Help Me Help Teens Become Humanitarians
Three years ago, after visiting an orphanage in Laos, moved by what I experienced there, I decided to create a Woodstock-based organization (now called "One Voice Global") of local teenagers and adults to improve the quality of life for orphans and other children-in-need.
Yes, it was a big, bold vision, but it was one I felt was possible to achieve with the right kind of community support.
Since the launch of the project in 2011, more than 140 Hudson Valley teens and adults have participated to raise more than $35,000. But our efforts have been more than just fundraising. Along the way, our local teens have expanded their horizons, learned about service, teamwork, leadership, public speaking, and what it means to be committed to a noble cause. Many of the teens have had life changing experiences.
I have been thrilled to play my part and, along the way, have realized that the HEART of the project is actually bringing local teens to third-world countries so they can get a hands-on experience of what it means to selflessly serve those in need.
Which is why I'm reaching out to you now. Since I receive no compensation for my efforts, I need to raise the funds to pay for my travel, accommodations, and the time it takes to chaperone our teens on these service journeys -- which I am hoping to continued organizing 2-3 times per year.
A SAMPLING OF ONE VOICE GLOBAL SUCCESSES
1. Provided two weeks of volunteer service at the Deak Kum Pah orphanage in Luang Prabang, Laos.
2. Provided nine days of service at Casa de Los Angeles day care center in San Miguel, Mexico.
3. Recruited and mentored more than 100 local teenagers.
4. Created 19 fundraising events that raised more than $35,000 for the causes we support.
5. Provided three art school and six professional school scholarships for graduates of the orphanage.
6. Provided a water filtration system for the orphanage.
7. Increased awareness of the project via presentations at KTD Monastery, Bruderhoff Community, Rotary Club, WDST, Oriole 9, and more than 50 community meetings.
LINKS FEATURING OUR LOCAL TEENS
Rachel's report from the orphanage
Lauren Havens testimonial
Sage Wisdom from Sage Horsey
What Caleb is Learning About Communication
Mimi and Grace at Casa de Los Angeles
Seraphina's Story
Jesse and Rachel's WDST radio interview
How Raphael is helping
Through the eyes of a teen volunteer now in college
OTHER LINKS ABOUT ONE VOICE GLOBAL
Our blog
One Voice documentary (made by a 16-year old)
Deak Kum Pah orphanage (Laos)
Casa de Los Angeles (Mexico)
The Windhorse Foundation (one of our partners)
One Voice slide show
WAAM art show to fund art school scholarships
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Best Practices of a High Performing Volunteer Organization
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? [email redacted].com
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
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