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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 NetworkThe 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 Alaska, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, and Vietnam. The network continues to expand with new programs currently being researched and assessed. The number of people volunteering through GVN also continues to grow. In 2002 we placed 250 volunteers, in 2003 we placed 720 volunteers, in 2004 we placed 1520 volunteers, and in 2005 we placed 1960 volunteers. Our goal for 2006 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, New Zealand's South Island, 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 Press PageGVN's Media Team writes and places 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 Press Page. |
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.: The GVN TeamThe GVN home office is located in Marsden Street in Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. GVN has a staff of eighteen whose role is to facilitate the placement of volunteers and to support the work of our partners.
Board of Directors Colin and Jo Salisbury Chris Bryan Mike Cornish Leadership Team Colin Salisbury - Executive Director Erin Cassidy - Office Manager Charisse Gebhart - Programs Manager New Zealand Nature Program Toby Malcolm - Team Leader Dr. Dan Rollinson - Resident Ecologist Volunteer Co-ordinators Anna Bowbyes - Alaska, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras Katie Gray - Ghana, Uganda Michelle McGinty - Kenya Nooshin Shabani - South Africa, Marketing Rebecca Anderson - India, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam Tracy Pillay - China, Nepal, Romania, Tanzania Media Jono Ryan - Media |
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Machu Picchu