Dream Big and Dare to Fail: Norman Vaughan
30 November 2007 03:38 PM Filed in: Adventure
By Kat Vaughan
Norman Dane Vaughan and two cohorts from the Admiral Byrd Expedition 1928-1930
I came across a mountaineering blog today and it reminded me of Uncle Norman, my Great Uncle, my Mom's father's brother. I only met Uncle Norman once, when he came to San Francisco, but over the years, I had heard many stories about him. Norman Dane Vaughan made his mark on the world when he dropped out of Harvard in 1928 to pursue Admiral Byrd's Expedition in Antarctica. Uncle Norman volunteered his time on this two year expedition as the Chief Dog Driver. Admiral Byrd, impressed by Uncle Norman, named a mountain in Antarctica after him (Mt Vaughan) and many years later, on December 16, 1994, Uncle Norman climbed this 10,302 foot peak, three days shy of his 89th birthday! National Geographic documented this amazing and arduous climb, in a video called Height of Courage.
Uncle Norman pursued his life passionately, accomplishing many extraordinary goals in his life, in addition to the Admiral Byrd Expedition. It was his passion for life that captured my interest. He risked it all several times over to pursue his call. I see myself in Uncle Norman; I understand his compulsion for unconventional living.
In 1932, Uncle Norman competed in the dog mushing race in the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces Search and Rescue as a dogsled driver, eventually attaining the rank of colonel and serving in several rescue missions in Greenland and in the Korean War.
In 1968, Uncle Norman moved to Alaska after his business collapsed and marriage fell apart and it was here that his life took on a life of its own. Four years after he moved there, at the age of 72, Uncle Norman competed in his first iditarod race - a 1,150-mile sled dog race. By 84 years of age, Uncle Norman competed in a total of 13 iditarod races, completing 6 of them. By this time, he married his 4th wife, Carolyn Muegge, a woman 40 years his junior! Like Uncle Norman, she competed in iditarods and had a love for adventure and the Alaskan outback. Uncle Norman was rather brazen: he crashed Jimmy Carter's inaugural Presidential parade and later, to the wonder of many, taught John Paul II how to mush! In 1997, Uncle Norman organized the annual 868-mile Serum Run from Nenana to Nome, Alaska. This race commemorated the 1925 serum run to Nome, a run that saved an entire town from a diphtheria epidemic.
(Source: National Geographic)
Shortly before his 100th birthday, Uncle Norman was on the Jay Leno show sharing his plans for his centennial birthday bash. Just days before his big party, however, Uncle Norman fell ill and was admitted to a hospital. On his 100th year birthday, while family and friends gathered in Telluride, Colorado to celebrate his birthday, Uncle Norman was on a live-feed video cam talking to all of his well wishers from his hospital bed. For the first time in his entire life, Uncle Norman had a drink of liquor, a glass of champagne, fulfilling a promising to his mother that he wouldn't drink until he was 100. Four days later, Uncle Norman died.
Uncle Norman lead an extraordinary life. He was a dreamer, entrepreneur, explorer, author, mountain climber, risk taker and lover of life. He was an extreme outdoors man and took his passion to achieve distinct fame. However, he did not pursue his passion for glory, but to satisfy his call and purpose for living. Norman Vaughan was a modern day hero, a man true to his motto: dream big and dare to fail.
Go and do the same.
Video:
National Geographic: Height of Courage: The Norman Vaughan Story
For Further Reading:
Norman Dane Vaughan and two cohorts from the Admiral Byrd Expedition 1928-1930
I came across a mountaineering blog today and it reminded me of Uncle Norman, my Great Uncle, my Mom's father's brother. I only met Uncle Norman once, when he came to San Francisco, but over the years, I had heard many stories about him. Norman Dane Vaughan made his mark on the world when he dropped out of Harvard in 1928 to pursue Admiral Byrd's Expedition in Antarctica. Uncle Norman volunteered his time on this two year expedition as the Chief Dog Driver. Admiral Byrd, impressed by Uncle Norman, named a mountain in Antarctica after him (Mt Vaughan) and many years later, on December 16, 1994, Uncle Norman climbed this 10,302 foot peak, three days shy of his 89th birthday! National Geographic documented this amazing and arduous climb, in a video called Height of Courage.
Uncle Norman pursued his life passionately, accomplishing many extraordinary goals in his life, in addition to the Admiral Byrd Expedition. It was his passion for life that captured my interest. He risked it all several times over to pursue his call. I see myself in Uncle Norman; I understand his compulsion for unconventional living.
In 1932, Uncle Norman competed in the dog mushing race in the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces Search and Rescue as a dogsled driver, eventually attaining the rank of colonel and serving in several rescue missions in Greenland and in the Korean War.
In 1968, Uncle Norman moved to Alaska after his business collapsed and marriage fell apart and it was here that his life took on a life of its own. Four years after he moved there, at the age of 72, Uncle Norman competed in his first iditarod race - a 1,150-mile sled dog race. By 84 years of age, Uncle Norman competed in a total of 13 iditarod races, completing 6 of them. By this time, he married his 4th wife, Carolyn Muegge, a woman 40 years his junior! Like Uncle Norman, she competed in iditarods and had a love for adventure and the Alaskan outback. Uncle Norman was rather brazen: he crashed Jimmy Carter's inaugural Presidential parade and later, to the wonder of many, taught John Paul II how to mush! In 1997, Uncle Norman organized the annual 868-mile Serum Run from Nenana to Nome, Alaska. This race commemorated the 1925 serum run to Nome, a run that saved an entire town from a diphtheria epidemic.
(Source: National Geographic)
Shortly before his 100th birthday, Uncle Norman was on the Jay Leno show sharing his plans for his centennial birthday bash. Just days before his big party, however, Uncle Norman fell ill and was admitted to a hospital. On his 100th year birthday, while family and friends gathered in Telluride, Colorado to celebrate his birthday, Uncle Norman was on a live-feed video cam talking to all of his well wishers from his hospital bed. For the first time in his entire life, Uncle Norman had a drink of liquor, a glass of champagne, fulfilling a promising to his mother that he wouldn't drink until he was 100. Four days later, Uncle Norman died.
Uncle Norman lead an extraordinary life. He was a dreamer, entrepreneur, explorer, author, mountain climber, risk taker and lover of life. He was an extreme outdoors man and took his passion to achieve distinct fame. However, he did not pursue his passion for glory, but to satisfy his call and purpose for living. Norman Vaughan was a modern day hero, a man true to his motto: dream big and dare to fail.
Go and do the same.
Video:
National Geographic: Height of Courage: The Norman Vaughan Story
For Further Reading:
- With Byrd at the Bottom of the World: The South Pole Expedition of 1928-1930 by Norman Vaughan
- My Life of Adventure by Norman Vaughan
- http://www.normanvaughan.com/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_D._Vaughan
- http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5061204
- http://www.serumrun.org/
- http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2005/may/17/antarctica.climatechange
- http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0504/excerpt5.html
- http://www.markkatzman.com/documents/Vaughan.jpg
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Globally Minded: Co-op America Green Business Network
24 November 2007 01:04 AM Filed in: Green Living
By Kat Vaughan
It's official! Globally Minded is now a member of Co-op America's Green Business Network! We received our approval letter yesterday: "Your application to the Co-op America Business Network (CABN) has been approved. You are among CABN’s year 2008 progressive business leaders who are solving today’s tough social and environmental problems."
Thanks for joining us to make life better for all. Remember, the holidays are around the corner, so please remember to be globally minded and buy fair trade and socially responsible gifts for your loved ones!
If you are interested in joining Co-op America as an individual, you can do so here.
It's official! Globally Minded is now a member of Co-op America's Green Business Network! We received our approval letter yesterday: "Your application to the Co-op America Business Network (CABN) has been approved. You are among CABN’s year 2008 progressive business leaders who are solving today’s tough social and environmental problems."
Thanks for joining us to make life better for all. Remember, the holidays are around the corner, so please remember to be globally minded and buy fair trade and socially responsible gifts for your loved ones!
If you are interested in joining Co-op America as an individual, you can do so here.
Cooking Oil into Biodiesel = Greener Planet
20 November 2007 09:59 AM Filed in: Alternative Energy
By Kat Vaughan
Did you know that you can convert your used cooking oil into soap or biodiesel? Think of it this way, cleaner bodies and a cleaner planet, simply by recycling and processing used vegetable oil (and, of course, using it!). Imagine if all of us recycled our used cooking oil into biodiesel? This includes all the fast food chains, restaurants and homes across the board. It is beyond the time where all of us should be using this method as a source of fuel for diesel engines, creating a greener planet, reducing the consumption of oil, and decreasing our dependence upon oil rich nations.
There are 6 steps to creating used cooking oil into biodiesel:
1. Preparation: Pour vegetable into processer and heat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Reactor: Blend lye (alkaline base) and methanol (alcohol) together and then mix into the oil.
3. Settling: Separate oil into glycerine and unwashed biodiesel. Remove glycerine.
4. Washing: Mix biodiesel with water
5. Purification: Remove water from biodiesel and then pour into a container.
6. Distribution: Store biodiesel and allow to settle before using as fuel.
For more information, visit:
Did you know that you can convert your used cooking oil into soap or biodiesel? Think of it this way, cleaner bodies and a cleaner planet, simply by recycling and processing used vegetable oil (and, of course, using it!). Imagine if all of us recycled our used cooking oil into biodiesel? This includes all the fast food chains, restaurants and homes across the board. It is beyond the time where all of us should be using this method as a source of fuel for diesel engines, creating a greener planet, reducing the consumption of oil, and decreasing our dependence upon oil rich nations.
There are 6 steps to creating used cooking oil into biodiesel:
1. Preparation: Pour vegetable into processer and heat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Reactor: Blend lye (alkaline base) and methanol (alcohol) together and then mix into the oil.
3. Settling: Separate oil into glycerine and unwashed biodiesel. Remove glycerine.
4. Washing: Mix biodiesel with water
5. Purification: Remove water from biodiesel and then pour into a container.
6. Distribution: Store biodiesel and allow to settle before using as fuel.
For more information, visit:
Maya Life: Tortillas and Joy
18 November 2007 11:38 PM Filed in: Guatemala
By Kat Vaughan
Espiritu de Santos (Holy Spirit in English) is my friend from San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a place I call my second home. Corn tortillas are a main staple for the Mayan people and they are eaten at every meal. Most of the men in the village work in the fields harvesting the corn, green onions and other vegetables to provide for their families and sell in the open market. These farmers work long days, leaving at sunrise with machetes and shovels to work the fields. On average, they make about $2.50 a day. Mayan women are responsible for making the tortillas (a lengthy process), backstrap weaving, washing clothes, raising the children, going to the market, and cleaning the house. Many homes have open fires for cooking and many have dirt floors and no bathrooms. Water must be hauled in from the lake for washing and purchased for drinking. Life is so very different amongst the poor, yet as you can see by Espiritu de Santos' lovely countenance, there is a purity and a joy that she wears that comes from peace and gratitude within. Her smile is not uncommon on the faces of many living in poverty. Joy from within, flowing out to all.
Espiritu de Santos (Holy Spirit in English) is my friend from San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala on the shores of Lake Atitlan, a place I call my second home. Corn tortillas are a main staple for the Mayan people and they are eaten at every meal. Most of the men in the village work in the fields harvesting the corn, green onions and other vegetables to provide for their families and sell in the open market. These farmers work long days, leaving at sunrise with machetes and shovels to work the fields. On average, they make about $2.50 a day. Mayan women are responsible for making the tortillas (a lengthy process), backstrap weaving, washing clothes, raising the children, going to the market, and cleaning the house. Many homes have open fires for cooking and many have dirt floors and no bathrooms. Water must be hauled in from the lake for washing and purchased for drinking. Life is so very different amongst the poor, yet as you can see by Espiritu de Santos' lovely countenance, there is a purity and a joy that she wears that comes from peace and gratitude within. Her smile is not uncommon on the faces of many living in poverty. Joy from within, flowing out to all.
Globalization and Fair Trade
17 November 2007 08:30 AM Filed in: Fair Trade
By Kat Vaughan
As a result of living and working in remote villages in Guatemala, I became keenly aware of the need for ethical sourcing, also known as empowering the poor through fair trade. We all know that globalization is making the world smaller, providing the opportunity for the developing world to more actively participate in global trade. What some don't know is that many products imported into the US are unethically sourced. What does unethical sourcing mean? In short, it is the concept of profits over people. Too often in the trade transaction we see businesses (large and small) demand lower and lower prices for a product, at the expense of the producers, farmers and communities where the product is sourced. Another way to look at it, in practical terms, is making money at the expense of human dignity: the utilization of child labor, poorly ventilated and lit facilities, use of known toxic chemicals, withholding pay or paying late, long working hours without breaks, and so forth.
Globally minded people care about those at "the bottom of the pyramid" and advocate for justice for the oppressed. It is the act of being a global citizen, knowing that we are all a part of the whole. We must take responsibility to ensure that people everywhere, in the US and the world, are treated with dignity and respect. Certainly, our world is far from utopia, however, we can and should make the world better by caring for the poor through ethical trading. Globally Minded is concerned for the rights of artisans in Guatemala; we care for the artisans and communities we support and abide by fair trade principles. Globalization and fair trade must go hand in hand to promote justice for all.
As a result of living and working in remote villages in Guatemala, I became keenly aware of the need for ethical sourcing, also known as empowering the poor through fair trade. We all know that globalization is making the world smaller, providing the opportunity for the developing world to more actively participate in global trade. What some don't know is that many products imported into the US are unethically sourced. What does unethical sourcing mean? In short, it is the concept of profits over people. Too often in the trade transaction we see businesses (large and small) demand lower and lower prices for a product, at the expense of the producers, farmers and communities where the product is sourced. Another way to look at it, in practical terms, is making money at the expense of human dignity: the utilization of child labor, poorly ventilated and lit facilities, use of known toxic chemicals, withholding pay or paying late, long working hours without breaks, and so forth.
Globally minded people care about those at "the bottom of the pyramid" and advocate for justice for the oppressed. It is the act of being a global citizen, knowing that we are all a part of the whole. We must take responsibility to ensure that people everywhere, in the US and the world, are treated with dignity and respect. Certainly, our world is far from utopia, however, we can and should make the world better by caring for the poor through ethical trading. Globally Minded is concerned for the rights of artisans in Guatemala; we care for the artisans and communities we support and abide by fair trade principles. Globalization and fair trade must go hand in hand to promote justice for all.
Support fair trade. Help the poor. Make a difference. Be globally minded.
The Darker and Bitter Side of Chocolate
12 November 2007 12:21 PM Filed in: Fair Trade
By Kat Vaughan
Many of us like chocolate and some of us are even addicted to chocolate. Chocolate can be very comforting, like a hot chocolate during a cold day, a piece of chocolate cake after dinner, chocolate kisses on Valentine's Day, and chocolate mousse on that special date. Before you run off to raid your pantry, I'd like to tell you another side of chocolate, the darker and bitter side of chocolate, where child labor, corruption and accusations have given rise to war.
The Ivory Coast produces 40% of the world's cocoa beans, a whopping $1.4 billion industry, according to the International Cocoa Organization. Sadly, farmers in rural areas earn a third less than government set levels, about $0.55 per 2.2 pounds. The farmers are so poor they don't even have the ability to take their beans to Abidijan, the nation's capital and economic center, where they could fetch a better price. In addition, and more alarming, is the war that rages within the Ivory Coast because of the economic disparity of villages harvesting cocoa beans. It has become a very ugly business, where people are mercilessly killed and children are forced to pick beans instead of going to school, just so you and I can indulge in the sweetness of our addictions.
So what do we do about this? Some say, "Stop eating chocolate, it will be good for the Ivory Coast and good for the waistline". I agree. However, for those chocolate addicts who just can't stop the nibbling, buy fair trade chocolate at Divine Chocolates or Equal Exchange. By eating fair trade chocolate, you can indulge your cravings while doing good. Delicious!
Many of us like chocolate and some of us are even addicted to chocolate. Chocolate can be very comforting, like a hot chocolate during a cold day, a piece of chocolate cake after dinner, chocolate kisses on Valentine's Day, and chocolate mousse on that special date. Before you run off to raid your pantry, I'd like to tell you another side of chocolate, the darker and bitter side of chocolate, where child labor, corruption and accusations have given rise to war.
The Ivory Coast produces 40% of the world's cocoa beans, a whopping $1.4 billion industry, according to the International Cocoa Organization. Sadly, farmers in rural areas earn a third less than government set levels, about $0.55 per 2.2 pounds. The farmers are so poor they don't even have the ability to take their beans to Abidijan, the nation's capital and economic center, where they could fetch a better price. In addition, and more alarming, is the war that rages within the Ivory Coast because of the economic disparity of villages harvesting cocoa beans. It has become a very ugly business, where people are mercilessly killed and children are forced to pick beans instead of going to school, just so you and I can indulge in the sweetness of our addictions.
So what do we do about this? Some say, "Stop eating chocolate, it will be good for the Ivory Coast and good for the waistline". I agree. However, for those chocolate addicts who just can't stop the nibbling, buy fair trade chocolate at Divine Chocolates or Equal Exchange. By eating fair trade chocolate, you can indulge your cravings while doing good. Delicious!
Escaping the World of Human Sex Trafficking
11 November 2007 07:21 PM Filed in: Human Rights
By Kat Vaughan
We've all heard about human sex trafficking, an evil and heartless industry, where women and children are sold, kidnapped and/or forced into the underworld of sex for hire. It makes me absolutely sick to my stomach when I think of the violent atrocities that these poor women and children are enduring at the hands of sexual perpetrators. Sadly and disturbingly, this dark and evil industry is growing.
Three organizations providing hope, help, and opportunity to victims of this dark underworld of sex trafficking are: 1) The International Justice Mission, 2) Rahab Ministries, and 3) Love146. Let's take a look at these organizations and see how they are changing lives, one child, one woman at a time.
By freeing victims and prosecuting the perpetrators of this evil underworld, IJM is changing lives and giving hope to women and children. Click here to see a video clip.
Rahab Ministries works in Thailand and is committed to helping children and women out of the slavery of prostitution by providing practical help and vocational training. Click here to see a video clip.
Love146
Love146 is committed to the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation through aftercare, prevention and advocacy. Click here to see a video clip.
According to recent statistics, a conservative estimate of 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders, and the trade is growing. Of that amount, according to research, 70% are women and children. (U.S. Department of State. 2004. Trafficking in Persons Report. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of State.)
Will you consider how you can join the efforts to get women and children out of the misery and torture of sex trafficking and into a place of safety and promise? Take a look at these websites for additional information:
We've all heard about human sex trafficking, an evil and heartless industry, where women and children are sold, kidnapped and/or forced into the underworld of sex for hire. It makes me absolutely sick to my stomach when I think of the violent atrocities that these poor women and children are enduring at the hands of sexual perpetrators. Sadly and disturbingly, this dark and evil industry is growing.
Three organizations providing hope, help, and opportunity to victims of this dark underworld of sex trafficking are: 1) The International Justice Mission, 2) Rahab Ministries, and 3) Love146. Let's take a look at these organizations and see how they are changing lives, one child, one woman at a time.
By freeing victims and prosecuting the perpetrators of this evil underworld, IJM is changing lives and giving hope to women and children. Click here to see a video clip.
Rahab Ministries works in Thailand and is committed to helping children and women out of the slavery of prostitution by providing practical help and vocational training. Click here to see a video clip.
Love146
Love146 is committed to the abolition of child sex trafficking and exploitation through aftercare, prevention and advocacy. Click here to see a video clip.
According to recent statistics, a conservative estimate of 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders, and the trade is growing. Of that amount, according to research, 70% are women and children. (U.S. Department of State. 2004. Trafficking in Persons Report. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of State.)
Will you consider how you can join the efforts to get women and children out of the misery and torture of sex trafficking and into a place of safety and promise? Take a look at these websites for additional information:
The Oil Spill in the SF Bay: A Reminder
11 November 2007 07:44 AM Filed in: Alternative Energy
By Kat Vaughan
One of my favorite reasons for living just north of San Francisco is the beauty of the city, ocean, bay and Headlands National Park. The beaches, hiking and biking trails offer the outdoor enthusiast a playground of opportunities for adventure and fun. This past week, however, an environmental disaster happened. 58,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Bay after the Cosco Busan container ship hit one of the towers on the Bay Bridge. Not only do the shores of the Bay now resemble a dirty bath tub ring, the oil spill is having a deadly and dire impact upon the natural wildlife in the area. In fact, scientists are not sure what the long range impact will be. We can surmise that the oil spill will have a negative impact.
As a result of this oil spill in the SF Bay, I am once again reminded of the necessity of using alternative energy. I am tired of the wars, the spills, and the death and destruction that oil brings. Let's work together to make the world better by reducing the consumption of oil, buying hybrid cars, and investing in alternative energy sources.
By the way, I highly recommend the book, Crossing the Rubicon: The Decline of the American Empire at the End of the Age of Oil by Michael C. Ruppert.
One of my favorite reasons for living just north of San Francisco is the beauty of the city, ocean, bay and Headlands National Park. The beaches, hiking and biking trails offer the outdoor enthusiast a playground of opportunities for adventure and fun. This past week, however, an environmental disaster happened. 58,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Bay after the Cosco Busan container ship hit one of the towers on the Bay Bridge. Not only do the shores of the Bay now resemble a dirty bath tub ring, the oil spill is having a deadly and dire impact upon the natural wildlife in the area. In fact, scientists are not sure what the long range impact will be. We can surmise that the oil spill will have a negative impact.
As a result of this oil spill in the SF Bay, I am once again reminded of the necessity of using alternative energy. I am tired of the wars, the spills, and the death and destruction that oil brings. Let's work together to make the world better by reducing the consumption of oil, buying hybrid cars, and investing in alternative energy sources.
By the way, I highly recommend the book, Crossing the Rubicon: The Decline of the American Empire at the End of the Age of Oil by Michael C. Ruppert.
Amazon.com - Selling and Fulfillment
08 November 2007 11:13 AM Filed in: Fair Trade
By Kat Vaughan
Globally Minded is more than a blog about green living and fair trade. We also sell fair trade products, handcrafted by Mayan women artisans in Guatemala. We are very excited about our new partnership with Amazon.com to sell and market our beautiful products. We are also using the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) services, so now you can buy our handcrafted, fair trade jewelry directly on Amazon and they will ship, deliver and handle all of our customer service issues.
What are you waiting for? Buy our fair trade products and make the world more beautiful!
Globally Minded is more than a blog about green living and fair trade. We also sell fair trade products, handcrafted by Mayan women artisans in Guatemala. We are very excited about our new partnership with Amazon.com to sell and market our beautiful products. We are also using the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) services, so now you can buy our handcrafted, fair trade jewelry directly on Amazon and they will ship, deliver and handle all of our customer service issues.
What are you waiting for? Buy our fair trade products and make the world more beautiful!
Volunteer and Make a Difference!
03 November 2007 09:44 AM Filed in: Volunteer
By Kat Vaughan
Why not go on an adventurous vacation? Or better yet, take a volunteer vacation where you can be a force of good and do a world of good, while experiencing adventure? There are so many organizations specializing in volunteer travel vacations - some well known and others more grass roots. Having traveled and lived in Guatemala, I know the best kept secret places to volunteer are usually found on the ground - they are smaller NGO's doing a world of good yet not overt in their publicity. It is true that more and more are gaining an online presence, but you may need to go deeper into Google to find them. For those of you who like risks and adventure, simply do the following:
For those of you more risk-adverse, here are a few organizations offering volunteer holiday packages. All you need to do is apply, pay and go!
A couple hidden jewels for volunteering in Guatemala include:
In addition, Globally Minded Works has opportunities for group or individual projects. We work with schools and partners on the ground to provide life changing and life giving opportunities.
Whatever you decide, your life will be changed as we all know "it is more blessed to give than to receive". Happy giving!
Why not go on an adventurous vacation? Or better yet, take a volunteer vacation where you can be a force of good and do a world of good, while experiencing adventure? There are so many organizations specializing in volunteer travel vacations - some well known and others more grass roots. Having traveled and lived in Guatemala, I know the best kept secret places to volunteer are usually found on the ground - they are smaller NGO's doing a world of good yet not overt in their publicity. It is true that more and more are gaining an online presence, but you may need to go deeper into Google to find them. For those of you who like risks and adventure, simply do the following:
- Select a destination that intrigues you (research is always good)
- Buy a plane ticket and a Lonely Planet Guidebook, and
- Pack your belongings (light is always better), and go!
For those of you more risk-adverse, here are a few organizations offering volunteer holiday packages. All you need to do is apply, pay and go!
- Global Volunteers: They work in over 200 countries and 6 continents. Live and work amongst local people for 1-3 weeks.
- Habitat force Humanity International: Help build homes for people!
- Amigos de las Americas: Youth and college age students can travel to Latin America and volunteer in areas of health, education and environmental service projects.
- Global Vision: Expeditions, volunteer, and training projects in over 15 countries, inluding: Brazil, China, Ecuador, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, and South Africa.
A couple hidden jewels for volunteering in Guatemala include:
In addition, Globally Minded Works has opportunities for group or individual projects. We work with schools and partners on the ground to provide life changing and life giving opportunities.
Whatever you decide, your life will be changed as we all know "it is more blessed to give than to receive". Happy giving!
SF Green Festival Nov 9-11
03 November 2007 09:22 AM Filed in: Green Living
By Kat Vaughan
Mark your calendars - the Green Festival is coming to SF next weekend. The Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America. It is exciting to see the growing interest, awareness and movement of green living and, of course, the Green Festival. This event will bring more than 200 speakers and 400 green businesses together, in addition to people like you who are supportive of taking care of the planet and being socially responsible. Imagine what our world would look like if all businesses and individuals implemented green business practices. Beautiful. Buy tickets here. Be globally minded and go to the Green festival!
Mark your calendars - the Green Festival is coming to SF next weekend. The Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America. It is exciting to see the growing interest, awareness and movement of green living and, of course, the Green Festival. This event will bring more than 200 speakers and 400 green businesses together, in addition to people like you who are supportive of taking care of the planet and being socially responsible. Imagine what our world would look like if all businesses and individuals implemented green business practices. Beautiful. Buy tickets here. Be globally minded and go to the Green festival!