Four-time volunteer Gail Ferguson has volunteered each year on a service program since 2017 — first in Cuba, then in St. Lucia, Peru, and the Cook Islands. She writes about uncovering what’s important about meeting different people around the world, and why she hopes to connect through service again in 2021. by Gail Ferguson I […]
Six-time Global Volunteer Ann Sweeney has served in Cuba three times – including twice for New Year’s celebrations, where she enjoyed Cuban graciousness and tradition. She writes of making connections and nurturing friendships as the focus for Cubans at this very special time of year. By Ann Sweeney After the first train whistle blasted in […]
First-time volunteer Marsha Dixon, a retired benefits consultant from New Hampshire, reflects on teaching youth and meeting parents in Ipalamwa, Tanzania. In this interview with Volunteer Engagement Manager Maggie Bjorklund, Marsha describes her experience as humbling and impactful. Could you tell us a bit about your experience volunteering in Tanzania, Marsha? Teaching kindergarten and second […]
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 during uncertain times – and why he anticipates that discipline will be most important post-COVID-19. By Jim Gorski, Global Volunteers Alumnus and Retired Board Member There will come a time when the pandemic recedes into the past and some form of normalcy will establish itself. […]
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 […]