: People are more alike than different on a basic-needs level. But, how people […]
We’re always grateful for volunteers’ emails and letters expressing sincere gratitude for the opportunity to authentically experience their host culture, and to serve those who live there. Some – as Tenly Zinke expresses here – gain life-changing perspectives. A mother of two daughters, Tenly said she learned about Native American tribes in third grade, and […]
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 connection is what we need most. Here, he shares his hopes for what purposeful travel will bring in the future. By Jim Gorski, […]
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, what they’ve learned from our partner communities around the world, and why they intend to return once the pandemic […]
Tanzania volunteer Marsha Dixon served in Ipalamwa, Tanzania in January 2020 on her first service program with Global Volunteers. She wrote this poem on Ipalamwa and her worries now that the world is facing a pandemic. Her hope is that our futures are filled with more human connection. By Marsha Dixon Ipalamwa It is through […]
Mother-daughter pair Ann Hite and Maddie Hite-Smaka volunteered in Ecuador over Maddie’s 26th birthday to be able to spend time together in a different setting, away from home. At the end of their week in service in Quito, Ann and Maddie reflect on their time together and how this experience differed from any other. Maddie […]
The first team of Global Volunteers served in Española, New Mexico in March, to begin what community leaders hope will be a lasting relationship between their schools and Global Volunteers. The team of 13 volunteers worked on a variety of projects in this Hispanic community, forging relationships with teachers, students, and community leaders. Read on […]
Three-time volunteer Jim Gorski describes his yearning to learn about other cultures, and go beyond tourist attractions to understand how ordinary people around the world live. Here, Jim reflects on Global Volunteers’ Philosophy of Service and how it affords people the opportunity to make a real contribution to local communities and enriches the volunteer experience. […]