"You're going where?" If you're hearing that question from family and friends, you're not alone. While our volunteers rarely let world headlines keep them from their destinations, their loved ones back home often need extra reassurance.

Over two decades of sending more than 20,000 people to world locales, Global Volunteers has maintained an enviable safety record. This is because in all our staff training, we emphasize that "safety trumps everything."

Most important, Global Volunteers always observes travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department, even if it means canceling a program. We will notify you immediately if a team you are scheduled for is cancelled and explain your options for future participation.

Further, we work to protect your safety when you are in the host community, either in the U.S. or abroad. Here's what you can count on with every service program:

• Our team leaders participate in annual comprehensive training, which includes CPR and first-aid certification, and protocols for managing personal and national emergencies.
  
• Where it is advisable, we register all team members with the local embassies or consulates.
  
• Volunteers serving outside of the U.S. are covered by emergency medical evacuation insurance.
  
• Global Volunteers' headquarters emergency contact is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Food, lodging and transportation arranged for volunteer teams are done in a manner to maximize health and safety.  
  

Other facts to consider: The host communities we serve rarely become involved in political unrest. Because volunteers travel as representatives of Global Volunteers, not as "tourists," team members are accepted as "friends" who are afforded an extra measure of safety. Additionally, volunteers work together as a team, and never need be alone in the host community. We go out of our way to provide peace of mind to volunteers traveling alone.

If you're considering joining a service program, but are concerned about your security on site, contact us for current information about your host community. We can also refer you to experienced travel agents to advise you about airline strikes or interruptions.

For up-to-the-minute information on immunizations and infectious diseases, you can refer to the website for the Center for Disease Control for the latest information about suggested immunizations and travel advice.

Overall, be aware that the headlines can overstate or exaggerate reality. Be a world-wise traveler, but don't let the headlines keep you from experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime Adventure in Service."

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