All posts by Genevieve Brown

Photo credit: http://www.petersmap.com/

Global Citizens Network has been highlighted in an upcoming book, How Maps Change Things by Ward L. Kaiser.

In the book Kaiser examines cartography and the sociopolitical implications of maps. Global Citizens Network was featured because their Minneapolis headquarters houses a 16-foot Peters map. A Peters map is an area accurate map that shows the world’s surfaces in more accurately proportional sizes than other maps.

The Peters map was commissioned by GCN and is the worlds largest. As an organization committed to cross-cultural understanding and global cooperation, GCN commissioned the map to highlight the equality of space the map represents.

The map covers the wall of a conference room and is also great talking piece.  GCN staff member, Laura Kurland said, “my favorite story about this so far was when a delegation of Latin American civic society leaders arrived in our office. When we took a break during the meeting they all ran over to the map and discussed their observations about the proportions and sizes.”

How Maps Change Things: A Conversation About Maps We Choose and the World We Want by Ward L. Kaiser will be available as an ebook March 2012 and in paperback June 2012.

About Global Citizens Network

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences. Global Citizens Network seeks to create a network of people committed to: the shared values of peace, justice, respect, cross-cultural understanding and global cooperation; the preservation of indigenous cultures, traditions and ecologies; the enhancement of the quality of life around the world.

Service for Peace has joined IVPA in the new year. We are excited to have them. Below is the press release.

IVPA Welcomes Service For Peace

New York, NY (PR Buzz) February 17, 2012 – The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is pleased to announce the newest association member, Service For Peace.

Founded in 2002, Service For Peace specializes in providing meaningful international service experiences for groups and individuals in over 20 countries. Through their programs, volunteers are introduced to issues of community development, education, health, and other social themes.

Volunteers on a Service For Peace program are involved in ongoing community development programs and work alongside local volunteers and share the experience of voluntary service.

“Service For Peace provides quality programs in international volunteering. They have a real passion for local community involvement and we are excited to welcome them into IVPA membership,” says IVPA Executive Director Genevieve Brown.

IVPA stands for quality and responsibility in the field of international volunteering. Organizations in
the US are eligible for membership in IVPA if they meet IVPA’s Practices and Principles and have at
least two years of incorporation.

Rick Steves recently posted a piece in USA Today about the global economy and the advantages of having a international perspective. He especially emphasizes the study abroad, between those who want to study abroad and those who are able.

Studying abroad, and I would argue. having a volunteering abroad experience opens the world to a young student. International experiences are not just beneficial for career development or for adding something to a resume; they change you. Unfortunately, life changing experiences are not available to everyone. As Mr. Steve notes. “students for whom foreign travel is not easily affordable are the ones who benefit most from the experience.” More and more organizations, university and people realize this. There have been bills to increase funding, both for volunteer and study abroad opportunities and I know many volunteer organizations have outreach initiatives to reach those less able to pay.

One of my favorite items from the piece is he say, “Travelers learn to celebrate, rather than fear”. That is something that is not as easily taught as it is experienced. It is interesting to ponder what our world would be like if we were all global citizens.

American Jewish World Services Joins IVPA

The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) welcomes American Jewish World Services (AJWS) as the newest IVPA member.

AJWS is an international development organization guided by Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice. AJWS offers service and travel opportunities as part of their mission to “to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. “ AJWS programs are open to those with Jewish backgrounds who wish to serve and include shorter-term opportunities, like their Alternative Breaks, and longer-term programs like their Volunteer Summer, World Partners Fellows and Volunteer Corps programs.
“AJWS is known for their quality in programing. They offer well-structured, rigorous programs that give a deep experience in service.” says IVPA Executive Director Genevieve Brown. “We are excited to be announcing AJWS’s membership in IVPA.”

IVPA stands for quality and responsibility in the field of international volunteering. Organizations in
the US are eligible for membership in IVPA if they meet IVPA’s Practices and Principles and have at
least two years of incorporation.

About IVPA

The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is an association of non-governmental organizations involved in international volunteer work and internship exchanges. IVPA is an association of volunteer sending organizations but does not organize or run its own volunteer programs. IVPA stands for quality and responsibility in the field of international volunteer abroad programs. Members uphold the IVPA’s Principles and Practices as guidelines for good programming as well as meet stringent membership criteria

Today, December 5th, is the International Volunteer Day it is also the 10th anniversary of the UN Year of Volunteers (IYV).

International Volunteer Day is a great day to focus on local, national and global volunteer efforts. Many of IVPA’s member organization are holding their own events to recognize their volunteers.

IVPA is celebrating by attending the UN IYV+10 meetings where the UN is focusing on recognizing volunteerism and the good that comes from volunteer work as well as looking to the future for ways to promote volunteerism.  Today is also the launch of the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report. More information is to come on the report and the meetings of today.

“A Different World Can’t Be Built By

Indifferent People”

This is the place if you are looking for the information on the IVPA Global Volunteer Fair, October 27th in NYC. This event is free and open to the public. If you are interested in international volunteering come meet some organizations and hear about their work. There will also be free workshops on volunteering.

Location:

John Jay College of Criminal Justice
North Hall
445 West 59th Street
New York, NY

Time:

Thursday, October 27, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (ET)

Here is the link to register…though registration is not required to attend.

http://nycglobalvolunteerfair-estw.eventbrite.com/