Description

Global Citizens Network (GCN) sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to La Push last one week; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Such projects have included working with the after school program, clearing evacuation trails and building wheelchair accessible decks. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Volunteers should be aware that everything is subject to change.

The tribal council of La Push has invited GCN to work in partnership with their community. Most projects will focus on maintaining their culture, language, and way of life. Possible projects include building a home for the Self Help Drumming Group, a support group for drug and alcohol recovery, the building of an outdoor amphitheater to exhibit cultural traditions to the visitors who vacation in nearby cottages, and the creation of a museum to house the tribes antiquities now being held by the National Park Service. Past GCN teams have helped the youth build observation decks on several buildings so that elders and wheelchair-bound people can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, cleared trails, recorded elders stories, amongst many other activities. A highlight for many participants has been a salmon bake on the beach and participating in a drumming circle.

Highlights

The tribal council of La Push has invited GCN to work in partnership with their community. Most projects will focus on maintaining their culture, language, and way of life. Possible projects include building a home for the Self Help Drumming Group, a support group for drug and alcohol recovery, the building of an outdoor amphitheater to exhibit cultural traditions to the visitors who vacation in nearby cottages, and the creation of a museum to house the tribes antiquities now being held by the National Park Service. Past GCN teams have helped the youth build observation decks on several buildings so that elders and wheelchair-bound people can enjoy the breathtaking surroundings, cleared trails, recorded elders stories, amongst many other activities. A highlight for many participants has been a salmon bake on the beach and participating in a drumming circle.

Qualifications

No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills--some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,200

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The program fee covers in-country travel and lodging, most meals, orientation materials, medical and emergency evacuation insurance (not for US/Canada sites), on-going program costs and a donation to the community development project. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax-deductible in the U.S.

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives primary financial support from program fees and individual donors, while relying heavily on volunteers to make our work successful. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, participants immerse themselves into the daily life of villagers and gain a unique perspective, while making a contribution in the lives of others.

Credit Available

yes

Salary/Pay

Experience of a lifetime

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees...these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range

8 - 88+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6-12

Application Process Involves

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.

Year Founded

1992