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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Inspring Poetry: "One"

Have you been feeling overwhelmed by how much needs to get done? It's certainly easy to want to shut it all out...after all, what difference can one person make?

According to this inspiring poem, all the difference in the world.

"One" - Unknown
One song can spark a moment
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest
One bird can herald spring
One smile begins a friendship
One handclasp lifts a soul
One star can guide a ship at sea
One word can frame the goal
One vote can change a nation
One sunbeam lights a room
One candle wipes out darkness
One laugh will conquer gloom
One step must start each journey
One word must start a prayer
One hope will raise our spirits
One touch can show you care
One voice can speak with wisdom
One heart can know what's true
One life can make a difference
That difference starts with you.

This beautiful poem is so true. It's easy to forget how even the simplest motion, action, or phrase can pave the path for change. But the power of one is undeniable. Take Volunteer Expeditions, for example. All of the good that has been accomplished, all the help delivered, all the lives changed...it all started with our founder and President, Patti. Everything she accomplished certainly wasn't by herself--every group of volunteers that have gone with her have done their fair share of the work!--but Volunteer Expeditions literally would not exist without Patti. Her vision has brought so many volunteers to New Orleans and it's truly inspiring. Your step towards making a difference can start small, but its effects be enormous. And there are countless other ways you can help.

Leave us a comment--what one step did you take to make a difference? What one sentence changed your life or the lives of others?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Group Travel Is In

Group travel is changing! Most thoughts about group travel are of little old ladies with enormous cameras on a bus or senior couples. But younger and smaller groups are becoming ever more popular.

Check out the full story here:
Smaller Tour Groups Mean Bigger Opportunities for Agents by Nick Verrastro

Of course, you certainly don't have to be a travel agent to appreciate the opportunities! If you're in a school, company, religious organization, or a large family, you're already a member of a group. Taking a trip with a bunch of people you already know is a fun way to connect to each other and to the new location. Many good things can come from this boost in popularity.

And we are so excited that this boost includes volunteer travel! In particular, we're seeing a great increase in the numbers of teenage group travel. We here at Volunteer Expeditions love that. It means more and more young people understand social responsibility in this world. Everyone can make a difference, but few choose to act on that ability. Seeing others take time to benefit complete strangers through volunteering in a new place is wonderful. And seeing teenagers take this big step? It's absolutely inspiring.

This tour group is from Oklahoma City, OK - and look at the age range! Well done indeed.