"If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." – Gaia People, Aboriginal Australian Culture
When I think of my favorite words: authentic, dignified, gratitude, brilliance, I’m struck that they all, in some way, remind me of my travel experiences with Global Citizens Network.
More and more, individuals are choosing to spend their vacation time and dollars away from beach resorts and try an alternate form of travel: volunteer vacations (or voluntourism, as it’s sometimes called) are experiences that combine traditional travel with volunteer work. But even within those limits, the possibilities seem endless. After narrowing in on a location and time frame, there a numerous organizations and NGOs offering these types of programs. How do you choose? Factors like cost, location, and logistics are obviously important, but my decision to travel with GCN ultimately came down to one of core values and philosophy.
I first traveled to Maili Tatu, Kenya with Global Citizens Network (GCN) in 2004. I was mesmerized by the sunrise over Mt. Kilimanjaro, the red soil packed down by sprinting, barefoot children, and the melodic, beautiful voices that rose from those same little bodies… but what has stayed with me over the years since has been the feeling of true connectivity, authenticity, and cultural exchange that I experienced there. I sang, laughed, and worked alongside my Masaii friends in a way that I simply don’t think could have happened in a traditional travel experience – or without GCN. The “Globals” as the community members collectively named us, had been partnering with the Maili Tatu community for nearly five years, and were working alongside the Masaii to construct a health clinic. This community had the resolve, know-how, and need for the clinic, but lacked, living in a nation of extreme poverty, the economic resources to construct it on its own.
That being said, the philosophy of Global Citizens Network is one of social justice, not charity, and it states that “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 are its greatest gifts.” All of the projects that GCN participates in are driven by the needs of the local communities and initiated by local leadership. GCN works with, not for the community. In Kenya, as in all of community partnerships, we worked together with, and alongside. We did not build the health community for Maili Tatu; rather, we as global citizens were fortunate enough to work side-by-side with these beautiful, strong, and resilient people in a project to sustain and build their – and in turn, our community. Ultimately, the project was a catalyst for cultural exchange, understanding, and friendship.
So often we think of volunteerism as a way to do for others, but making a difference is not synonymous with self-sacrifice. We get back, often by ten-fold, what it is we give. I love to feel connected, to build relationships, and to experience rich cultures vastly different from my own. Traveling with an organization as conscientious as GCN allows for those things to happen naturally and authentically. And I believe that real change and real good comes from relationships, from connection, and from understanding – not from handouts. Carrying hand cut stones together with the Masaii taught me that my – and our – liberation is truly bound up with one another. It has filled me with deep gratitude.
Since traveling to Kenya, I have experienced cultural exchange with the Quileute people of La Push, Washington, and the Stoney Nakoda people of Eden Valley Reserve in Alberta, Canada. Each of these experiences has solidified my belief in global citizenry and exposed me to diverse, beautiful, and dignified individuals and cultures. I am planning to travel to Tanzania with GCN in the summer of 2010.
Rebecca Oberton Theisen
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!
The best thing about the trip was getting really close-up pictures of horses. The hardest part of the trip was leaving Chirapa
Tana-Isabel, Washington; Peru youth volunteer
I wanted to be "in the middle of nowhere" and enjoy it as well as learn about the Quechua culture. My comfort zone has expanded and I enjoyed getting to know the people!
The most inspiring moment for me was receiving a genuine Quechuan percussion instrument as a gift from the community. It showed me that the community valued my presence and it is something that I will never forget.
David, University of Minnesota Participant; Peru volunteer
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