Global Volunteers is an international nonprofit organization (NPO) holding special consultative status with the United Nations.[1]. Headquatered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Global Volunteers assists worldwide community development programs by mobilizing short-term volunteers on local work programs, as well as providing project funding and child sponsorships.
Established in 1984 by Bud Philbrook and Michele Gran, Global Volunteers was designed to foster individual cross cultural experiences: "the foundation for peace-building relationships, one person at a time.”[2]
The organization takes on many types of projects, ensuring benefits to served communities by monitoring work effectiveness, volunteer retention, and through working closely with local community leaders.[3]