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When you volunteer as part of your vacation, your trip takes on a whole new meaning. Voluntourism is a unique opportunity to contribute to the place you’re visiting while learning about and creating an individual connection with its inhabitants and environment – that’s why we call voluntourists "Change Ambassadors." This page is a chance for all Change Ambassadors to write about your experience and tell fellow travelers about the kind of impact voluntourism can have and what you learned along the way. Thank you for taking the time to share your story!
Dressed as ghouls, rock stars, and Disney Princesses, volunteers traversed the streets in Walla Walla, trick-or-treating for supplies benefiting the area's homeless shelter. The event, sponsored by the Walla Walla AmeriCorps Team, has become an annual event involving the community. Fifty participating businesses contributed to the supplies that have served over 200 homeless individuals in the mont...
Kristen S. (Walla Walla , Washington, United States)
Local Daisy troop 900 (Hudson, NH) participated in USA Weekend Make A Difference Day on October 25th. These girls are in Kindergarten and First Grade. They wanted to help someone in need. After many discussions, they decided to help with a yard cleanup. They gathered together on Saturday and cleaned the yard of a local elderly couple. "We have an amazing group of young girls. They took thier...
Jane H. (Hudson, New Hampshire, United States)
Heads Up Birney Beautification Day was comprised of many different improvement projects on the grounds of Birney Elementary in Southeast Washington D.C. This photo shows one of our many volunteers working hard to beautify the walkway near the school’s entrance in hopes of instilling pride in the students that attend Birney Elementary. Students at Birney, just like students at others schools, deser...
George L. (Washington DC, United States)
Our volunteer project consisted of various direct-service projects at Birney Elementary in SE Washington D.C. This photo captures the spirit and the joy of volunteering perfectly. Our impact on the elementary school during our day of service was definitely significant, but the impact that service has on the individual volunteering is just, if not more, significant. These types of service projects ...
Christetta S. (Washington DC, United States)
My volunteer activity was painting a mural at James G. Birney Elementary in the Barry Farms neighborhood of Southeast Washington D.C. This photo shows both the actual project, and, perhaps more importantly, what I think the long-term impact of a mural like this will be. I hope that every child that walks through Birney’s doors will be inspired by Dr. King’s image and take Ghandi’s quote to heart e...
William Y. (Washington DC, United States)