CCS reaches milestone 25,000 volunteers
August 10, 2010
This month, Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) officially reached 25,000 volunteers who have given their service and become involved in global issues first-hand.
In 12 countries around the world, CCS volunteers work side-by-side with local people in orphanages and childcare centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the elderly, centers for people with disabilities, and other community organizations.
While reaching 25,000 volunteers is an important milestone in a movement, the impact of this international service is exponential in comparison. TripAtlas.com reported, "Traveling to another continent with Cross-Cultural Solutions takes the "tourist" out of voluntourism. In fact, we think that CCS should coin a new term for its international volunteer travel business: impactism." CCS volunteers are responsible for 1.95 million hours of service to local communities, including over 1.5 million meals served to the elderly, people with disabilities, and children.
In reflection on the occasion, CCS Founder and Executive Director, Steve Rosenthal, said, "This has been an incredible year for the field — from the sheer number of international volunteers to new research proving the positive impact of our work to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps, the organization that inspired me to found CCS in 1995. It was important to me to make this opportunity available to people who couldn’t make a long-term commitment, but wanted to be of service."
15 years and 25,000 volunteers later, CCS is receiving personal accounts of the power of international service. As a part of this landmark celebration, some these stories of personal transformation, inspiration, and overcoming adversity have been published on CCS’ website.
As another way to showcase the work of 25,000 volunteers, CCS is encouraging their alumni to share their perspective on volunteering abroad through photography. The organization has launched the CCS 2010 Photo Contest: A Snapshot of the Volunteer Experience. Alumni can submit photos through August 30, and the grand prize winner will receive a one-week volunteer program in Latin America. For more information, visit http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/photocontest.
About Cross-Cultural Solutions
Cross-Cultural Solutions was founded in 1995 and operates volunteer programs in 12 countries around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives. As a not-for-profit organization with no religious or political affiliations, Cross-Cultural Solutions brings people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding.
Contact Info
Kam Santos, Director of Communications
1-914-632-0022
kam@crossculturalsolutions.org
