Passing the Baton

Big changes are happening here at Volunteer Expeditions.

Our incredible founder, president, and all-around leader Patti is officially retiring. At the age of 70, we think she deserves it.

So what's a nonprofit to do? We didn't want our good work to come to an end, so we started asking around. We didn't want just anyone to take over. So, when Patti talked to our good friends at Amizade (our partner on the volunteer trip to Washington, DC), she mentioned she wanted to retire, and they were immediately intrigued.

"So who's taking over?" Anna of Amizade asked.

"I don't know," said Patti. "I'm hoping for a wonderful organization."

"Hang on, we'll call you right back," Anna said. And true to her word, she called Patti right away with the Amizade Executive Director, Brandon. They wanted to take on our New Orleans program - and we couldn't be happier to pass Volunteer Expeditions on to them.

Amizade has a proven track record of almost 20 years of incredible service learning trips. They have taken over 6,000 volunteers to learn and do good all over the world; from Appalachia to Poland, from India to Tanzania. Their dedicated staff and incredible opportunities always ensure a life-changing experience for their travelers.

Brandon accompanied Patti to New Orleans to meet our partners and to experience the trip for himself. All went well and we are thrilled.

Amizade will officially take the lead on our New Orleans trip on June 1st, 2013. You can always visit our website to discover more about our trip and how to get in contact with Amizade to plan your volunteer vacation to the Big Easy - or to their many other global locations! (If you're interested in the other trips we offered, to Jamaica or Washington, DC, you can still do great work in those locations with Amizade.)

We've been buried in paperwork and transition details, but we look forward to handing our beloved New Orleans trip to this organization. Amizade will be taking Volunteer Expeditions over for a test run while Patti spends a few weeks in India at the end of this month (the usual travel destination for the 70+ set), so feel free to call them today and get your next volunteer trip organized!

Have any questions? Leave a comment or send an email to volunteer@amizade.org!

Hurricane Sandy: Learning the Lessons of Katrina

Hurricane Sandy has left a long trail of destruction in its wake. The sad events of the last few days, the images of homes destroyed, and the suddenly homeless all evoke powerful emotions. Unfortunately, this situation is not unique.

Our founder and president, Patti, is all too familiar with those who need to rebuild their lives. She reflected on the similarities and - thank goodness - differences from a hurricane just a few years ago...

Courtesy of NASA Goddard

As I look at the major devastation Hurricane Sandy has visited on the Eastern seaboard, I compare it to New Orleans in 2005. With scenes of rows and rows of houses with waters up through their windows and streets completely flooded, the flashback is real and intense. However, I think the horror of beginning to rebuild New Orleans will not be repeated. As I become glued to my television, I see the president, the governors, FEMA, and wonderful agencies like the American Red Cross immediately stepping forward so that the New Orleans nightmare is not repeated. The quick and responsive nature to Hurricane Sandy is stunning in comparison. All we can do is hope and pray that the victims of Hurricane Sandy will recover quickly and resume their normal and appreciated lives.

While people are focused on helping those in the Northeast who truly deserve our hope and attention, it is our wish that we do not forget the citizens still rebuilding their lives in New Orleans.

How will you help those on the East Coast? Leave us a comment below.

Patti's Passion

We are thrilled that our friends at Volunteer Global are compiling a book of volunteer travel stories. Our founder and president, Patti, wanted to share her story with them - and we want to share it with you! If you've ever wondered what you can do when you grow up and/or retire, you'll discover that the possibilities are endless.

Some people retire. They sleep in, play bridge and golf, knit, run some errands.

I am not one of them.

A year after my attempt at retiring, I was so shocked at the devastation from Hurricane Katrina that I organized a trip for my Chicago suburban synagogue to volunteer in New Orleans. Even 18 months after the storm, the destruction was heartbreaking. Thousands of homes were completely destroyed, and thousands more had to be completely gutted before they were deemed safe. We even had to wear HAZMAT suits.

I couldn’t just stay retired and do nothing. After word of our inspiring trip had spread to other local religious organizations – and I was asked to plan trips for them – I knew I had discovered my new lifework. I founded Volunteer Expeditions and now plan trips for religious, school and family groups from all over the country to help rebuild New Orleans. My organization has even expanded to offer trips for groups to tutor children in Jamaica and to help the homeless and hungry in Chicago and Washington, DC.

Patti jamming in New Orleans with some new friends

I am truly awed each and every day by the spirit, the determination, and the unwavering support of the volunteers I meet. Their work, their time and their money have genuinely made a difference to the people of New Orleans. I have had the pleasure of watching this city rebuild itself. In just a few short years, it has gone from a city destroyed with no green spaces to a vibrant place with new homes, businesses and parks. It still has a ways to go, but it is headed in the right direction.

Even though I have retired from the normal workforce, I'm spending my full time doing what I love best. And that's bringing volunteers to do worthwhile work that makes a difference in their lives and in the lives of the people they touch.

Do you know someone retired who is following their passion? Tell us in the comment section!

Hurricane Isaac Relief: How You Can Help

Hurricane Isaac Path

With the threat of Hurricane Isaac past, we can breathe a sigh of relief. The damage wasn't as severe as Katrina, due to a weaker hurricane and stronger levees. But there are still plenty of people whose homes are destroyed, whose towns are flooded, and have no electricity in a humid summer climate.

We've reached out to our partners in New Orleans to find out what they need - and we hope you'll consider helping them.

• Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development: Stimulating engagement and preserving resources
• Send gift cards to Wal-Mart to help needy families
• Donate online here
• Donate via check payable to: Lower 9th Ward CSED, 5130 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA, 70117
• LA, 70112
• St. John #5 Baptist Church (Pastor Bruce Davenport): Helping low income families find community and faith
• Donate via check payable to: St. John #5 Baptist Church, 3613 Hamburg St., New Orleans, LA, 70122
• Beacon of Hope: Helping LaPlace residents
• Need donations of
• Storage containers (medium to large in size)
• Contractor bags
• Home Depot and/or Lowes gift cards
• Volunteer: contact Heather Huth
• Hhuth@beaconofhopenola.org
• (504) 309-5120
• Donate
• Online here
• Check payable to: Beacon of Hope Resource Center, 145 Robert E Lee Blvd. Suite 200, New Orleans, LA, 70124 (Att: Isaac Relief)
• Second Harvest Food Bank: Providing several hundred thousand pounds of food to families in need
• Need donations of
• Non-perishable food items (canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, soups, juices, water, etc)
• Cleaning supplies (bleach, disinfectant, hand sanitizer, mops, gloves, paper products)
• Send to: Second Harvest Food Bank warehouses 
• 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123
• 215 E. Pinhook, Lafayette, LA 70501
• Volunteer: contact them here
• Donate
• For ever $1 donated, Second Harvest Food Bank can provide the equivalent of $15.50 in grocery/food items
• Online here
• Call for more info: (504) 729-6322
• For more info, visit their page here
• ReNEW Schools: Helping lower-income families of students whose homes were damaged
• Donate online here
• Send gift cards to Wal-Mart or local grocery stores to help neediest families
• 3128 Constance Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
• (504) 367-3307
• Harry Tompson Center: Helping the homeless stay secure and cool
• Donate online here
• Donate via check payable to: Harry Tompson Center, 130 Baronne Street, New Orleans, 
• New Orleans City Parks: Clearing felled trees and restoring the park
• Volunteers very much needed
• Contact Steve Ryman, Volunteer Coordinator: sryman@nocp.org; (607) 237-6210
• Community Center of St. Bernard: Providing food, water, baby formula, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items to families in need in the St. Bernard parish
• Donate
• Online here
• Check payable to: Community Center of St Bernard, 1111 LeBeau St, Arabi, LA, 70032
• Host a fundraiser: contact Iray

And, as always, to travel and make a difference with your own hands, you can schedule a volunteer trip for your school, office, or congregation with us at Volunteer Expeditions.

For those of you who have traveled with us, we have updates on some of our other friends. Paul, our beloved bus driver with Pelican Bus, is just fine. He and his wife stayed in a hotel for a few days, and his house was undamaged. He caught a cold though. Mark Schleifstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune is also safe, along with his family. They know several people who have lost their homes, though.

Please don't forget about your friends and countrymen in the Gulf Coast who were affected by this hurricane. For more information, check #nolahelp on Twitter. If you know of any other people or organizations in need of assistance, please leave the information in our comment section.

Have You Heard the Big News?

Something new and exciting is happening at Volunteer Expeditions.

Are you ready?

We've always loved New Orleans and have been bringing people to rebuild for five years. Last summer, we became passionate about Jamaica and now offer trips to tutor children in orphanages on the island.

But we have a lot more love to give. Which is why we're sharing the love and offering TWO NEW VOLUNTEER TOURS! Both of these trips focus on helping the homeless - and we want to bring you along.

Photo credit: Funky Tee

The first new volunteer vacation destination is Washington, DC. We're proud to partner with Amizade on this new trip; we're taking the best of their program and mixing in our Volunteer Expeditions touch (which includes more sightseeing and hotel arrangements). This trip involves making and serving food to the homeless, distributing meals, and learning about their "invisible" culture.

Photo credit: Allison Bernstein

The second new voluntour experience is our beloved hometown of Chicago. We've partnered with the JCC to offer a meaningful experience in our amazing city. The past few weeks have been a flurry of emails and scheduling! It's going to be an incredible experience. There are some organizations that just inspire you to hear about them, let alone when you work with them! Volunteers will serve and distribute food, help schools, tutor homeless children, learn, and discover. And, of course, we promise a view of Chicago from the top of the John Hancock, history and beauty at the Art Institute (Sunday in the Park! Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles!), and some delicious deep dish pizza. More details are being finalized, and we can't wait to put it all together!

As these trips form more fully, we'll post the information on our website and all over the social media realm. Stay tuned, do good, and get in touch with us! We'd love to bring you on an unforgettable volunteer tour experience.

Storm Damage Isn't Just Physical

Traumatizing events can have a long-lasting impact on a person's life. Unfortunately, many don't quite realize the extent to which they can reach.

A recent study conducted by Princeton University determined that survivors of Hurricane Katrina continue to suffer mental health issues many years later. The survey began in 2003 (two years before the storm) to focus on low-income adults in community colleges. The study shifted to continue following the Katrina survivors. Four years after the storm, about a third of participants still exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress and 30% showed psychological stress.

According to the press release, the study's results cannot be assumed to apply to the population as a whole, but they shed light on natural disasters' effects on a particularly vulnerable group--namely low-income mothers with an average age of 26.

It's so easy to forget about natural disasters a few months or years after they occur...when you don't live there.  But for those whose lives were affected, things can never be the same. Whether a favorite location is gone from the corner where it stood, or a home was destroyed, or a loved one was lost, life will always be a little different.

It's up to those of us who are fortunate enough to have never gone through something so painful to remember the pain and loss of others and extend a helping hand. Even though it may seem like the past, for many, it is still the everlasting present. That is why our work means so much to us here at Volunteer Expeditions. We will never be finished helping others.


The paper on the study appears in the January issue of the journal Social Science and Medicine.

Helping Communities on a Regular Vacation

Let's face it - not all of your trips are going to be volunteer vacations. Most vacations are about relaxing, and that's not exactly the point of voluntourism! Everyone deserves a break, though, so there is no reason to feel guilty about taking a regular holiday.

But just because you aren't focused on rebuilding doesn't mean you can't help! We have tips on how to turn your regular vacation into one with shades of voluntourism, and we'd love to hear yours, too!

• Shop, eat, and stay local. The money you're already spending will help the economy of your local community much more than it will help the big chains. (No offense to Olive Garden, but the local Italian restaurant will really appreciate your business!)
• Have leftovers from dinner? No time to eat them later? Don't hesitate to give your box of leftover food to a homeless person. Be safe about it, but this is a much better use of your food than throwing it out!
• If you want to spend a day or even a few hours volunteering in the community you're visiting, there are always many options! Most cities have soup kitchens, homeless shelters, food pantries, and more--and everyone is happy to take in volunteers. Do some research before you arrive on places you can volunteer, or check in with a volunteer travel organization for recommendations.
• Clean up after yourself! If you have a picnic, leave no trace. If you bring a six-pack of pop (or other beverages), cut the plastic rings and throw them out. There's no quicker way to say "I don't care" to the community you visit than by leaving your trash around!
• If you're there on the right days, don't be afraid to attend a local religious service. Broadening your mind through your religious perspective is a great way to become a global citizen! Talk to your religious leader or do some research online before you go to discover churches, synagogues, mosques, and more in the area you're visiting. We have friends who were in London on Christmas Eve and went to services at Westminster Abbey! (And be open to attending a service for a faith or denomination you're not a part of! If a religion other than yours is the predominant faith of the area you visit, observing them respectfully is a wonderful way to get to know the culture!)

Do you have more tips for how to give your regular vacation shades of voluntourism? Leave us a comment below!

The Power of Light

Photo Credit: Scazon on Flickr

 In this holiday season, light is key. Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights, Christmas trees are lit, and fireplaces spring to life. But there's one more source of light that you should never forget - yourself.

Just by being yourself and spreading good cheer, you contribute your light to the lives of others. Don't forget it - you may never know just how much your light is needed by others. Think about what Albert Schweitzer said:

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." (Brainy Quotes)

Photo Credit: Allison Bernstein

We can all think of times when our light has gone out. Times of sorrow, times of despair, and times of loss have affected everyone. What truly brings us back from the dark is the light of another. Think of the people in your life who have been your light in the darkness. Reach out and thank them this holiday season. It's truly a blessing to have light in your life.

Volunteer Expeditions is proud to have volunteers that are full of light. Through their hard work, many New Orleans residents have rekindled their own flame. Thank you, volunteers, for everything you do. May your holiday season be full of health, happiness, and - of course - light.

Who has been your light in the darkness?

You can help us for free!

'Tis the season, but the season for what? Getting rid of your money? Most of the time, the coming month means a draining bank account. While of course we here at Volunteer Expeditions always appreciate a donation (you can do so here or through Facebook Causes here), there are tons of incredibly simple ways you can help us out without spending a penny. Check out these completely free ways you can help Volunteer Expeditions:

Spread the word!

• Did you join us with a school group, but you think your religious group might benefit from a trip? Have you heard about us and want to take a trip with your coworkers? Let them (and us) know! Personal recommendations mean the most.
• Help other people donate! If your office is holding a donation drive, suggest us as the recipient! If a friend wants to make a donation in your name as a holiday present, we'd be honored if you think of us!
• Stay in touch! Listed below are the many places you can join our network. Whatever networking site you use the most, we'll be there. We post interesting articles, deep thoughts, inspiring quotes, and fun questions - no spam or anything like that. Plus, when you like or follow something, the social networking site itself tells your friends and followers about us. It's simple! We love interacting with our followers, both online and in person. You can also join our email list by letting us know you'd like in.

On Facebook:

• Like our page (facebook.com/vexpeditions). Pretty easy, right? Not only will you be able to see what kinds of things we're doing and what we find interesting, but your friends will see on your profile that you like such an awesome page.
• Talk to us! Write on our wall or tag us with your thoughts. Had a great trip? Want to see something else? Have a suggestion for us? Even just want to tell us how your day was? We'd love to hear! Stay in touch with us; we genuinely appreciate all of our volunteers and potential trip-takers.
• Join our Facebook Cause (click here). This is another great way to increase our visibility. PLUS you can watch the Take-A-Minute video and, just by donating 30 seconds of your time, we'll get ten cents! That can add up quickly.

On Twitter:

• Follow us (twitter.com/vexpeditions). It's another way to stay in touch!
• Tag us (@vexpeditions)! We want to know what's going on with you and what you think.

On LinkedIn:

• Follow us (linkedin.com/company/volunteer-expeditions). If LinkedIn is easier for you to use, we're here too!
• You can now add Sections to your profile, and one of these is "Volunteer Experience and Causes." If you add this and list Volunteer Expeditions, not only do we become more visible, but you look pretty darn good yourself.

On Google+:

• Add us to your circles! This is a fun, fast-growing website, and we want to be part of it with you.
• Comment!  Please, tell us what you think about anything we do or post.

On the blog:

• Read often! While we stay in touch with short messages over email and social media, here we can expand and really talk about things that matter. The blog provides information and insight you won't get from any of our other sites. You're already here, but please come back regularly or even subscribe!
• Tell us what you think! We would love to read your comments. If a post interests you or you have a similar story or you want to give us some feedback, please do let us know.
• Use your own blog! Tell the world about Volunteer Expeditions and what you did or want to do with us. You probably have more personal connections on your blog than we do--spreading the word that way helps multiply our reach leaps and bounds!

Last but certainly not least, Use your skills! Are you a PR wizard? Can you balance books at the speed of light? We're always looking for volunteers to help us with the day-to-day bits of running our organization! The needs may vary, but help is always appreciated.

Truly, thank you for being interested in Volunteer Expeditions. Any level of help is an incredibly kind gesture. Everyone gets inundated with requests this time of year, so we know how overwhelming things get. Choosing to spend any amount of your time on us is a gesture we genuinely appreciate. Stay in touch, and happy Thanksgiving! Have any fun plans you'd like to share?

One of our recent groups completed some New Orleans field work in style!

Volunteer Expeditions trip this weekend!

We here at Volunteer Expeditions are getting excited--we have a group going to New Orleans this weekend! This time, we're bringing 23 intrepid students and their chaperones from beautiful Scarsdale, New York. Want to know what's on the agenda for this trip? They will be...

• Hearing from Don Thompson, the Executive Director of the Harry Tompson Center
• Volunteering at New Orleans Mission
• Touring the Katrina devastation
• Going to services at Touro Synagogue
• Learning from David Hammer of the Times-Picayune
• Volunteering at the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (for more about them, check out our last blog post!)
• Bowling
• Listening to Mark Schleifstein, also of the New Orleans Times-Picayune
• Attending services at Greater Little Zion Church
• Exploring the French Quarter

And more, all in just four days! This list doesn't even include the delicious meals they'll enjoy or the fun they'll have just by spending time together. We're so excited to take this group, as we are with all of our groups. We always enjoy planning for our volunteer service trips. But seeing them happen and watching the amazing things our volunteers do is genuinely inspiring.

 A group Volunteer Expeditions took to New Orleans in 2009. What a beautiful day and a happy bunch!

Want to join us? Gather a group of your very own and take advantage of our planning experience! You can do everything in this current trip, or pick and choose what you'd like to take part in. This is also certainly not the extent of what we offer, so if you're interested in more, we're happy to help. Contact Patti at patti@volunteerexpeditions.org for more information or to start building your trip!

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?

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.