There is a multitude of resources that could be listed on this page. We have compiled just a few that we believe you may find useful before or after your GCN experience. The resources have been sorted around the issues of Travel Assistance, Community Development, Fair Trade, and Philanthropy.
by Suzanne Stone
Volunteering Around the Globe shows you a wide range of volunteer vacations where you can do a world of good, and offers honest, often humorous, always touching accounts by experienced volunteers-information that will help you match your interests with the right organization, including several with Global Citizens Network.
You can purchase this book at Amazon.com
>Includes information on outbreaks, specific diseases, recommended vaccinations, and traveling with children and pets.
Official site of the U.S. Department of State. Includes information about countries and regions, traveling and living abroad, and more.
Offers interactive foreign currency exchange rate conversion based on the 12:00p.m. EST buying values from the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.
Features a time zone map that displays current local time for locations around the world.
Interactive series of codes needed to make a phone call to and from anywhere by selecting the appropriate countries and cities from pull-down menus.
Language translator used for translating text or web pages from English and other languages to French, German, Greek, Chinese, Spanish, and others.
News source that synthesizes the news resources of over 1,600 organizations that promote human rights
News source by and about indigenous rights
Provide information and educational materials about peace and justice. Particular attention paid to nations of Latin America, Africa, Asia and Pacific, the Caribbean, and the Middle East
The Millennium Institute seeks to develop and provide advanced analytical tools for development on a national and global scale, and to form values-related questions and analyses on the consequences of development strategies.
Inform, education and organize to promote human rights, democratic participation, economic justice and cross-cultural understanding in the context of globalization, particularly in the Americas.
Organic, shade grown coffees and information on the ecology of coffee farming. "A cultural, social and consumable revolution with grounds firmly fixed in a Farmer Friendly Fair Trade Reality"
Provides fair income to people living in the non-Western world by marketing their handicrafts in North America. Ten Thousand Villages makes an effort to work with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.
St. Paul, MN 651-690-5255
Provide clothing, jewelry and gifts from cottage industries around the world. 20% of profits return to third world development.
Directory of giving opportunities to socially responsible international organizations
Guide to local and national charities with information on how to donate, volunteer, and speak out on a variety of issues.
Online service that enables individuals to learn about microfinance, find investment opportunities, and invest. A web-based, eBay-like marketplace to connect ordinary people (with investable assets as little as $100) with microfinance entities that need capital.
Find out how you can support GCN by hosting an International Student with NACEL International School!
If you want to expose your children to other cultures in a way that is more real, in-depth, personable and memorable – by working in community with them rather than just traveling – this is the way to really learn about another culture.
We were exposed to something few of us get to experience. Most often we simply drive through communities. This time we got to meet and really get to know people, and they were so generous. We got far more out of the experience than we gave.
Kathy P., Rock Point, AZ (family of 4)
This was our best family vacation and a phenomenal experience. I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to do this with my children. My children realized that although the people in the community we visited didn't have a lot of material possessions, they had some things we didn't. The community members were funny, loving and generous.
The group experience was what made it so great. The team leaders were remarkable. They never passed judgment and treated my children like full members of the group, so they acted that way. The experience made them more confident and more excited about taking other travel adventures.
Marcy G., Xiloxochico, Mexico (family of 6)
Volunteering in Tanzania was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes not only to the needs of our fellow global citizens, but also to the lovable and exhilarating culture of Bukoba.
Megan age 19, Bukoba, Tanzania
GCN wasn't just a volunteer trip but instead a life altering two weeks that helped me discover myself.
Shannon age 15, Bukoba, Tanzania
Our GCN sponsored program in Tanzania wasn't a vacation but rather a deeply moving experience our family will cherish for a lifetime.
Sean, Dad, Bukoba, Tanzania
Working side by side with my husband and children, helping, reaching out, and learning from people in a culture vastly different from our own together as a family was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. We are already planning our next volunteer vacation.
Karen, Mom, Bukoba, Tanzania
This experience changed all of us. Nothing can compare with it. It's made my kids into global citizens. Before we left for Kenya, I was concerned that my kids were getting spoiled, but the trip showed them how happy people were, even though they had so little by comparison. They also discovered how much more important it is to have experiences instead of things.
My kids are so mature now as a result of the trip. They have a new and broader world view.
Nancy F., Maili Tatu, Africa (3 time repeat participant with 2 kids)
I took each of my two granddaughters on a trip when they turned 13, as a rite of passage. It was tremendously bonding for us. It deepened our love and our relationship, but it also sensitized the girls to different cultures and helped them gain an understanding and empathy for others.
One of my granddaughters was extremely wary. She said, "I don't know how to do this and I don't want to be there." But by the end, she was begging to stay. She had formed some amazing friendships. It was quite a transition.
My advice to families considering this kind of trip is this: Even if you have some hesitation, trust that the experience will be transforming for your child and for your relationship with your child. My two granddaughters are totally different personalities, but the same positive transformation happened for both.
We had so many one-on-one reflective conversations about what we were experiencing and learning. It's a different and more intimate way of being with children.
The team members were incredibly kind to my teenagers. The leaders were such good role models -- caring and inclusive.
Meg V., Rock Point, AZ 2003; La Push, WA 2007
The truly amazing thing about this community is the pride, character, and sense of respect you feel being with them. They carry themselves with esteem. Being with them, you know they will not only survive, they will succeed, collectively using the resources available to them for the good of the whole.
Joyce, Pennsylvania; Kenya Participant
With the beauty, the simplicity, the strength and comedy of this place, each day becomes an adventure to be anticipated.
Gladys, Ontario; Kenya Participants
I learned much more that GCN is about the process of building long term relationships with communities, not necessarily about the process of "building!" It was truly priceless to be allowed to be on the 'construction site' with a bunch of indigenous people in Mexico. Tourists DO NOT get that opportunity-nor should they. We all believed WE TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
Diana, Colorado; Two-time Mexico Participant
I have just this last hour arrived back home after what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the people at Jampaling were wonderful and I return with a feeling of accomplishment, and everlasting respect for a group of people who work so hard with such limited resources to achieve their goals.
David, Ontario; Nepal Participant
As a GCN volunteer you expect to fill the role of giver, giving of your time, efforts, money and heart. During a recent trip to Nepal, I felt more like a wide receiver for a pro football team, with countless blessings being passed my way! It started before I even left with support from a bunch of people, some of whom I don't even know, my sponsors through fundraising.
Cherril, New York; Nepal Participant
A positive growing experience that will unfold as time moves on. I do appreciate the warm hospitality of the local Navajo people and thank them for all they did to open our eyes and heart to their life, culture and values.
Jerry, Minnesota; New Mexico volunteer
It has become the most meaningful thing I've experienced in my life. It was more than a casual cultural exchange. I never felt like a tourist - I felt like I was coming home.
Ted, New York; New Mexico volunteer
The trip to Rock Point was a wonderful experience for me. Our team really "connected" and are talking among ourselves of doing other trips together! We all agreed we haven't laughed and sung songs like we did there for a long time. The Navajo people are wonderful, and we were able to share songs, dinner with them and they with us. We were able to complete the projects they had for us and still have lots of time for culture exchange.
Lynne, California; Arizona volunteer
My goal was to get lifted out of my personal and professional rut, to have my head and heart spun around and to land more solid and grounded. For the most part this happened.
Nancy, Vermont; Guatemala volunteer
Because of a scholarship provided by Global Citizens Network, I was able to spend two weeks volunteering in Guatemala, in a rural village called Llanos de Morales. This was my second trip volunteering in a developing nation (I went to Nicaragua two years ago), but my first time working with GCN. My experience was unforgettable and I would recommend it to anyone!
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