Thursday, January 21, 2010

GVN Relief/Assessment Team to be Transported into Haiti Thanks to Support in Jamaica

The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) will send an advanced team of GVN relief professionals into Haiti this week thanks to a private organisation in Jamaica and public support.

In response to the Haiti disaster Colin Salisbury, Global Volunteer Network (GVN) Founder and President has commissioned an advanced team of relief professionals - all private individuals who have readily volunteered to lend their expertise and support - headed by Nadine McNeil, GVN Foundation Board Member who has over 20 years experience working in the UN, including a three year assignment in Indonesia following the 2004 tsunami.

“The team will make an initial assessment of the immediate needs on the ground, specifically addressing water/sanitation, health/safety, psycho-social trauma support, and logistics/ distribution. The recommendations coming from the initial assessment team will drive the GVN Haitian re-building/support volunteer projects for the next 12-18 months,” says Salisbury.

Salisbury says that the international community, both the public and private sectors have been quick to respond but more needs to be done.

“I am urging everyone to act. Whether you dig deep and put your hands in your pockets, volunteer, or send prayers, please do something. We can all do something.”

If you are interested in joining a GVN volunteer team in Haiti over the coming 12 months, please visit the GVN website: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/haiti

You can also listen to Colin Salisbury's radio interview about the Haiti relief effort and volunteer program here.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Haiti Disaster Update: Volunteers Needed!

On Tuesday, January 12th 2010, an earthquake registering at 7.0 hit the island of Haiti in the Caribbean. Over 100,000 people are predicted dead and more than 3 million directly impacted by this natural disaster.


We are now working to implement a long term, sustainable volunteer project in Haiti.

GVN have commissioned an advanced team of relief professionals to make an initial assessment of the immediate needs on the ground, specifically addressing the following areas:

* Water and Sanitation
* Health and Safety
* Psycho-social trauma support
* Logistics and distribution
* Media outreach and communication

Once the advanced specialist team have completed their work and provided a report on the situation we will then send in a rebuilding and rehabilitation team of volunteers.

The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is looking for volunteers to help with rebuilding and rehabilitation.

GVN’s experience from the December 2004 tsunami indicates that volunteers will be required over the next 12 months to help in the following areas:

* Working with Children
* Teaching
* Health/Medical
* Building and construction
* Counselling
* Business development

GVN must be in a position to deploy our volunteer teams as soon as required; we are therefore looking for expressions of interest in leading or joining one of our volunteer teams. We believe you will be able to volunteer anywhere from one week to six months. Those who have registered to be a team member will be given first preference.

If you are interested in joining a GVN volunteer team in Haiti over the coming 12 months, please go to http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/haiti/ where you can complete the online application form.

GVN will provide all who have registered with regular updates from the advanced team, along with details of the program as information unfolds.

Be encouraged, you are not alone in your concern for the people of Haiti as both GVN and GVNF are receiving hundreds of emails each day from people like yourself, who want to help. Together we can.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Earthquake Decimates Haiti: Please Help

Haiti's worst quake in two centuries hit south of the capital Port-au-Prince this week. Thousands of lives have been lost, many are still missing, and hundreds of thousands of people have been affected. Haiti's Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive says he believes more than 100,000 people may have been killed.

The earthquake has destroyed much of the already fragile and overburdened infrastructure in the most densely populated part of the country. A massive and immediate international response is needed to provide food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to the people.

The GVN Team have launched into action and set up the Haiti Emergency Appeal to assist in the relief efforts and rehabilitation of the country. I plan on travelling to Haiti to head the distribution team once the UN has stabilised the area and we have made contacts on the ground. Plans are already underway for GVN to set up a volunteer program to assist the victims and the rebuilding of their communities.

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. I urge you to please consider making a donation to this appeal. 100% OF YOUR FUNDS RECEIVED WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE FUND. (Please note donations are in NZ dollars, if you donate NZ$10 then this will be approximately US$7.40)

> HAITI DISASTER RELIEF FUND

Click to donate: http://www.gvnfundraising.org/cause/Haitidisasterrelief

Every little bit will help. Every dollar will make a difference. Please give today.

Kind Regards,

Colin Salisbury
Global Volunteer Network

Treat Yourself in 2010 - Climb a Mountain!

Have you ever dreamt about climbing a mountain? Are you looking for a new challenge or a rewarding personal achievement for this year? Treat yourself by being part of GVN's Fundraising Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp and support disadvantaged children living in Homes at the same time.


As a participant in this trek you will also have the opportunity to visit ancient temples and palaces in Kathmandu, as well as the highest Buddhist monastery in the world. Funds raised through this trek will ensure the health, nutrition and education needs of the 13 children living in the Brighter Future Children's Home are met and also contribute to the construction and running costs of a new home.

Participants from the previous two Base Camp treks fundraised over $56,000 and here is what some of them had to say about their trekking adventure:

"It was wonderful! It was life changing and I am so glad I decided to do it....Having the opportunity to see a completely different way of life from my own really had a huge impact on me - more so than I ever thought it would."
Lindsay, USA Everest Trekker

"My trip to Everest Base Camp was a defining moment in my life and, for a moment, it gave me faith that I was not one to let life slip quietly from my hands. If you are like me and want to truly understand your world and your place in it, I hope that you will allow GVN to get you up off the couch and explore life. Best wishes on your journey."
Chris, USA Everest Trekker

Make this your year! Apply online today and make the trek to Everest Base Camp: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/nepal/everest/

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President

Monday, January 11, 2010

Treat Yourself in 2010 - Join 'Be The Change'!

If you've been thinking about a career change or starting your own non-profit, NGO, or social enterprise, then treat yourself in 2010 by taking part in our exclusive Be The Change program.


Join me and discover how you can live the life you always dreamt of. But don't take my word for it, see how previous Be The Change participants are 'being the change' and what they have to say about the program.

Check out the testimonial video: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/be_the_change/index.php

"The 'Be The Change Breckenridge' program definitely exceeded my expectations in every way. Instead of just learning about the mechanics of NPO's, NGO's and social entrepreneurship, I also came out of the program more focused, driven and confident to implement my idea of developing a global awareness campaign around sex-trafficking."
Andrea Suica, USA
Be The Change (Breckenridge)

"Traveling to New Zealand to be a part of the Be The Change program was hands-down one of the most amazing experiences in my entire life. Having the opportunity to learn from such incredible people who are doing the work I once only dreamed about has changed my life in many ways. They instilled in me the confidence, strength, and courage to go after my dream to make a difference in this world."
Jan Reid, USA
Be The Change (New Zealand)

The next Be The Change program will be held from March 14-21, 2010 in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. For more information or to apply online click on the following link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/be_the_change/

Please join me on this life changing program and I look forward to helping turn your dreams into reality!

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Treat Yourself in 2010 - Read Ripples of Difference

Treat yourself by grabbing a cup of coffee, sitting down, and relaxing with GVN's first book - Ripples of Difference!

The Ripples of Difference book is a collection of unique and powerful stories written by volunteers from around the world. From refugee camps in Africa to orphanages in Asia, you can read about how volunteers are touching the lives of others and making a difference - a ripple of difference.

To download your own FREE copy of the e-book simply click here.

Here are just a few quotes from our amazing authors:

"I know I can't change the world in a day and I know I can't do it by myself, but I believe that people working together really can make a difference."
- Ana Dodson, Founder of Peruvian Hearts

"Scary and exhilarating, frustrating and rewarding, empowering and humbling; teaching in Ghana was for me, life changing and immeasurably soul changing"
- Michelle Gourley, Ghana Volunteer

"The thing that strikes me the most about volunteering is that once you do it, you can never walk away. You're inevitably tied to a place, a people...their stories take root somewhere deep within and you never forget. And neither do they."
- Hannah Ford, Tanzania Volunteer

The book is not just a collection of stories; it is a call to action. Mahatma Gandhi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world".

In 2010, let's inspire world action and help turn the tides on the humanitarian and environmental crisis we face - one ripple at a time.

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Treat Yourself in 2010 - Volunteer!

Treat yourself to an adventure packed volunteer experience in a far-flung country and help a community in need at the same time.

Options range from volunteering in orphanages in Nepal, teaching in schools in Vietnam, assisting conservation efforts in New Zealand or providing care to IDP's living in camps in Kenya.


Over the past seven years we have connected 11,500 volunteers with our 21 partner organisations throughout South America, Africa, and Asia. Here is what some of them had to say about their volunteering adventure:

"Volunteering was magical on so many levels. The partner is inspiring, well organised, passionate and a privilege to be aligned with. The opportunities available to impact directly on the lives of those in need are incredibly special, and the rewards are felt by the children, their communities and the volunteers themselves."
Rebecca Ramsay. Australia
Nepal Volunteer

"I had the most unbelievable experience. It was hard work but hugely rewarding and after 6 weeks I didn't want it to end. I met so many great people and learnt so much about the environment. By the end it felt like my home; an experience I will never forget and recommend to everyone."
Catriona Moss, England
Ecuador Volunteer

Visit our website to find out what program is right for you. Treat yourself and make 2010 your best year ever! http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/programs/

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Treat Yourself in 2010

If you felt tired and drained at the end of 2009 then perhaps it was because you were giving yourself the 'burnt chop!' This phrase might sound silly but I think it is something we are all guilty of at one time or another - giving the best of everything to others rather than to ourselves. Sound familiar?

So this new year I have a special request. I would like you to commit to giving yourself 'the good chop' in 2010 by putting your own wellbeing first. Treat yourself and visit that city you always dreamt of! Treat yourself and take those guitar lessons you have always thought about! Treat yourself and sign up to that course which you keep putting off! Make 2010 YOUR year!

We all deserve to be happy and fulfilled and the beautiful part is that when we are giving to ourselves our capacity to give to others is even greater!

Over the next few days I will be sharing some exciting ideas about how you can treat yourself in 2010 and help communities in need at the same time.

Until then, Happy New Years! I look forward to sharing a rewarding and fulfilling 2010 with you!

Colin Salisbury
Founder and President