We’re sorry to inform you that your favorite blog has changed its address. You can now find the United Planet Blog at www.unitedplanet.org/blog/
Thank you for staying tuned!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The UP Blog is moving!
We’re sorry to inform you that your favorite blog has changed its address. You can now find the United Planet Blog at www.unitedplanet.org/blog/
Thank you for staying tuned!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Hannah in Cai Cay, Peru
Los burros, los gallos, y los chicos del campo
For those of you that don't speak Spanish (which is probably a lot of you), this title means "the donkeys, the roosters, and the children of the country"! My last week in Peru was spent in a rural village outside of Cusco called Cai Cay, and I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to spend time here. Cay Cai is the epitome of what you think of (or at least what I thought of) when you think of Peru.... it is in the "countryside" of Peru and is surrounded by simply incredible scenery. The people live VERY simple lives here, and most of them live in mud brick houses with a thatch roof that doesn't exactly help to keep the cold or heat out, dirt or concrete floors, and windows without the glass. Many people choose to wear indigenous clothing with EVERY SINGLE different color (!), a flat hat that keeps the sun off of their face, and layer upon layer of shirts and chompas (kind of like a long-sleeve over shirt) and skirts and knee high socks and sandals, etc. Most of the people here speak only Quechua, but thankfully, most of the kids also spoke Spanish, or else it would have been a very long week! While I was here, I helped out in a kindergarten (helping the teacher with whatever she needed) with some of the most precious 3, 4, and 5 year olds you've ever seen, and every afternoon, the other volunteers and I were responsible for running a youth center (by ourselves) where we'd help teach English classes or play games with the kids. We usually had about 50 kids or so show up every afternoon for 2 hours.... and some of the kids had to walk over an hour through the mountains, by themselves, afterwards just to get home at night (talk about an honor to get to work with these kids!). The people here were absolutely amazing, and welcome all of the volunteers with open arms. Not to mention the fact that when you live in a tiny little village (it was seriously 1 street long, and that's it!) where everyone knows each other, everyone acknowledges everyone else and they greet each other every time they see one another.... I seriously miss the fact that EVERYONE greeted each other everyday with "buenos dias" or "buenas tardes" or "buenas noches" ("good morning", "good afternoon", "good night").... most of the time here, it seems like people just walk right past each other without even acknowledging the other person's presence.
Cai Cay is also the epitome of the country (not just the Peruvian countryside).... very peaceful and tranquil lifestyle (the first day, we had 6 or 7 hours to do nothing except write in our journals or sit in the sun! what?!?), fresh corn from the garden (one day at the kindergarten, we all had a little picnic together outside with fresh choclo (really yummy "corn") and a salad made from fresh lettuce and onions from the garden!), ROOSTERS that crow at ALL hours of the night(!), and DONKEYS that are also incredibly loud throughout the night and make some very peculiar noises! haha. I loved these noises during the day, but most of the time I would wake up 5-6 times each night to the sounds of roosters or donkeys or barking dogs.... not exactly a restful week:) However, one of the best parts about being there was the view of the night sky! There aren't exactly a lot of lights in the country, and to be completely surrounded by a HUGE sky with stars twinkling like diamonds all night long was spectacular...I seriously felt like each star was smiling at me like in a movie scene. And, I even saw a UFO (in Spanish, it is OVNI), which I can tell you about later! SWEET!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Erin in Ecuador
A 23-year-old member of the Springfield, Massachusetts’s community, Erin Duffy, is currently volunteering with United Planet to provide invaluable support to a community in Ecuador, while immersing deeply in Ecuadorian life and culture.
Erin Duffy left the United States in April 2006 in order to spend a year to work in an elementary school in Tonsupa, Ecuador. She teaches English and cultural fisica (physical education). For grades 2-7, there are a total of three teachers, each in charge of a pair of grades in one classroom. The walls of the school are made of bamboo with dirt floors and an outhouse for a bathroom. Before her trip, Erin was fortunate to gather four large boxes full of donations, which she recently distributed to her students.
Here is what Erin thinks about her experience in Ecuador with United Planet:
“This is absolutely a once in a lifetime experience. I really wanted to do something for someone in the world who wasn’t born into the same fortunate circumstances as we were. Nobody asks to be born into poverty. As much as we like to think we are giving something to the people here, we are receiving so much more. We have been welcomed with open arms and are absolutely enjoying every minute.”
What has she learned so far? First of all, Erin improved her Spanish right away! Working with so many children, she has also learned to be much more patient. In Ecuador, people live at a different pace than in the United States... Her host father says "time is not running," and that is certainly the case according to Erin. Erin has learned so much about the culture and the people of Ecuador as well as the intricacies of how to teach English as a foreign language in Spanish. Most of all, she has learned that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
Erin had to face the challenging cultural differences, especially related to the language. This experience is important to her because she is gaining more perspective on her own life every day, while being able to give something to the people here. She was greeted with smiles everywhere she went. “There’s so much more to life and happiness than I ever could have imagined before this trip."
Friday, March 30, 2007
Rebecca in Ghana
A 19-year-old member of the Edina, Minnesota community, Rebecca Holloway-Nahum, is currently volunteering with United Planet to provide invaluable support to a community in Ghana, while immersing deeply in Ghanaian life and culture.
Rebecca Holloway-Nahum left the United States in August 2006 in order to spend six months as a nurse in a small health clinic in Wiamoase, Ghana (a village northwest of Kumasi). She works three days a week in the clinic and has created a project with her roommate to fund and paint a malnutrition ward three other days of the week.
Here is what Rebecca thinks about her experience in Ghana with United Planet:
“I think one of the most important things about volunteering anywhere whether it be the third world, or a thriving metropolis is that you cannot change the course of the world, but you can do immense amounts of good for others, but more importantly for yourself. Even though I came into this trip thinking I was doing it to change the course of existence of other people, I have come to realize that this trip is more about me. Making myself the best person I can be. I think that’s not only the first, but also the most critical, in making the world a better place.
When I was sitting in a trotro on the way to Kumasi one evening, I had an epiphany that I had changed so much, and hadn't even realized it. Here I was in the third world sitting on fatal and dirty public transportation. The best part is that I felt comfortable. If I can feel comfortable, at home, and at peace there I can do it anywhere. I realized that this experience has given me the ability to place my security within myself, not on things that surround me”
She learned during her mission that talking makes a difference in the world and that allowing yourself to be on the same level as people that would normally not be has great rewards. It is not necessarily the places you go or the things you see, but the people you meet that makes the journey worthwhile.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Uncoming shows
Come and meet United Planet at this coming fairs :
- C.O.O.L Idealist National Conference in Chicago : March 22, 2007 to March 25, 2007
- NAFSA Annual Conference in Minneapolis : May 27, 2007 to June 1, 2007
We can't wait until meeting you guys !
Monday, March 12, 2007
Cultural Awareness Project
You can't go abroad but still want to volunteer? Check our CAP program to see how you can help in your own community.
Communities are like small worlds, encompassing many cultures, races, and religions. As featured on CNN, the Cultural Awareness Project (CAP) is a cutting edge educational program designed to celebrate and bridge diverse cultures within our own communities.
United Planet works with schools, non-profit groups, companies, and communities around the world and provides them with opportunities to receive cultural presentations made right at their doorsteps! Presentations come in a variety of forms including storytelling, musical performances, and lectures, and thus are suitable for many different age groups. Presentations are made by committed volunteers from diverse backgrounds that have extraordinary global experiences. CAP Database allowing presenters and groups from all over the world to contact each other and participate in this enriching program. If your class, group, or company would like to receive a CAP presentation, or if you have an interest in volunteering and becoming a CAP presenter, please contact quest@unitedplanet.org for further information.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Summer 2007 group programs
Summer 2007 Group Quest offerings:
United Planet is proud to offer the following Group Quests for Summer 2007! Cultural activities and excursions are included in all of United Planet’s Group Quests!
Cambodia Dental Quest – led by Dr. Jon Ryder, those who work in or study the field of Dentistry are invited to join this Quest to assist the children in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Volunteers will work with Dr. Ryder providing care to patients at the Children’s Hospital and will also conduct oral health education sessions for children in local schools and villages. Sunday July 1 – Wednesday July 11, 2007
Cambodia Photography with a Difference Quest – Dr. Jon Ryder is a man of many talents! In addition to his full-time work as a Dentist, he is also a gifted and avid photographer. Join this quest to pursue your passion of photography while providing necessary work to a community in need. Wednesday July 11 – Saturday July 21, 2007
China Quest –Shan Shan Nie, a former staff member of United Planet and a Boston University student, will be guiding the China Quest team. Shan Shan is currently a resident of the United States and speaks English fluently. She has also resided in ChengDu for over fifteen years. She is well acquainted with the best features of the city and is fluent in the ChengDu dialect. Volunteers will teach English to ChengDu Sports University students while learning Chinese and the customs and culture of that community. Friday May 25 - Sunday June 3, 2007
Costa Rica Environment Quest for students –High school and college students are invited to apply for this 2 week Group Quest to Costa Rica where you will live with a host family, work on a conservation project, participate in fun cultural activities, and visit interesting and fun sites! United Planet’s own Quest Director, Theresa Higgs, will be leading this Group to Costa Rica! Monday July 30 – Monday August 13, 2007
Costa Rica Construction Quest for students - High school and college students are invited to apply for this 10 day Group Quest to Costa Rica where you will live with a host family while working on a construction project in the same community. The group will also participate in exciting cultural activities as well as travel to beautiful and interesting places! Monday July 16 – July 25, 2007
Chile Law Quest - This is a new and special Quest being offered to Law Students and Lawyers! Led by Mr. Steve Kasher, a lawyer from California, volunteers will travel to Santiago, Chile and work with students from 2 different Law Schools. Living with a host family, cultural activities and excursions will provide you with intimate knowledge of the Chilean culture. In addition, speakers will be arranged to address issues such as Chilean politics, the Chilean Legal System and much more! Sunday August 5 – Tuesday August 14, 2007
Chile Home-Building Quest for High School students – High school students with Spanish language skills are invited to work side-by-side with local Chilean youth to build homes for those who need them in rural Chile. Wednesday July 11 – Wednesday July 25, 2007
Chile Home-Building Quest for College students – College students with Spanish language skills are invited to work side-by-side with local Chilean youth to build homes for those who need them in rural Chile. Wednesday July 11th – Friday July 27th, 2007
Jordan Group Quest: “Photography with a Difference” - Volunteers will work on an important and interesting Environmental project as they explore the Jordanian culture through the eye of the lens! Led by talented photographer and veteran UP Group Leader Dorcas Platt Wagenknecht, volunteers will improve their photography skills while gaining valuable insight into the life of Jordanians.
Tanzania Group Quest – Volunteers will work with local non-profit organizations in and around Dar es Salaam to educate young people about HIV/AIDS. This may include school and community center presentations, discussions with youth and visitations to homes where people are living with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers will stay with host families and participate in Swahili language courses, culture classes and excursions. Saturday July 28 – Saturday August 11, 2007
Turkey Group Quest: “Let’s Meet Where the Continents Meet”
This unique and culturally fascinating quest will blend working with children at a Foster Home in Istanbul while learning about the incredible culture and people of Turkey! The group will be led by Holly Graham, a Boston-based teacher and returned United Planet volunteer. Holly will mentor the volunteer team members in creating and leading education and fun activities for the children at the Foster Home. Wednesday June 27 –Saturday July 7, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
New Programs in Morocco, Jordan, and Turkey!
Come join United Planet's exciting new programs in these fascinating countries. Take part in meaningful community service work, while immersing in the local culture and expanding your global horizons.
In special celebration of the launch of our Morocco, Jordan, and Turkey programs, United Planet will offer a 10% program fee reduction to new applicants during the month of February! Spots are limited especially during summer months. Visit our Short-term Quest page to learn more.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY!!!
UNITED PLANET TO PARTICIPATE IN BLOOMINGDALES'S MULTI-CHARITY EVENT
January 16, Boston, MA - United Planet will participating in Bloomingdale's multi-charity event, "The Shopping Benefit", on Wednesday, February 28, 2007, at Bloomingdale's Chestnut Hill Fashion & Home/Men's stores. The event will be held from 10am-10pm with over 35 local charities participating.
"The shopping Benefit" will feature live entertainment, discounts and fashion events. Admission is $10, with 100 percent of ticket proceeds benefiting the participating charities. Tickets may be purchased in advance from United Planet by calling 617-267-7763.
Guests will enjoy 15% or 20% storewide savings on regularly priced and sale merchandise (certain restrictions apply). Children 12 years of age and under will be admitted free of charge.
United Planet is an international non-profit public educational charity with 501(c)3 status, open to the citizens of every country on Earth. The mission of United Planet is to foster cross-cultural understanding and friendship, support communities in need, and promote social & economic prosperity among cultures in order to unite the world in a community beyond borders. As featured on CNN, United Planet undertakes a diverse and creative range of educational, humanitarian, and peace-building initiatives. UP's innovative initiatives are designed to expose our common human bonds and foster respect and appreciation for our cultural, racial, and religious diversity, while improving and enriching lives worldwide. People of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities are invited to join United Planet's membership in "a community beyond borders."
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT US AT:
11 ARLINGTON STREET• BOSTON, MA • 02116 USA
TEL: (800) 292-2316• (617) 267-7763 FAX: (617) 267-7764
EMAIL: CECILE@UNITEDPLANET.ORG
WWW.UNITEDPLANET.ORG
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Monday, January 8, 2007
Thursday, December 14, 2006
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