Purpose
Global Citizens Network provides individuals the opportunity to interact locally and internationally with people of diverse cultures who share common global values, in order to develop creative and effective local solutions to global problems.

Mission
Global Citizens Network recognizes the interdependence of people around the world, and that social and economic injustice, racial and ethnic inequality, and ecological loss affect all people. But through cooperative effort, individuals of all cultures can experience and enhance their ability to make a difference in their community and their world. To foster that cooperation, Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures where participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community. Each volunteer team is partnered with a local grassroots organization active in meeting local needs. Global Citizens Network creates a worldwide network of people and organizations committed to addressing global issues.

By providing participants the opportunity to learn about the society, knowledge, art and livelihood of other cultures, Global Citizens Network seeks to honor and help preserve those cultures. By providing the resources of participating volunteers and project grants, Global Citizens Network seeks to assist human and community development in those cultures. By creating a network of people and organizations, Global Citizens Network also seeks to enhance participants' impact on issues of local and global concern.

Philosophy
The peoples of the world are one people, enriched by individual differences, united by the common bond of humanity. The diversity of the Global Community is its greatest strength; understanding and respect is its greatest gift.

Process
Global Citizens Network sponsors teams of volunteers wishing to learn from and work with people in other cultures. Each team visits a developing community where local people are involved in grassroots efforts to meet their human and community needs while preserving their culture and traditions. The volunteers have the opportunity to experience life in another culture by living with local people, eating local foods, and experiencing local hardships and triumphs. Volunteers are instructed in language, social structure and issues, agriculture, industry, and arts. Communities are visited that also offer insight into specific issues or trends such as environmental protection, women in development, and traditional medicine.

Volunteers assist community people working on locally initiated projects, providing the human resources of mental and physical labor while working under the leadership of community people. Global Citizens Network hopes to receive funding from foundations and other institutions to provide matching grants for assistance in purchasing project materials where appropriate.

Each team member receives training materials and participates in an orientation session, generally on the first or second day of the trip. The team spends one to three weeks in the community (depending on the site, and including travel time), and is led by a trained and experienced team leader from Global Citizens Network. A local individual acts as cultural consultant, and when necessary, as translator and language tutor. Each day consists of both work and learning; in some locales, these elements will be divided; in others, they will occur simultaneously. Accommodations will vary, but often the team will be divided in pairs (or more) among local host families. At least one meal each day will be communal with the team and community members eating together.

The teams consist of 6-12 people. No specific skills are required of volunteers, and there are no upper age restrictions. Under-aged persons are considered on an individual basis and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

After each team returns home, team members are encouraged to fill out an evaluation form to help them process their experiences and insights, and identify methods of continually improving the quality of the experience. Members are encouraged to join or found a Global Citizens Network chapter as supporters and volunteers, participate in advisory committees, and host salons, seminars and community outreach events.


IVPA
GCN is proud to be a member of the IVPA. The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is an alliance of nonprofit, non-governmental organizations that are involved in international volunteer and internship exchanges. Membership with IVPA is a distinguished mark of excellence. Our members are expected to uphold IVPA's Principles and Practices as guidelines for good programming as well as meet stringent membership criteria. We stand for responsibility in the field of international volunteerism and promote public awareness of and greater access to international volunteer programs. IVPA offers a forum for international volunteer program representatives (staff, board members, etc. ) to share information and resources, develop new skills, and collaborate on cost-saving initiatives.

 

 

 

For further information contact us:

Global Citizens Network
130 N. Howell St.
St. Paul, MN 55104

(651) 644-0960 or (800) 644-9292

Contact Us!