Mission

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.

Vision

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

Global Citizens Network strives to develop creative and effective local solutions to global problems by providing opportunities for individuals to interact with people of diverse cultures who share common global values.  GCN recognizes the interdependence of people around the world. Social and economic injustice, racial and ethnic inequality, and ecological loss affect all people. But through cooperative effort, individuals of all cultures can enhance their ability to make a difference locally and globally. While GCN’s message is global, its focus is on the village level — one team, one community at a time.

Global Citizens Network started as a small non-profit in a bedroom of co-founder Carol North’s house and turned into an organization that, as Daniel Abebe, another GCN co-founder states, “is a life-changing journey.” GCN has over 20 years of changing lives through connecting the globally-minded (and the adventurous) with indigenous communities worldwide. GCN gives teams of volunteers the chance to work side-by-side and build relationships around the world with members of indigenous partner communities. Throughout the years, Global Citizens Network has partnered with 20 indigenous communities and over 2,000 volunteers. These partnerships are built in the truest sense of the word — immersing travelers in the culture and community of the places they visit worldwide. Approximately half of GCN participants travel in family combinations — daughters & mothers, grandparents & grandchildren, husbands & wives. It is an experience that is intergenerational, combining participants of all ages who bring their different experiences to the table. The intergeneration teams are purposeful; they are more reflective of the demographics of indigenous communities that host GCN teams.