Over50andOverseas Volunteer Abroad Summer 2019 Newsletter

Hello, Summer is at our doorstep and so is the busiest time for international volunteering and voluntourism.  Many of you are either embarking upon or planning your international volunteer trip. I began my international volunteering early this year. I traveled to Ukraine in March and April to observe two rounds of the Ukrainian presidential election.  …

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Fall 2018 Newsletter

It has been a difficult year for many in the world’s population.  War, famine, political unrest and natural disasters have produced the largest number of refugees since World War II.  Because of this, many people need help. As you are reading this newsletter, you are interested in helping.  The key question is how to choose …

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Summer 2018 Newsletter

Friday Harbor July 2018

Hello All, As I write this newsletter I am at the Rosario Resort Marina on Orcas Island. Orcas Island is the largest of the beautiful San Juan Islands in the State of Washington. The San Juans are the best place in the world to see the endangered Orcas (Killer) Whales; because they live in the …

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Voluntourism – June 2017 Newsletter

Bangladesh

The term “voluntourism” has been used over the past few years to define travel that combines sightseeing with some volunteering.  This issue of the newsletter discusses voluntourism and includes articles by travelers who have participated in voluntourism programs.  Read more here.    

December 2016 Newsletter – International Volunteering

Bangladesh silk worms

As the year 2016 draws to a close, and we are thinking about our goals for the coming year, it is a good time to think about where we would like to devote some time to share our experience and skills internationally in 2017.  International volunteering, done in well thought out and community supported programs, …

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Bowing Out Gracefully

I know that my ego often gets aligned with my work, because it has been my focus for many years.  In March of this year I really wasn’t feeling well.  My body was telling me something but I wasn’t listening.  My son who was calling me every so often said, “Dad, every time I call …

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand Joins Forces with Global Voluntourism Agencies

With the intention of promoting volunteer tourism in this fascinating country, Tourism Authority of Thailand has joined forces with a number of voluntourism agencies to raise awareness of the many exciting and rewarding opportunities that Thailand has to offer. TAT’s commitment to promoting voluntourism is certainly no gimmick with a view to merely boosting the …

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International Handicrafts

Handicrafts are a very important part of a developing country’s economy.  Aside from their economic impact they also hone the skills and talents of the artisans while preserving unique ancestral and cultural crafts.  The cottage industries built around handicrafts are particularly important to women.  I first noticed this while serving with the Peace Corps in Guatemala.