In 1984, Global Volunteers helped lay the foundation for what became known a decade later as "Volunteer Vacations." Our vision was simple: to wage peace and promote justice worldwide through comprehensive community development partnerships. We engage short-term volunteers on long-term projects to create, nurture and sustain the wellbeing of the world's children - so they can realize the full promise of their human potential.

Global Volunteers is a private, non-profit (501C-3) tax-exempt organization working at the invitation and under the direction of local leaders to deliver the 12 Essential Services to partner communities worldwide. From the beginning, we challenged traditional development models by honoring local problem solving, and engaging "average" volunteers in direct community service. Global Volunteers demonstrates how true "people-to-people" initiatives succeed where simply writing a check often fails.

Global Volunteers' teams offer a comprehensive, integrated approach to community development which catalyzes sustained partnerships directed by local leaders, targeted at serving at-risk children, evaluated frequently, and maintained over the long term. We choose our host partners thoughtfully, and prepare our volunteers carefully. Global Volunteers is led by experts grounded in development with a passion to change the dynamic of childhood in at-risk situations for the better. Volunteers work as "servant learners" to maximize their contribution to and benefit from the community partners.

Consultative Status With the United Nations and UNICEF
Global Volunteers was granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations in 1999. This positions Global Volunteers to represent local leaders in an international arena, and to engage short-term volunteers in genuine community development efforts with long-lasting results. We work with United Nations agencies and programs, thereby ensuring the safety and development of children as we address hunger, poverty and educational needs in our partner communities. Global Volunteers' relationship with UNICEF was formalized in 2008, and continues to mature. We collaborate with agencies providing resources for health, hunger and IQ for local people, and to obtain valuable support for our development partners worldwide.