Global Citizens Network
Global Citizens Network is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) that facilitates international and domestic volunteer travel programs for individuals, families and groups, including academic programs for high schools and universities. GCN is a leading advocate of participatory community development, with projects locally initiated and led. As a member of International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA), GCN is committed to excellence of service to volunteers and the communities where they work. For the past 23 years, GCN has been guided by their philosophy that the peoples of the world are one people, enriched by individual differences, united by the common bond of humanity. The diversity of the Global Community is its greatest strength; understanding and respect are its greatest gifts.
Watch this video to learn more about how Global Citizens Network has been changing lives for more than 23 years.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Upcoming Trips
March 20 2015—March 29 2015 |
Maya People |
Maya People of Cantel, Guatemala |
March 27 2015—April 05 2015 |
Nahua People |
Nahua People of Xiloxochico |
June 13 2015—June 20 2015 |
Anishinabe People |
Anishinabe People of White Earth Reservation |
June 19 2015—July 03 2015 |
Bahaya People |
Bahaya People of Bukoba, Tanzania |
June 27 2015—July 06 2015 |
Afro-Ecuadorians |
Afro-Ecuadorian People of Tumbatu |
July 03 2015—July 12 2015 |
Maya People |
Maya People of Cantel, Guatemala |
July 12 2015—July 20 2015 |
The Quileute People |
Quileute People of La Push |
July 17 2015—July 31 2015 |
Luo People |
Luo People of Odienya, Kenya |
July 25 2015—August 03 2015 |
Nahua People |
Nahua People of Xiloxochico |
August 10 2015—August 25 2015 |
Mestizo People |
Mestizo People of Chirapa, Peru |
August 22 2015—August 29 2015 |
Anishinabe People |
Anishinabe People of White Earth Reservation |
October 11 2015—October 25 2015 |
Tibetan People |
Tibetan People of Pokhara Valley, Nepal |
October 24 2015—November 02 2015 |
Nahua People |
Nahua People of Chicueyaco, Mexico |
December 19 2015—January 02 2016 |
Mestizo People |
Mestizo People of Chirapa, Peru |
December 26 2015—January 09 2016 |
Bahaya People |
Bahaya People of Bukoba, Tanzania |
December 26 2015—January 09 2016 |
Afro-Ecuadorian People |
Afro-Ecuadorian People of Tumbatu |
December 26 2015—January 09 2016 |
Nahua People |
Nahua People of Xiloxochico |
December 26 2015—January 09 2016 |
Xukuru People |
Xukuru People of Pernambuco, Brazil |
December 26 2015—January 09 2016 |
Thai Hill Tribes |
Thai Hill Tribes of Chiang Rai |