What inspired you to co-found A Broader View (ABV)?
The idea to start A Broader View happened while Sarah and I were visiting Chile, where I was born and raised. For years, while I was growing up, my own family was involved in community charity work around La Serena, where we lived.
Always happy to share A Broader View with prospective volunteers
It was during this trip we witnessed the good work national volunteers were contributing at a local orphanage and a light bulb went off—why couldn’t this be expanded to international volunteers, one where the volunteer came to live and work side by side as a cultural exchange?
This is where the idea of creating A Broader View Volunteers came from. We came home and started doing massive amounts of research through which we came to the decision to create an affordable, safe, and meaningful program so that anyone who wished to travel and volunteer could easily afford to do so.
How has the organization continued to develop and change since its origin?
When we began A Broader View, both Sarah and I had full time jobs and had no idea where this would lead us. Although we were both optimistic, we maintained realistic expectations. We decided to focus our efforts on creating and providing volunteers with a customized quality experience abroad. Starting out A Broader View consisted of Sarah and I working from our home, offering four projects in Chile and Ecuador. Here we are, almost 11 years later, and A Broader View has grown into a world recognized charity organization in 25 countries offering over 240 projects.
Can you tell us about your current role as ABV’s General Manager?
Both myself and Sarah are very hands-on in the day to day operation of A Broader View. We speak to potential clients every day, but the majority of my day is corresponding with our overseas Coordinators, implementing new projects, and most especially overseeing all aspects of ABV’s website and social media presence. Every day is a bit different which I love and keeps me on my toes.
How does your background in business development, marketing, social media, and video producing influence your current work?
It has given me the knowhow and experience in help creating our A Broader View website and social media platforms. We spend a lot of time creating and maintaining an easy, fast, and convenient website and volunteer interface platform which allows our participants to upload forms, make online payments, create online fundraising campaigns, and ultimately manage their own trip preparations.
What makes ABV unique? And why should volunteers choose your programs over other providers?
A Broader View aims to create the best experience for our volunteers. We focus on superior customer service and look to build strong customer relationships. The number of returnees can attest that ABV looks out for the welfare of our participants. Being a non-profit charity gives our volunteers peace of mind, we are transparency to our customers about how things work and about what we do and why. A Broader View has built a very positive reputation as an expert in the field of overseas humanitarian aid program which can be seen in alumni feedback, independent review sites, charity navigator websites, and testimonial videos.
Why is it important for people to travel and experience new cultures?
I think it is important for people to continuously expand their personal knowledge and a great way to do this is through service and international travel. I think it is important for people to challenge themselves. Traveling is all about the learning experience—experiences that force you to adapt. This can relate in terms of experiencing new cultures, places, and food. But most importantly, it is about learning more about one’s own self.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Traveling where you are needed. Exploring a new place while giving back at that same time. Taking away as much as you are leaving behind.
In what ways have your own international experiences in South and Central America, and Denmark and Spain impacted you personally and professionally?
Having had the opportunity, as a child and teenager, to travel internationally with my own parents opened my mind and eyes to a world beyond my own. These early life experiences, accentuated my yearning to travel more, encouraged me to want to see as much as I can of this world and figure a way to make a living by doing so. In creating A Broader View with my wife and life partner, I know I am exactly where I should be in life.
If you could share one piece of advice for someone considering going abroad, what would you say?
Do your research and take the leap. Do not let your fears stop you.
What hopes do you have for the future of A Broader View?
Our aim is the maintain our high level of service while expanding our volunteer base. Expanding our global reach into new locations and increase the funding support to our local partners. Sarah and I hope to continue to enlighten and educate the minds of those who choose to make this journey with us.
