Wealthy countries are now acknowledging that over-consumption and unsustainable production in industrial countries is the main cause of poverty and environmental harm throughout the world. At the same time, the values and wisdom of traditional and indigenous cultures are increasingly being acknowledged as essential to the well being of all the world's people. Those 20% of us living in developed countries, who consume 80% of our natural resources, have the benefit of material wealth, technology and education to appropriately share. We have a moral responsibility to do so. Those 80% of us in developing countries have a wealth of culture, tradition and community to share in return. In order to eradicate poverty, the world is need of cooperation beween all parties, governments, NGOs and individiuals.



We provide a means for volunteers to understand each other's cultures and problems while at the same time actively addressing at a community level some of our many issues. You are invited to participate with us in developing and supporting activities that provide opportunities for healing and further awareness of our world. Our program offers opportunities for participants from developed countries to work together with citizens of developing countries on village-based sustainable development community service projects. The warmth and friendship shared with our host community members and fellow volunteers is an experience you will long cherish. As a volunteer participant in this program, you are in for an adventure in cultural exchange, learning and service that could last a lifetime.

Being poor is waiting,

and telling your children to wait,

wait their whole childhoods away.



It is knowing

they blame you.



It is wondering

if there isn't a better way.



Being poor is trying

not to envy almost everyone you see.



It's not getting enough

and getting mad.



Being poor is bones and hearts

and marrows and gray street dirt.



If there is a God,

and if there is a God anywhere,

we haven't heard the half of it.