Itinerary

Minnesota Work Projects
Tutor Children of New Immigrants

Teaching in MinnesotaAmerica's Heartland is typically pictured as an agrarian, European-American haven isolated from global influences. The reality is far from this, however. Thousands of rural Midwestern communities are integrating the diverse cultures of Mexico, Guatemala, Russia, Sudan, Vietnam, Somalia, Cambodia, Bosnia, Laos, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and other countries into their civic identity.

Global Volunteers focuses on the needs of two increasingly diverse Minnesota communities (Austin, and Worthington) which have become microcosms of the world at large. These evolving communities, having experienced an explosive growth of immigrant populations over the last decade, emphasize learning English to ease these new citizens into their "adopted" society.

By teaching conversational English to warm, fun-loving immigrant children and adults, you can help address the social challenges they face in school and at work. Even if you've never formally taught in a classroom, if you're a native English speaker, you can be an important resource for students and their families.  Help them communicate effectively with their neighbors, realize their potential and foster understanding and trust.

Montana Work Projects
Serve Blackfeet Nation Youth and Adults

A Montana Work ProjectThe Blackfeet people, once referred to as "The Lords of the Great Plains, had a reputation of being hospitable to Europeans, and were regular commerce partners with Canadian-based British merchants. It is believed they obtained their name from the traditional black color of their moccasins, which were painted or darkened by ashes from prairie fires.

Isolated from the general public in a sparsely populated state, the Blackfeet people are not well-known. However, they are more exposed to non-Indians than many other Western Native American tribes because their reservation is on the main route to Glacier National Park, also a gateway to Canada.

The work we do on each team depends upon the immediate needs of the community, and can't always be predicted more than a month in advance. This has included constructing and repairing playgrounds, and landscaping and beautifying other spaces, such as family recreation areas. Many team members work at the Eagle Shield assisted living, Early Childhood Center, the Boys and Girls Club, Blackfeet Community College and Blackfeet Care Center. People of all ages can provide valuable assistance on a number of these projects, which require only generalist skills, recognizing that the community's foremost goal is to acquaint volunteers with day-to-day life on the reservation.

West Virginia Work Projects
Renovate Homes or Tutor Youth

A West Virginia Work ProjectServe and learn about the resilient people of the historic coal-mining towns deep in the "hollers" of Appalachia. This highly rural region once was idealized as "Almost Heaven," by popular American songwriter John Denver. But in reality, much of southern West Virginia is designated a federal "empowerment zone" because of high poverty levels and limited employment opportunities.

Global Volunteers' host has developed innovative community revitalization programs to address the significant social challenges of the area. You can make a difference! Join a team and roll up your sleeves in Appalachia!

Volunteers assist with labor and education projects, including repairing and renovating former coal-company houses, where low-income families can live affordably.You're needed to work alongside, and be a mentor to, participants in the local "Youth Build" program. Help young people study for their GED, and learn construction skills. You may also have the opportunity to assist with an after school program at the Beards Fork Community Center. Volunteers of all ages can be very useful on all of these projects, regardless of skill and background.

More information from Global Volunteers:

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