Cross-Cultural Solutions at the Forefront of Global Citizenship Movement
July 15, 2009
As President Barack Obama makes his way back to the United States from visiting Russia and Ghana last week, Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) is proud to be at the forefront of the movement toward global citizenship, as CCS supports thousands of people to volunteer in both countries as well as work side-by-side with local people on community-led initiatives.
CCS’ philosophy and approach to international volunteering is deeply rooted in partnership, respect, and working from the ground-up—the same messages that President Obama shared in his visits last week. The meeting of the Group of Eight (G8)—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the U.S.—to discuss the global recession, global warming, and relations within the Middle East was the focus of the trip, but his reflections on international friendships and social change are what support the groundwork necessary for international solidarity.
In his first stop in Russia, Obama said “…we need a fresh start between our societies—more dialogue, more listening, more cooperation in confronting common challenges.” He later commented on the need for personal responsibility: “real progress—whether it's economic or social or political—doesn't come from the top-down, it typically comes from the bottom-up. It comes from people, it comes from the grassroots—it comes from you.”
The mission of CCS is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. CCS has supported over 675 volunteers in Yaroslavl, Russia to work with community-led organizations that provide social services and education for residents.
“We do hope President Obama's visit will be a good start in making Russia-US relations better — relations where mutual interest and understanding will reign,” said Nataliya Gubina, Director of CCS in Russia.
After the Moscow visit, and G8 meeting in Italy, Obama made his first trip as U.S. president to Sub-Saharan Africa to emphasize that Africa is not separate from world affairs. “I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world ... as partners with America on behalf of the future we want for all of our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility and mutual respect.”
CCS has supported nearly 2,000 people since beginning operations in 1998 in Ghana, and over 4,500 volunteers in Africa including Morocco, South Africa, and Tanzania. As the first African country to gain independence, Ghana has always been a pillar of peace and democracy throughout the entire continent. CCS volunteers work closely with members of the Ewe tribe in the Volta Region on grassroots projects regarding caregiving, teaching, healthcare, and community development. Makafui Amenuvor, Country Director of CCS in Ghana, explained the impact of Obama’s visit and the excitement it started on the ground:
“The visit of the U.S. President Barack Obama has been viewed as symbolic and historic in Ghana and across the African continent,” Amenuvor said. “During Obama’s visit, Accra was filled with euphoria that I have never seen before. He inspired everybody on the streets of Ghana and we are thrilled to have him visit our country.”
In this exciting time to serve, international volunteering has emerged as a way to help build international solidarity, by first building international friendships based on respect, understanding, and common goals. Russia and Ghana are just two of many countries where CCS operates programs, through which people can take their first steps toward global citizenship. CCS international volunteer programs are available from 1-12 weeks in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
About Cross-Cultural Solutions
Cross-Cultural Solutions was founded in 1995 and now operates volunteer programs in 12 countries across the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives. As a not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations, CCS brings people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. Since its founding in 1995, CCS has supported over 20,000 people to volunteer abroad.
Contact Info
Kam Santos, Director of Communications
1-914-632-0022
kam@crossculturalsolutions.org
