• Link to Facebook
  • Link to X
  • Link to Youtube
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to LinkedIn
  • Link to Mail
  • Donate
  • Register Now
  • Contact Us
  • Volunteer Portal
  • e-Catalog
Call Us: 800-487-1074
Global Volunteers
  • Countries
    • International Partnerships
      • China
      • Cook Islands
      • Cuba
      • Greece
      • Italy (Sicily)
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Peru
      • Poland
      • St Lucia
      • Tanzania
      • Vietnam
    • USA Programs
      • Aguada – Puerto Rico
      • Blackfeet Reservation – Montana
      • Rio Grande Valley – Texas
  • Groups
      • Corporate Volunteers
      • College Student Volunteers
      • High School Student Volunteers
      • Professional Assocation Volunteers
  • Individuals
      • Retiree Volunteer
      • Solo Traveler Volunteer
      • Family Volunteers
      • Professional Volunteer
  • Projects
    • Community Work Projects
      • Delivering Essential Services
      • Teaching Conversational English
      • Supporting Community Development
      • Supplementing School-Based Curricula
      • View All Community Work Projects
  • Dates & Fees
    • Seasonal
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Monthly
      • January
      • February
      • March
      • April
      • May
      • June
      • July
      • August
      • September
      • October
      • November
      • December
      • All Service Program Dates
  • Impact
      • How we Measure Impact
      • The Power of Giving Impact
      • One Child at a Time
      • RCP Program Documentary Film
      • Tanzania Food & Nutrition Center’s Impact Evaluation
      • ORG in Action
  • Support
    • Donation Opportunities
      • Donate Now
      • Changemakers Club – Monthly
      • Gift Catalog
      • Matching Gifts
      • More Ways to Give
    • Foundation Opportunities
      • Funding Opportunities for Philanthropic Partners
  • News
  • Request Information
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu
  • Donate
  • Gift Catalog
  • Register Now
  • Contact Us
  • –
  • Countries
    • International Partnerships
      • China
      • Cook Islands
      • Cuba
      • Greece
      • Italy (Sicily)
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Peru
      • Poland
      • St Lucia
      • Tanzania
      • Vietnam
    • USA Programs
      • Aguada – Puerto Rico
      • Blackfeet Reservation – Montana
      • Rio Grande Valley – Texas
  • Groups
    • Corporate Volunteers
    • College Student Volunteers
    • High School Student Volunteers
    • Professional Assocation Volunteers
  • Individuals
    • Retiree Volunteer
    • Solo Traveler Volunteer
    • Family Volunteers
    • Professional Volunteer
  • Projects
    • Delivering Essential Services
    • Teaching Conversational English
    • Supporting Community Development
    • Supplementing School-Based Curricula
    • View All Community Work Projects
  • Dates & Fees
    • Seasonal
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Monthly
      • January
      • February
      • March
      • April
      • May
      • June
      • July
      • August
      • September
      • October
      • November
      • December
    • All Service Program Dates
  • Impact
    • How we Measure Impact
    • The Power of Giving Impact
    • One Child at a Time
    • RCP Program Documentary Film
    • Tanzania Food & Nutrition Center’s Impact Evaluation
    • ORG in Action
  • Support
    • Donate Now
    • Changemakers Club – Monthly
    • Gift Catalog
    • Matching Gifts
    • More Ways to Give
    • Funding Opportunities for Philanthropic Partners
  • News
  • Request Information
  • e-Catalog
  • Volunteer Portal
Staff Worldwide

Meet Your Team Leader: Karen Wark

Volunteer Team Leader Karen Wark began volunteering with Global Volunteers in 2016 and has since served as a team member or Volunteer Team Leader on 25 programs: nine times in Montana, seven in West Virginia, four in Cuba, twice in Vietnam, and once in South Dakota, Romania, and Ecuador. Karen grew up in a family that believed that service to others was an integral part of one’s life, and in addition to serving with Global Volunteers, she volunteers in her community in New York City. Read on for details on Team Leader Karen Wark.


What initially motivated you to serve with Global Volunteers and then become a team leader?

I began my journey with Global Volunteers serving on a team in the Blackfeet Nation, in Montana. I was drawn to this team as my grandmother was Blackfeet, although she had not grown up on the reservation, and I wanted to learn more about the culture – and not as a tourist.

And I was so grateful for this experience! Because of Global Volunteers’ long-term relationship with this community, I don’t believe that we are seen as outsiders. I feel as though we are seen as an integral part of their community. As volunteers on the reservation, we have an opportunity to serve the Elders, work with the children, and participate in building projects working alongside the Blackfeet people. We are invited to participate in their sacred ceremonies as their guests – not as tourists.

Having had this extraordinary experience in Montana, I immediately signed up to volunteer in West Virginia, which is another community where Global Volunteers has deep roots. Our community partner there – the Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS) provides programs for low-income housing, rehabilitation of existing homes, and food assistance and after-school programs. As a volunteer in these programs, we have an opportunity to develop connections with the local community by working closely with them.

After participating on these teams, I had the opportunity to become a Team Leader and have served in this capacity in the Blackfeet Nation and West Virginia, as well as in Cuba, Vietnam, and the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Each of these experiences has allowed me, and the teams that I serve with, to immerse ourselves deeply in cultures that, without the long-term relationships that Global Volunteers has developed with their partners in these regions, would not be possible. They would certainly not be possible as a tourist.

“Each of these experiences has allowed me, and the teams that I serve with, to immerse ourselves deeply in cultures that, without the long-term relationships that Global Volunteers has developed with their partners in these regions, would not be possible.”

– Karen Wark, Volunteer Team Leader
Karen says she was drawn to serve on Blackfeet Reservation because her grandmother was Blackfeet. Here, she is pictured with community members (left) and serving meals at Eagle Shield.

What do you enjoy most about leading teams with Global Volunteers?

Well, of course, I love learning about other cultures and knowing that the service that we are providing is hugely impactful to the communities we are in; however, what I believe I enjoy most is spending one or two weeks with people – the other volunteers – who also believe that the most important thing that we can be doing with our time and money is bringing benefit to others. The structure that Global Volunteers provides within each team allows for us to immediately become a service family, working together to meet objectives while developing lasting relationships with each other and the communities we are serving.

Karen volunteered at an early childhood development center in Ecuador in 2018.

Why do you recommend a Global Volunteers service program?

The reasons that I recommend Global Volunteers are for the same reason that, after my first project, I immediately signed up for another one. With Global Volunteers, you will be an integral part of the community you are serving. This is invaluable if you want to build lasting connections with others. The projects that we work on are relevant to the communities that we serve; and we serve with them, not for them. The work that we do as Global Volunteers is not charity; it is the recognition that while there may be places in the world that can use the additional resources that we can bring, and what these communities can teach us about other ways of being in the world is so valuable. I also recommend Global Volunteers as they are just so well organized – from one’s first contact with staff to the follow up after the project, there is nothing that the volunteer needs to worry about besides booking your flights, and maybe getting a visa. With such a solid organizational structure, we are able to easily focus on being of service within the community, without logistical distractions.

“The work that we do as Global Volunteers is not charity; it is the recognition that while there may be places in the world that can use the additional resources that we can bring, and what these communities can teach us about other ways of being in the world is so valuable.”

– Karen Wark, Volunteer Team Leader
  • Karen (left) with volunteers and hosts from SALS in West Virginia
  • Karen gets ready to decorate Oak Hills School in West Virginia on her second Global Volunteers service program in 2016.

What is your favorite place to serve and lead teams?

While I truly love all of the places that I have served, I do have a favorite and that is the Blackfeet Reservation. This is partly due to my personal connection to the people; and it is also because of how welcome we are made to feel when we are there. To be able to serve on a reservation, and to be treated as a member of the community, is truly an amazing experience and I am so grateful to Global Volunteers for building the relationships with the Blackfeet Nation that have created this opportunity for all of us.

  • Karen with community leader Bob Tailfeathers in Montana
  • Karen with volunteers Nancy Crist and Pat Blumen at New River Gorge in West Virginia
  • Karen helps a little girl with her project in Ecuador

“I also recommend Global Volunteers as they are just so well organized – from one’s first contact with staff to the follow up after the project, there is nothing that the volunteer needs to worry about besides booking your flights, and maybe getting a visa. With such a solid organizational structure, we are able to easily focus on being of service within the community, without logistical distractions.”

– Karen Wark, Volunteer Team Leader


What Volunteers Have Said About Karen

“A lovely person who truly cared about our project, the community, and our team. She was well organized, managed the project very well, enthusiastic, intelligent, and fun. Karen was a pleasure to work with.” – Ken Dubuque, 8-time Global Volunteer

“Karen is kind, patient, very process-oriented, and extremely focused on giving every volunteer the best possible experience.” – Rona Pietrzak, Cuba volunteer

“Karen genuinely has a passion for helping others and a love and respect for the Blackfeet culture and people. She organized many unique outside experiences for us to see Montana life/Blackfeet culture in a way we would not have otherwise been able to see. Karen was open, honest, and genuinely a caring leader.” – Alex Johnson, Montana volunteer

“Karen was fantastic in every way. Kind, organized, patient, knowledgeable, hard-working, and respectful. Outstanding.” – Gwenn Benson, Montana volunteer

“Karen is an enthusiastic leader and very knowledgeable. She is extremely sensitive to the needs of others. She constantly gathers feedback from the volunteers in order to address any concerns and/or to adjust the program if need be.” – Janet McCoid, Cuba volunteer

“Well organized, an effective Global Volunteer team leader. Always available to help team members with any questions or problems. Very friendly and supportive.” – Jane Burch, 16-time Global Volunteer

Karen (left) has led two teams in Vietnam. Here, she is pictured with volunteers Denise Nelson Nash and Don Balaban and community members in Hanoi.

Karen’s Background & Dedication to Service

Karen grew up in Northern California in a family that believed service to others was an integral part of one’s life. As a very young person, she had the good fortune to experience the benefits of helping others whether it was socializing with Elders or planning fund raising events for children’s programs. Because of these experiences, making time for serving others is as much a necessity in her life as making time for work or family.

She also feels blessed to have grown up in a family that valued education and constant learning. After receiving an MA in Cultural Anthropology and an MS in Education, she began working for an international philosophical organization whose work she is passionate about, and been dedicated to, for the past 30 years.  

In addition to volunteering with Global Volunteers, Karen also serves as a Team Lead with New York Cares, in New York City, where she now lives. She serves at and supports numerous food pantries and shelters throughout the city. In her free time, enjoys leading hikes through the beautiful Catskills with the Appalachian Mountain Club.  


Karen is leading two teams in Montana this summer, beginning on July 17 and July 24. She is also leading in West Virginia, starting on October 10.

To join a team under Karen’s leadership, chat with a program expert now.

Chat Now

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
June 27, 2021/by Global Volunteers
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Karen-Wark-1-scaled.jpg 731 1500 Global Volunteers https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Global Volunteers2021-06-27 12:00:002021-06-26 07:41:48Meet Your Team Leader: Karen Wark
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Partner Communities

  • China (62)
  • Cook Islands (46)
  • Cuba (119)
  • Greece (75)
  • Italy (59)
  • Malaysia (3)
  • Montana (56)
  • Nepal (22)
  • Peru (120)
  • Poland (97)
  • Puerto Rico (5)
  • St Lucia (62)
  • Tanzania (253)
  • Texas (7)
  • Vietnam (33)

Categories

  • Classroom Assistance (13)
  • Conversational English (97)
  • Cultures and Traditions (125)
  • Development Impact (122)
  • Family Volunteering (54)
  • Free Time Options (63)
  • Group Volunteering (18)
  • Mental Health Projects (15)
  • News and Updates (144)
  • Partners' Stories (18)
  • Projects for Professionals (26)
  • Reaching Children's Potential (246)
  • Ripple Effect (7)
  • Service-Learning (50)
  • Staff Worldwide (27)
  • Volunteer Voices (618)
  • Why I Give (18)

Tags

American Indian culture Care for children Caribbean island College groups Conversational English Cook Islands Volunteer vacaion Cook Island Volunteers Cuba people-to-people Cuba volunteering programs Earthbox gardens Essential Services family volunteer abroad family volunters food insecurity Funding your fee gender equality Health and nutrition healthcare High school groups Island volunteers Labor projects live together in peace nursing retiree volunteers Spring break students volunteer student volunteer summer volunteer program support children Support women teaching children teaching english team leader volunteer volunteer abroad volunteer benefits Volunteer impact volunteer in Cuba volunteer in the Cook Islands volunteer vacation volunteer with seniors wage peace work on reservations Work with youth youth volunteering

Get Global Volunteers News Here!

Enter your email address to receive fresh new posts in your inbox.

  • About Us
  • Boards of Directors and Advisors
  • US and International Staff
  • Our Beginnings
  • Our Vision
  • Community Partners
  • Collaborators
  • Compare Us
  • Impact and Outcomes of Service
  • Donate to Global Volunteers
  • DEIB policy
  • Your Service Program Contribution
  • Discounts & Fundraising
  • Alumni Center
  • Volunteer Vacation FAQs
  • News/Media
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Agreements and Accountability
  • Travel Risks
  • Site Map
  • Volunteer Portal
  • Employment
Global Volunteers
375 East Little Canada Road
St. Paul, MN 55117-1628 USA
(800) 487-1074 | toll-free
(651) 482-0915 | fax
globalvolunteers.org
email@globalvolunteers.org
Federal EIN: 36-3352680

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST!

Subscribe to receive updates, new blog posts, and inspiring stories from our work around the world.

Global Volunteers - Partners in Development ® | © Copyright 2002 - Present Global Volunteers
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to X
  • Link to Youtube
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to LinkedIn
  • Link to Mail
  • Global Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization. Our tax ID is 36-3352680. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the law.
  • Send feedback about this web site and its administration.
Link to: Inveterate Volunteer’s Service Program “Soul Souvenirs” Documented in Memoir Link to: Inveterate Volunteer’s Service Program “Soul Souvenirs” Documented in Memoir Inveterate Volunteer’s Service Program “Soul Souvenirs” Documented... Link to: Tanzania Volunteers Target Nutrition, Health, and Education on Demonstration Program Link to: Tanzania Volunteers Target Nutrition, Health, and Education on Demonstration Program Tanzania Volunteers Target Nutrition, Health, and Education on Demonstration...
Scroll to top