About the Global Volunteer Network
Our VisionOur vision is to connect people with communities in need. We do this by supporting the work of local community organisations in countries through the placement of international volunteers. Our BeginningsThe Global Volunteer Network (GVN) was launched in December 2000 by Colin Salisbury, its Founder and Executive Director, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers could make in helping local organisations achieve their goals. Upon returning to New Zealand he spent some time researching the different volunteer organisations around the world and was amazed at how expensive and limiting many programs were in terms of volunteer opportunities. Colin has extensive volunteer experience both locally and internationally with time spent in Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and Thailand. His background in Community Development and achieving a Masters in International Development has enabled him to provide challenging and affordable volunteer opportunities around the globe. Click here to get the inside scoop about daily life in the GVN office, staff opinions about volunteering and how GVN went from a small operation in a spare bedroom to a proper office that helps hundreds of people volunteer each year. Our NetworkFeedback"My son Zach was in Bagamoyo this summer through Global Volunteer Network and thanks to you and your organization had an amazing experience helping to open a school there. That's him looking at the little boy on the Tanzania page of your website. I just want other parents to know what a wonderful opportunity you provide for college aged kids to go across the world and contribute something of themselves to help others less fortunate. That month was worth more than four years of college tuition and will help to influence and shape the rest of his life. Your staff was accessible and helpful and the program in Bagamoyo is well run and inspiring. Please feel free to use this testimonial in any of your materials. I have recommended this program to everyone I know who wants their sons and daughters to realize their potential and nourish their souls." Nancy Kelly, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, USA The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is: WN/1194442. GVN currently has volunteer positions available through our partner organisations in Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, USA, and Vietnam. The network continues to expand with new programs currently being researched and assessed. Click here for detailed information on our programs. The number of people volunteering through GVN continues to grow. In 2002 we placed 240 volunteers, and in 2007 we placed almost 2000 volunteers. Our goal for 2008 is to place 2500 volunteers. We also offer fundraising hikes to allow an active role in raising funds for communities in need. We currently have hikes planned to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Machu Picchu, and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our PartnersAt GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals. Our Media CentreGVN's Media Centre produces videos and articles about volunteer experiences, socially-conscious travel, the issues that affect people in disadvantaged communities and the fight for a more just and equitable world. It is our belief that through raising awareness about the plight of others, we can slowly turn the tide and empower individuals and communities to work toward a better world. Click here to visit our Media Centre. |
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The GVN TeamThe GVN home office is located in High Street in Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. GVN has a staff of seventeen whose role is to facilitate the placement of volunteers and to support the work of our partners.
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Board of Directors
Colin and Jo Salisbury Leadership Team
Colin Salisbury - Chief Executive Officer Administrative/Marketing
Anna McIntosh - Administrative |
New Zealand Environment Programs
Toby Malcolm - Team Leader Volunteer Co-ordinators
Erin Ingram - Cambodia, China, India, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam Media
Lauren McMahon - Media and Communications Co-ordinator |
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Honduras
Living with a Honduran family, and volunteering at projects in rural locations, volunteers will assist a community in need. > Read More
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© 2000-2008 Global Volunteer Network
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