Global Citizens Network - Kentucky

  United States

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: April 26-May 3, 2008; September 14-21, 2008 + additional dates in 2009

Description: Sign up before 7/31/08 and 2nd person gets a 50% discount.

Global Citizens Network (GCN) sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to Owsley County in Kentucky last a little over one week, and each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Participants should be aware that everything is subject to change.

Global Citizens Network was invited to work with the Board of Faith Hill Community Center, a non-profit organization committed to restoring the community and cultural center of the county. As their primary focus, the Board is restoring a Log Church, Log House and Log Hospital that was built in Lucky Fork in the 1930s by missionaries from Pennsylvania. After the war, people moved out of the area seeking employment elsewhere, and the buildings and area were abandoned. 14 years ago several community members developed the non-profit organization to restore the community center and assist families in the county. Currently there is no central community because families live throughout the hills.

As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making local food, learning a local dance, and discovering the history and rich traditions of the area.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights: "I learned much more that GCN is about the process of building long term relationships with communities, not necessarily about the process of "building"! It was truly priceless to be allowed to be on the 'construction site' with a bunch of indigenous people in Mexico. Tourists DO NOT get that opportunity-nor should they. We all believed we truly made a difference in the lives of others."
*Diana, Colorado
*2 time Mexico volunteer

"It's not just an opportunity to visit Africa, but it's taking advantage of an opportunity to see the "real" Africa, by having the opportunity to live with and talk with everyday people"
*Becky, Minnesota
*Tanzania volunteer

"With the beauty, the simplicity, the strength and comedy of this place, each day becomes an adventure to be anticipated."
*Gladys, Ontario
*Kenya volunteer

"We have shown a small village what it means for us to be in their company and they have shown us the same.   Our trip started out two weeks ago with a group of people interested in completing a common goal; it was a trip of discovery, rediscovery, and adventure. Some of us may never take a trip like this again and for others it is just the beginning of a life filled with such experiences."
*James, Minnesota
*Guatemala volunteer

"It was a hard day. A long day. A good day. A rewarding and fulfilling day. A physical day. An emotional day. A day none of us will ever forget."
*Chellie, California
*New Mexico volunteer

"I have just this last hour arrived back home after what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the people at Jampaling were wonderful and I return with a feeling of accomplishment, and everlasting respect for a group of people who work so hard with such limited resources to achieve their goals."
*David, Ontario
*Nepal volunteer

"The truly amazing thing about this community is the pride, character, and sense of respect you feel being with them. They carry themselves with esteem. Being with them, you know they will not only survive, they will succeed, collectively using the resources available to them for the good of the whole."
*Joyce, Pennsylvania
*Kenya volunteer

Qualifications: No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills--some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can. If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Cost in US$: $975

Many people ask why they have to pay to volunteer. GCN receives no outside funding or grants and other than two part time time staff people is completely volunteer driven. Also, while individuals may be able to travel for less to many of these places, GCN provides the entrance into a village and exposure to a culture that one could not receive if traveling solo to these places. Through the long-term partnerships that GCN has established with communities around the world, participants gain a unique perspective into life in a Guatemalan village or on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees...these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range: 8 - 88+

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available. - Global Citizens Network scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial & circumstantial need. Because our Scholarship Fund is very limited, we generally award scholarships to those who would otherwise not be able to participate without financial help; please keep this in mind when you are applying. Scholarships are awarded for up to $250(domestic) $400(international) per individual, $500 per family per year.

Application Process Involves:

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement: Global Citizens Network recognizes the interdependence of people around the world, and that social and economic injustice, racial and ethnic inequality, and ecological loss affect all people. But through cooperative effort, individuals of all cultures can experience and enhance their ability to make a difference in their community and their world. To foster that cooperation, Global Citizens Network sends short-term teams of volunteers to communities in other cultures where participants immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the community. Each volunteer team is partnered with a local grassroots organization active in meeting local needs. Global Citizens Network creates a worldwide network of people and organizations committed to addressing global issues. By providing participants the opportunity to learn about the society, knowledge, art and livelihood of other cultures, Global Citizens Network seeks to honor and help preserve those cultures. By providing the resources of participating volunteers and project grants, Global Citizens Network seeks to assist human and community development in those cultures. By creating a network of people and organizations, Global Citizens Network also seeks to enhance participants' impact on issues of local and global concern.

Year Founded: 1992