Archive for the ‘Philanthropy’ Category

Changing Fate

Saturday, September 26th, 2009

People are the same everywhere. Our cultures are different, our skin color, our clothes...but at the end of the day, everyone wants to feel secure, have a roof over their head, food on the table, an education for their children, connections with friends and family. What's great about travel is ...

Lets Hear it for the World’s Women

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

Today's edition of NY Times Magazine is devoted to the topic of women in the developing world.  It references the notion that if you want to change the world, you need to empower the women. Research shows that women, more than men, tend to parlay improvements in their own lives into ...

New Volunteer Match Program Connects Travelers with Sea Turtle Conservation Projects

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

For your next volunteer vacation, how about a close-up and personal encounter with one of the world’s most mystical and prehistoric creatures?  That is what engagement with sea turtles is all about. There are many projects around the world that work in sea turtle conservation.  In order to find the ...

2009 Geotourism Challenge - Participate & Support Responsible Tourism

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

News from National Geographic Traveler's blog.... National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations, in conjunction with Ashoka's Changemakers, is now accepting nominations and official entries for the second annual Geotourism Challenge.  I'm a big advocate of initiatives like this.  As our world becomes more interconnected, we need to awaken a greater awareness and concern for the ...

“A Powerful Noise” - Inspiring Look at Women Helping Women Break Poverty’s Cycle

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Last night, I went to a sold-out screening of "A Powerful Noise", a documentary showcasing three outstanding women who are single-handedly improving the life prospects of other women and communities in Vietnam, Mali, and Bosnia.  In celebration of International Women's Day on Mar.8, the live presentation streamed to Seattle and ...

Empowering Vietnamese Teachers

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

 During a recent volunteer assignment at the Thuan An school for hearing-impaired children in Vietnam, I learned about the significant need for more knowledge among Vietnam's teachers about how to effectively educate children with hearing loss.  The executive director of Thuan An and I have collaborated on a proposal for a ...