What isn't changing these days? What is this “new normal” and how are we defining it anyway? At GCN while much is in transition, some things have not changed—like the fundamental way we work. We continue to wholeheartedly embrace our mission, our commitment to host communities, our commitment to intergenerational trip participants and you, our friends of GCN.
As a non-profit, GCN has a special ability to organize the energy and ideas of a community to achieve together what individually we could not accomplish alone. Together the board and staff believe in making ourselves better. So then, what exactly is changing?
During our first year in partnership with our strategic alliance with ISE (Intercultural Student Experiences), we are paying careful attention to staff and infrastructure changes. This year Cindy Murphy Kelley became the Executive Director of both GCN and ISE and is actively leading the strategic alliance in partnership with a joint leadership team and the Board of Directors. (see Ms. Kelley’s bio here). GCN will add a total of 3 members to our staff team—Laura Kurland, Sam Hinton and soon to join Erin McGillivray. The GCN-ISE Board of Directors is actively engaged in intentional strategic planning joined by our many stakeholders (including many of you). Our entire team appreciates the thoughtful feedback from GCN’s engaged stakeholder base.
In addition, GCN staff, along with ISE staff have been in dialogue about transitions as we learn about each other’s programming, how to work together and discuss what’s ending such as a temporary space and long commute to the office for some of us as we anticipate new beginnings.
Which brings me to this last point, - GCN is moving again! This summer, together with ISE, we’ll relocate to a mutually convenient office in downtown Minneapolis, located at 129 North 2nd Street, Suite 102, Minneapolis, MN effective August 1, 2010. We are scheduling an open house for Thursday, October 14, 2010. We invite you to join us, more to follow in the next e-newsletter.
I invite you to stay connected as we scale up with more participants, more communities and ultimately more social impact.
It is not too late to join GCN this summer! We are offering a “Friends of” Sale to all Return Trip Participants! Sign up for a summer 2010 trip (July and August) with a friend and receive the “Friends of” discount: $200 off of your program fee and $100 off the friend’s program fee. Spaces still available for trips in Canada, Ecuador, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico, Minnesota, Tanzania and Washington!
Return Trip Participants and their friend must register for 2010 summer trip to receive the discount. For more information, contact us at info@globalcitizens.org
By: Linda Stuart, GNC Director
Last month I had the profound privilege of attending the sacred inauguration ceremony of the Mayan Center for Peace building in Xecam, Cantel Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. It is rare that GCNers are around for the completion of a community project. It is actually a paradox for us—the U.S. Americans notorious for placing high importance on bench marks of accomplishments and “getting the job done.” For other cultures, accomplishment is manifested in different ways, from the warmth of building and strengthening relationships to achieving mutual trust and respect.
My visit to Cantel was a perfect blend of celebration and honoring of what has been done, with a distressing realization of how much more there is to do in the ongoing struggle for basic indigenous rights. Witnessing first-hand the struggle against discriminatory practices was an intense reminder of the daily struggles our friends face throughout the world. Together with our partners in Cantel, GCN recognizes and promotes the fundamental human right to express and identify in one’s own terms, especially critical in multi- cultural societies such as Guatemala.
My deepest thanks goes to the previous team leaders, Suzanne Koepplinger (2007), Amy LeClaire Saches (2007), Steven Kerrigan (2008), Linda Feltes (2009), Kari Lewis (2009) and Kristi Papenfuss (2009) who embodied GCN’s philosophy and values with each team that visited and supported this partnership at several important milestones over the past 3 years.
A very, very special thanks, goes out to the 48 GCN participants that have contributed their time and talent in Cantel.
GCN is in dialogue with the community and in particular with local leader Arcadio Salanic Salanic on the next phases of the project, which will most likely include more looms and more materials to educate the Mayan youth and women’s cooperatives on traditional weaving practices.
Personally, professionally and organizationally this experience represented the GCN philosophy to its finest—“We are one people, enriched by individual differences, united by the common bond of humanity.” I still believe that in turning to one another in for increased understanding, we can restore hope for the future.
Would you like to join GCN in Cantel in 2011? Click here to read more
Special Note:
GCN laments learning that Las Fuentes Georginas were recently destroyed by Tropical Storm Agatha, known as a weak yet catastrophic storm (June 2010). Previously this tourist center was destroyed by both Hurricane Mitch and Tropical Storm Stan. Many GCN teams visit the bathes on their free day, which is also a sacred meeting ground for local Mayan people. Fuentes Georginas has always been a tourist center sustained by its own means, without government support.
Our hearts go out to all of the people of Guatemala, especially those most affected by Tropical Storm Agatha.
Sam spent much of his childhood in East Africa before returning to study abroad at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He holds a finance degree from the University of Minnesota and prior to joining GCN, worked in Merchandising with Minneapolis-based Target Corporation. Sam enjoys coaching youth soccer in the Twin Cities and is thrilled to be part of an organization that shares his values and goals!
GCN is excited about CNN’s recent article featuring “voluntourism.” Read more about how CNN highlights: 1.Effective projects may involve small contributions from a long line of volunteers, 2. A hastily built structure may not benefit the community it's designed to help 3. A traveler's biggest contribution may be through cross-cultural exchange
GCN offers two exciting exploratory trips over the next year! Space is limited for our upcoming trips to Northeastern Brazil (November 12-22) and Puno, Peru (March 11-21).
The team will connect with our host organization and potential partnerships and projects with the communities. In turn, this is an opportunity for communities to learn what it is like to work with a GCN team. The exploratory team's trip participants serve as GCN ambassadors to exchange with local communities interested in hosting and collaborating with future GCN teams.
A trip of this kind requires a lot of flexibility on the part of the team. GCN is looking for individuals interested in spending their time and energy to interact with a variety of people from the communities. Team members will help the team leader by providing active feedback from their visits to multiple communities.
For more information, contact Laura Kurland: laura@globalcitizens.org
Opportunity 1: Nola Lee Kelsey and Dog’s Eye View Media are now taking chapter (stories, educational articles) submissions for our next anthology! They are looking for best stories of voluntourism and the editor, Nola Lee Kelsey, loves diversity.
Think outside the box. Focus on a moment in time that changed your life or rant about a humorous misadventure in its entirety. Offer advice or provide solace. Have you led volunteer groups and seen perceptions altered in mass? Traveled with a teen? Taught tennis to the blind? Did you build a project from the ground up? This book will be similar in scope to the front half of The Voluntary Traveler: Adventures from the Road Best Traveled. Buy or flip through a copy at your local Borders Bookstore if you’d like to get a feel for the diversity reflected in the chapters from the original book. However, we are setting the bar much higher than that in previous publications, so respect the craft of writing and take the time to do it well.
Word count 600-2,000
Deadline for submission: August 1, 2010
Publication date: March 3, 2011
For more information click here.
Opportunity 2: iReport on CNN’s Humanitarian Travel Coverage
CNN is looking to hear inspiring experiences of volutourism and helping others while on holiday. You can upload images and video of your experience to CNN iReport.
We'll use the best images and video on CNN.com and those of you with particularly compelling stories could be featured in an article.
For more information, click here.
The International Volunteer Card is an internationally recognized identification and discount card, available exclusively to volunteers. Just go to volunteercard.com to sign up and purchase the International Volunteer Card.
Fly For Good If you work, volunteer, or are an immediate family member of an employee of a registered nonprofit organization that is involved in humanitarian work oversees , like Global Citizens Network, you can receive discount travel with Fly for Good!
In the flights page, create your personal login by “signing in” in the sign up box. When you click sign up, there will be a highlighted part of the form that says Approval Code. Please enter the Global Citizens Network Code: GCY30 (case sensitive with no space)
Are you already a GCN team leader and would like to brush up on your skills, mentor new trainees & learn about GCN’s latest happenings?
GCN team leaders are dynamic, responsible individuals chosen for their leadership skills and willingness to facilitate meaningful experiences for others. Those who attend training will be better prepared to lead in ways that align with GCN philosophy, as well as respect and honor host communities’ needs.
We invite you to attend TEAM LEADER TRAINING this fall in Marine on St.Croix, MN (30 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul) 5:00 PM Friday, October 1 to 12:00 PM Sunday, October 3, 2010
For more information and the training application click here: http://www.globalcitizens.org/how-you-can-get-involved
Interested in joining a team as a participant before the team leader training? We still have spaces available this summer! Check out upcoming trips in July, August, and September.
Our E-newsletter has a brand new look! Thanks to our friends at TenSeven Interactive
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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