GVN Be The Change Program

GVN and GVN Foundation have launched the 'Be The Change' Program.

The 'Be the Change' Program is a week-long intensive course designed to train individuals how to become change agents in communities around the world. This is the program for you if you would like to:

• Start a non-profit/charity organization
• Get a job with a non-profit/charity
• Start a social enterprise or project
• Learn how to get a job with the United Nations
• Or if you just want to learn more about the field of Social Entrepreneurship and /or International Development

The Be the Change week long program is led by Colin Salisbury, Founder and CEO of Global Volunteer Network, and one of the world's leading social entrepreneurs. Recently Bill Gates recognized Colin's work by recommending that young people volunteer with Global Volunteer Network. Assistant facilitators of this program are each social entrepreneurs in their own right.

The Program

Facilitators, including Colin Salisbury, live in the Be The Change House with the participants during the course and spend the entire week with group. The week starts with a discussion about how each participant wants to contribute to social change. From there, facilitators will take the group through a series of workshops designed to address the skills needed to start a nonprofit organization, development project and /or social enterprise. The workshops are flexible and the facilitators will focus each workshop on those skills that will most benefit the group as a whole.

The workshops include:

• Marketing: How to Tell Your Story
• Website Production- Get online
• Communications- What is your message and who is your audience?
• Fundraising- How to raise money for your cause
• Social Enterprise vs. Nonprofit- Who's doing what?
• Skill/Passion Identification- How are you wired?
• United Nations: Who does what and how can I work there?

After workshops, the afternoon will be a time to rest, or get outside and do some exercise. We choose stunning places around the world to hold our program because we want to ensure there is an abundance of healthy and fun activities to get involved in.

Activities include:

• Tennis (Taupo, Breckenridge, Runaway Bay)
• Water sports (Taupo, Breckenridge, Runaway Bay)
• Hiking (Taupo, Breckenridge, Runaway Bay)
• Climbing (Taupo)
• Hot Pool Swims (Taupo)

Before workshops each morning, participants will have the option to join in a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. Yoga, Kata, Meditation and morning runs /strolls are all available. Each meal will be healthy, nutritional and tasty... and often accompanied by wine.

The 'Be the Change' groups are kept very small so that each participant gets a great deal of individualized instruction. Plus, participants for Be the Change are always innovative, fascinating and motivated people from all over the world. Many people find their plans and ideas grow exponentially during discussions with the group (at the dinner table or in workshops). You will leave with new friends and you will become part of our 'Be the Change' alumni network.

Our 'Be The Change' alumni network is made up of an incredible group of individuals around the globe that are creating ripples of social change in their communities, and countries.

Click here to see what some of our past interns are up to and learn about how this program has helped them shape their own dreams.

Program Location

• Runaway Bay, Jamaica
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Taupo, New Zealand

Program Requirements

Volunteers for the Be The Change course must:

• Be 18 years old or over
• Be from a country that will allow them to obtain a Visa to come to New Zealand, Jamaica or the USA (depending) such as: countries in North or South America, UK, Europe, Japan, China, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa, or Australia
• Be proficient in English
• Possess initiative and an enthusiasm for learning about social entrepreneurship and willing to be an active participant in workshops.
• Be willing to brainstorm and choose an idea or project to work on while you are on the course (more information about this process will be provided to you after you have signed up).

Program Schedule

Prior to your arrival you will receive a packet that we ask you to read through before coming on the course. This packet will include a worksheet for you to fill in describing what you are interested in learning about.

Upon your arrival you will be taken to your accommodation. Workshops aren't scheduled on the first day to allow people to rest after their flight. That evening we will have a group meal (prepared by the facilitators) and a chance to get to know each other.

The next day the course formally starts. You will start your first full day on the course with a workshop designed to identify your future dreams and goals. From there each person will discuss their project/idea for social change with the group. Facilitators will then tailor each of the following workshops to address the needs of the group. For an example schedule please click here.

Program Dates

In 2009, the Be The Change program is available from:

• March 15-22, 2009 - Runaway Bay, Jamaica
• June 21-28, 2009 - Breckenridge - Colorado, USA
• November 22-29, 2009 � Taupo, New Zealand

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your GVN Be The Change Program Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the GVN Be The Change Program program is:

• Be The Change Program (Colorado and New Zealand) - US $1497
• Be The Change Program (Jamaica) - US $1997

This in-country fee includes housing accommodation, meals, tuition, workshops, day trips, transportation within the program, as well as assistance after the program ends- for example, references, etc.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• International Travel Advice
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the GVN Be The Change Program Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a full money back guarantee on your application fee if you decide not to go.
Click here to apply for the GVN Be The Change Program program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently on placement, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will fully refund your application fee if you decide not to go.

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here