GVN Be The Change Program

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do you feel that you have something you want to say, do, create, or start? Do you have an idea for a fundraiser, NGO, Nonprofit, or social enterprise that you want to develop but don't know where to begin or where to get the skills necessary to get into the field of community development?

At GVN we believe in the idea of local solutions to local problems. We work to provide resources to community organizations around the world through our volunteer service branch, GVN. We now want to expand our focus and provide individuals with the resources they need to go out and make a difference. We at GVN truly believe in Gandhi's famous quote:
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi

It is for this reason we have created a week long, intensive training course entitled "Be The Change: A Six Day Intensive Course Designed to Develop the Skills You Need to Make a Difference."

The Program

The Be The Change Course is designed to take your idea, or dream and give you the skills and confidence you need to make it a reality. The participants of this week long program will work each day with Founder and CEO of Global Volunteer Network, Colin Salisbury. Each day Colin, and his staff, will take you through a workshop designed to give you the skills you need to return to your community and make a difference. Workshops vary depending on the needs of the group but could include:

• Communications- What is your message and who is your audience?
• Project Management- How to plan large and small events.
• Fundraising- How to raise money for your cause.
• Social Enterprise vs. Nonprofit- Who's doing what?
• Public Speaking/Presenting Yourself- How to get out there confidently.
• Accounting- How to keep track of your finances.
• Website Production- Get online.
• Marketing: How to Tell Your Story
• Skill/Passion Identification- How are you wired?
• Running a Campaign- How to get people behind your cause.
• Leadership- Servant Leadership Skills.

Further, you will be living in the 'Be The Change' house, on the periphery of Lake Taupo, with 6-7 other socially minded individuals from all over the world. After workshops each day Colin, and his staff, will

• Work with the group on further developing their ideas
• Show the group some of the most stunning and hidden secrets of New Zealand's Lake Taupo Region
• Facilitate outdoor activities

After you leave this program it is our goal that you leave with the skills and confidence you need to "Be The Change" in your own community.

Program Location

Participants in the course will be based at the GVN "Be The Change" house outside of Taupo (North Island, New Zealand). The location, and the course, will provide participants with numerous opportunities to visit some of the most stunning places in New Zealand.

Program Requirements

Volunteers for the Be The Change course must:

• Be 18 years old or over
• Be from New Zealand or a country that will allow them to obtain a Visa to come to New Zealand, 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 the type of work GVN does in the NGO, non-profit world
• 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

Upon your arrival you will be taken to your accommodation. After you have settled in we will work on outlining what each person's goals are (what they would like to start, what they have always dreamed of doing etc). From then on we will focus each day on developing skills around those goals/ideas/projects. At the end of the week each participant will have a good understanding of how to approach their goal/idea/project upon their return home. For an example schedule please click here (please keep in mind this is an example only, schedules will be adjusted according to the needs of the group).

Program Dates

In 2008, the Be The Change program is available from:

• April 6-13, 2008
• June 8-15, 2008
• July 6-13, 2008 (FULL)
• September 7-14, 2008
• November 2-9, 2008 (only 3 spots left)

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee 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

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 - US $997

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you look here.

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.

Please note that the participant is also responsible for travel to and from the program at Taupo Airport, and any additional expenses incurred during the program.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• All Safe Travel Alert Service
• 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 money back guarantee on your application fee up to two calendar months before the month your placement begins.
Click here to apply for the GVN Be The Change Program program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following comprehensive page to answer any further questions that you might have. Please 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 refund your application fee if you decide not to go (refer to our Terms of Service for details on the refund policy).

(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