Volunteers and supporters explain why they donate to Global Volunteers.
In many ways, Michael Woodley is a typical teen. He loves playing guitar, listening to music and hanging out with friends. But, he took an unusual step in April when Russia invaded Ukraine. Having just received a gift of $1,000 from his godmother, he committed $700 to Global Volunteers’ Ukraine Refugee Fund. What – and who – convinced him […]
For 20 years, retired Social Security Administration Paralegal Specialist Shirley Long traveled the world with the goal of visiting all seven continents. After achieving that, her new plan was to have an immersive experience in one community as a volunteer and return each year for two to three weeks. She chose Global Volunteers’ Reaching Children’s […]
Kristie Thompson of Minneapolis says that working in an office with adults all day makes her appreciate the opportunities she has to work with children. “I enjoy the opportunity to support them when they’re little and get them on the right track,” she asserts. That’s what first compelled her to serve with Global Volunteers in […]
Since 2007, Cora Thompson has served with Global Volunteers annually, first in Peru with her husband Verlon, and then individually in Romania and Ecuador. Drawn to service since her youth, Cora says she “strives to give to others physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” and has done so on14 Global Volunteers programs. Inspired by these experiences, Cora […]
A decade ago, California marketing manager Erin Woody was building her career and working excessive hours each week. She loved her job, but was missing a central element of her life: Community service. Determining that “weekend volunteering” didn’t satisfy, and long-term commitments such as mentoring at-risk teens exceeded her available time, she searched the internet […]
Board member and seven-time volunteer Pam Griffin looks to support Global Volunteers’ Reaching Children’s Potential Program (RCP) in any way she can. For the last few years, Pam has organized two Facebook fundraisers annually – one for her birthday in April and one around Giving Tuesday in early December. Her family and friends on Facebook […]
Seven years ago Margaret “Maggi” Gallaher began volunteering with Global Volunteers, and has since served on five programs – in the Cook Islands, Romania, Montana, Peru, and West Virginia. As a pediatrician, Maggi is deeply dedicated to causes for children. Her dedication led her to become a monthly sponsor and to donate to certain to […]
Frances (Fran) Johansen found Global Volunteers at a time in her life when she says she was dealing with “angst.” Her husband had recently passed away, she had retired and was thinking about what to do with the rest of her life. Fran describes how she found “a new home” with Global Volunteers. Beginning in […]
Global Volunteers relies on a steady stream of volunteers to serve in partner communities each year, ensuring that essential services continue. Volunteers are our essential resource – the human capital that partner communities request and require. Most communities need our help also to support their vision of self-sufficiency with additional financial capital as well. Many […]
When Global Volunteers launched an online gift catalog last year, donors welcomed it as a complementary way to support the communities they’ve served. Read on for two couples’ reflections on giving back while their own volunteer travel is on hold. 11-time alumni volunteers Marcia and Greg Potvin say their years of service abroad has enlightened […]
2021