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About This Section Of VolunTourism.org
This section of the website is a compilation of links to articles that have appeared or currently appear in The VolunTourist Newsletter and numerous audio files to which you may listen as well as links to past episodes of The VolunTourist Webcast. These items are for your use to assist you in your process of selecting a trip that truly resonates with you.
Before you do anything else, we recommend that you take the VolunTourism Survey. Whether you are new to VolunTourism or a veteran voluntourist, use the survey to gage your level of interest and to determine how best to proceed in your quest of taking your first, or next, voluntour. Take the survey>>>
Make sure to review the options presented here and conduct your own further due diligence based upon suggestions offered in the Traveler section of this web site or after reading - - "VolunTourists: 10 Things To Consider."
Featured On The VolunTourist Webcast "Founder/Director Series"
During Summer 2008, David Clemmons invited ten Founders and/or Directors of organizations that provide travel experiences, which include voluntary service, to join him on an episode of The VolunTourist Webcast. Each interview was framed around three questions:
- What motivated you to establish your VolunTourism Initiative/Program?
- How does your VolunTourism Initiative/Program impact your
constituents - employees, clients, shareholders (if you have such),
board members, community residents, partners, vendors, others?
- From a "global perspective" what do you perceive to be the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, of this type of travel?
A portion of each interview, in which the Founder/Director described her/his respective organization, is included below for your review. For the entire interview, please link to this RSS Feed.
Bridge Volunteers - Jean-Marc Alberola, Founder of Bridge Volunteers, was interviewed for Episode #48 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what he had to say about growing up in Puerto Rico, being educated in the US, and the language training via Bridge Linguatec. Listen >>>
Conservation VIP - Rich Tobin, Founder of Conservation VIP, was interviewed for Episode #41 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what he had to say about his work with the US Forest Service and the inspiration to work in Chile. Listen>>>
Culinary Corps - Christine Carroll, Founder of Culinary Corps, was interviewed for Episode #46 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what she had to say about "the chef's role in the community," and "why can't cooks, cook?" Listen>>>
Developing World Connections - Wayne McRann, Founder of Developing World Connections, was interviewed for Episode #50 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what he had to say about his roots in Rotary International and its philosophy of giving & service. Listen>>>
Geovisions - Randy LeGrant, Co-Founder & Director of Geovisions, was interviewed for Episode #44 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what he had to say about work-in-travel and his expansion into volunteering & travel as a response to his global partners. Listen>>>
Global Community Service Foundation - Marcia Selva, Founder of Global Community Service Foundation, was interviewed for Episode #47 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what she had to say about her love for Vietna and the evolution of "giving back" in Southeast Asia. Listen>>
Integrity Incentives - Lucy Eisele, Founder of Integrity Incentives, was interviewed for Episode #43 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what she had to say about engaging corporate employees in more meaningful incentive travel experiences. Listen>>>
International Student Volunteers - Randy Sykes, Founder of International Student Volunteers (ISV), was interviewed for Episode #49 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what he had to say about having a business that fulfills you, young people, cultural exchange, and volunteering. Listen>>>
The PEPY Ride - Daniela Papi, Founder of The PEPY Ride, was interviewed for Episode #42 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what she had to say about Cambodia, cycling tours, education of Cambodian children, and Protect the Earth, Protect Yourself (PEPY). Listen>>>
Students Today Leaders Forever - Irene K. Fernando, Co-Founder of Students Today Leaders Forever (STLF), was interviewed for Episode #48 of The VolunTourist Webcast. Here is what she had to say about the importance of leadership & service for young people. Listen>>>
Additional Episodes of The VolunTourist Webcast
Episode #7: Women & VolunTourism
On 25 September 2007, Renee Werbin, Publisher of Travel Girl Magazine, Nancy Rivard, Founder of Airline Ambassadors, and Dr. Sally Brown, Founder of Ambassadors For Children participated in a discussion on Women & VolunTourism.
Nancy Rivard shares what was the impetus behind founding Airline Ambassadors in this clip from the show... Listen>>>
Dr. Sally Brown, speaks about engaging travelers in yoga as part of their voluntourism journeys to India... Listen>>>
Episode #8: A "Taste" Of VolunTourism
On 2 October 2007, Margaret Jaworski, a freelance writer from New York, Dina Weinberg, a corporate leadership coach, and Christopher Hill, Founder of Hands Up Holidays, discussed the balance of travel and voluntary service. Christopher Hill provides a bit of background on how and why he began "travel with a taste of volunteering." Listen>>>
Episode #10: Educational Travel & VolunTourism
On 16 October 2007, Mara DelliPriscoli, President & CEO of Travel Learning Connections, Jim Friedlander, President of Academic Arrangements Abroad, and Susan Welsh, Director of Domestic Programs for Elderhostel, discussed how educational travel is beginning to include voluntary service within itineraries. Susan Welsh took time to introduce what Elderhostel is experiencing in relation to this growing trend. Listen>>>
Episode #18: Nonprofits & VolunTourism
On 11 December 2007, Arday Ardayfio, Founder of the Ghana Computer Project, and Kellie Bentz, Executive Director of Hands On New Orleans, discussed the role of nonprofit organizations in VolunTourism. Hear Kellie Bentz describe how her role expanded from what was to be a short-term engagement to an ongoing commitment to the Crescent City. Listen>>>
Episode #25: Family Travel & VolunTourism
On 19 February 2008, Kyle McCarthy, Founder of Family Travel Forum, and Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Founder of Globe Aware, took time out to discuss the increasing interest of families to participate in trips that incorporate voluntary service. Here is what Kimberly Haley-Coleman had to say about Globe Aware. Listen>>>
Episode #27: Faith-Based VolunTourism
On 11 March 2008, Richard Duerksen, of Maranatha International, Seth Morgan, Founder of Orant Charities, and Aaron Smith, Founder of Venture Expeditions, shared how their faith-practice connects with voluntary service and travel.
Episode #28: Corporate Social Responsibility & VolunTourism
On 18 March 2008, Richard Brubaker, Director of Hands On Shanghai, and Sarah Siddiqi, Founder of Experience Bangladesh, took some time to explain the importance of the connection between communities and corporations.
Episode #29: The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, LLC & VolunTourism
On 25 March 2008, Mark Sherwin, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Tyson's Corner, and Sue Stephenson, Vice President, Community Footprints, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, introduced listeners to "Give Back Getaways" - the new voluntourism initiative for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC.
- Mark Sherwin offered these words on his properties connection to Rainbow Center - Listen>>>
- Sue Stephenson provided an overview of the program and what it will mean for all stakeholders - Listen>>>
Episode #30: Volunteer Vacations & VolunTourism
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| Copyright © Debra Cummings, All Rights Reserved |
On 1 April 2008, Theresa Higgs, Director of International Programs for United Planet, and Paul Jones, North American Regional Manager for Global Vision International, delivered some insights into the relationship between "volunteer vacations" and VolunTourism.
Episode #32: Animals & VolunTourism
On 15 April 2008, Debi Alexander, Executive Director of the Rainbow Center, Darci Galati, Founder & President of Candi International and Susan Paseman, Director of International Programs for World Vets, discussed unique opportunities for travelers to work with animals and to provide service to them.
- Debi Alexander offered background on the Rainbow Center and its work with horses and autistic children in Northern Virginia - Listen>>>
- Darci Galati spoke of her background in the tourism world and her decision to support cats & dogs - Listen>>>
- Susan Paseman discussed the work of veterinarians volunteering in their off-time - Listen>>>
Episode #36: "Corporate Motivation" & VolunTourism
On 13 May 2008, Matt Campana, Founder of Corporate Motivation, provided details on his effort to engage companies in serving the communities in which they conduct team-building activities, corporate retreats, and other training services for employees and executives. Listen>>>
Episode #37: Cultural Restoration & VolunTourism
On 20 May 2008, Dr. Joshua Weiss, Director of the Abraham Path, Judith Broeker & Jamie Donahoe, Co-Founders of Heritage Conservation Network, and Mark Hintske, Founder of Cultural Restoration Tourism Project, took time to compare notes on their respective approaches to cultural restoration and heritage preservation.
Episode #51: The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau And VolunTourism
On 2 September 2008, Cathryn Ott Lovell, Development Director for Mural Arts Program, and Frankie Lancos, of Greater Philadelphia Cares, shared details of their recent partnership with the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Episode #52: Running & VolunTourism
On 9 September 2008, Brae Blackley, Founder of Friends of Penyem, and Matt Linick, Founder of Running Away, discuss a unique partnership they have created to organize a running trip that incorporates service in Penyem Village in Gambia. Matt Linick shares details behind the creation of Running Away - Listen>>>
Episode #56: Madventurer & VolunTourism
On 21 October 2008, John Lawler, Founder of Madventurer, and Ben Keene, Founder of Tribe Wanted, discuss their motivations behind starting their respective organizations, some of the challenges & rewards, and advice for potential voluntourists preparing for a journey.
Episode #58: Germany: Imagine No Limits & VolunTourism
On 4 November 2008, Marion Serwe, Founder of Imagine No Limits, took time to discuss Germany and how she sees VolunTourism developing in that country. Here is her introduction to Imagine No Limits... Listen>>>
Episode #63: The LGBT Community & VolunTourism
On 9 December 2008, Shannon Wentworth, Co-Founder of Sweet, a lesbian travel company, shared her thoughts on the connection of the LGBT Community to VolunTourism. Here are her introductory remarks on Sweet... Listen>>>
Episode #65: Surfing & VolunTourism
On 6 January 2009, Dave Aabo, Founder of Waves For Development, offered some of the lessons he and his team have learned over the last couple of years in setting up a VolunTourism initiative focused on surfing. Here is a description of Waves For Development that he gave during the show... Listen>>>
Episode #70: The Concierge & VolunTourism
On 24 February 2009, Cynthia Adkins, Founder of Concierge At Large, Inc., Clive Charlwood, Executive Director of One Brick, Emily Oestreicher, Sales Manager of the Good Hotel, and Lyn Santos, Director of Ecology for the Fairmont Mayakoba, discussed facilitation of the guest voluntourism experience in hotels and other venues. 1) What is the role of a concierge? 2) How can a concierge assist a guest, or guests, in identifying voluntourism experiences within a destination or in connecting with an existing program at a specific property? 3) How can such a service benefit all voluntourism stakeholders? Listen>>>
Episode #72: Advice On Multi-Generational & Family VolunTourism
On 24 March 2009, Cheryl Delisle, Manager of Generations Touring Company, Kyle McCarthy, Co-Founder of the Family Travel Forum, and Ellen Regenstreif, PhD, Founder of Child Tours, discussed the following: (1) What are some of the key elements of multi-generational & family travel? (2) When planning voluntours for multi-generational groups, what advice would you give to tour operators & NGOs? (3) What should voluntourists keep in mind if they decide to plan their own multi-generational voluntours? Please join us for answers to these questions and more during this episode of The VolunTourist. Listen>>>
Episode #73: The State Of Colorado & VolunTourism
On 31 March 2009, Bill Manning, Managing Director of the Colorado Trail Foundation, Teresa Ana Martinez, Director of Trail Management Operations for the Continental Divide Trail Alliance, Caitlin Sullivan, of MMG Mardiks, and Lew Turner, of Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, discussed the following: 1) What are some examples of programs that are being offered as a part of the State of Colorado's VolunTourism Initiative? 2) To what reasons do you attribute the increasing interest in voluntourism in Colorado? 3) What wisdom & insights have you gained through your engagements with voluntourists that could serve other entities who may be considering these types of programs? Listen>>>
Episode #74: The State of Idaho & VolunTourism
On 7 April 2009, Karen Ballard, Administrator for the State of Idaho's Tourism Office, and Kelly Staskey, Executive Director of Serve Idaho, discussed VolunTourism in the State of Idaho. 1) What was the impetus behind Tourism Idaho's adoption of voluntourism? 2) How did Tourism Idaho select the partners with which it is collaborating on this initiative? 3) How will Tourism Idaho and its partners promote and evaluate this initiative via internal and external communications? Listen>>>
Episode #75: VolunTourism Opportunities In Tucson Arizona
On 14 April 2009, Robert Newtson, Executive Director, Friends of Saguaro National Park, and Kimberly Schmitz, Director of Communications & Public Relations, Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau addressed the following topics: 1) How is the Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau working with local nonprofit organizations to introduce voluntary service opportunities to visitors? 2) What are some examples of nonprofit organizations with which you are currently working? 3) How do you envision expanding this program to other nonprofit organizations and sharing what you have learned thus far? Listen>>>
Episode #76: 10 Years Of Biosphere Expeditions & VolunTourism
On 21 April 2009, Erin McCloskey, Operations Manager North America, and Kathy Wilden, Director, of Biosphere Expeditions addressed the following questions: 1) What was the vision behind starting Biosphere Expeditions in 1999 and how has that vision endured/changed as you celebrate your 10th birthday? 2) What have you learned about conservation, environmental stewardship, and the contributions of voluntourists to both of these objectives over the last decade? 3) How does Biosphere Expeditions bridge travelers' desires to be of service and to engage in the wonder of a destination? Listen>>>
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Episode #77: Journeys Within Our Community & VolunTourism
On 28 April 2009, Judy Laird, a voluntourist, Joanne Majewski, Alternative Breaks Coordinator for the Center for Service and Action at Loyola Marymount University, and Andrea Ross, Founder of Journeys Within Tour Company (JWTC) and Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC), discussed the following: 1) How has JWOC integrated the tourism knowledge of JWTC with service to the local community? 2) When considering voluntourists' needs in juxtaposition to the needs of communities, how has JWOC been able to maintain a balanced perspective? 3) As voluntourists (Gerry & Judy) and past voluntourists (Joanne), what advice and constructive feedback are you providing and have you provided to JWOC before, during, and/or after your trip? Listen>>>
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