Who We Are
Philosophy and Approach
Village Volunteers works in collaboration with rural
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to implement sustainable solutions
for community survival, education, and growth. Village Volunteers
brings together self-sacrificing and passionate community leaders
who empower local people, rely on indigenous resources, and build
upon their existing cultural and economic context.
Village Volunteers acknowledges that there
are many innovative villagers who know how to solve their rural
communities' problems, but do not have access to the necessary resources
and support. Rather than hindering village growth by creating a
dependency on the management of Western staff members, the Village
Volunteers model is based on self-empowerment: all village projects
are initiated, executed, and managed by locals.
Village Volunteers supports local community efforts by providing
grant writing assistance, developing income generating projects,
and mobilizing the resources of volunteers worldwide. The skills
and mandatory hospitality fees of Village Volunteers' cadre of international
participants directly support sustainable development programs in
their host village.
From the Founder
In an increasingly interconnected world, what happens around the globe affects us all. The challenge of growing poverty and disease in developing countries can be addressed if we individually recognize our role as a global citizen and take steps forward to make a difference.
Village Volunteers is dedicated to assisting village communities in their quest to achieve a healthy, sustainable life. By exploring ways to stimulate economic development, and always working in partnership with local villages, we are working to help insure sustainable self-sufficiency.
This vision of hope is possible with the help of people like you. All donations go directly to the rural village programs of your choice.
If you would like to become an international volunteer in Kenya, Ghana, India, or Nepal, or volunteer in Seattle, you may contact me directly at shana@villagevolunteers.org.
Shana Greene
Founder & Executive Director
Board of Directors
Advisory Board
Partners Overseas