CHERRY BLOSSOM VOLUNTEER TIME

Spring is near, which means it's almost cherry blossom time in Washington, DC. Looking for a fun way to experience the festival and do some good in the process? Volunteer!

Event organizers are always looking for people to lend a hand, particularly during the annual parade and kite festival. Learn details HERE!

Not in DC? It's festival season in many places -- most are happy to have eager volunteers. Check out their websites. Befriend Google. Have fun. Give back. 

CELEBRATE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK

C'mon, you knew Feb 10-16 was Random Acts of Kindness Week, right? Thought so. 

A girl gives Kip a hand in the Philippines.

Yes, this really is a week-long event. Do you already have a good deed planned? Well, if so, you're doing it wrong! 

This week is about paying attention, staying alert, and keeping your eyes open for opportunities to give back whenever they present themselves. 

In many ways, it's a big part of what 1 of 7 is all about. We're all busy people. We may not have time every week for a pre-planned volunteer activity. 

But that should never stop us from finding a way to do some good in the world and making philanthropy -- acts of goodwill to others -- a regular part of our lives. 

If you're hard up on "random" ideas, there are plenty of places to look, including this website, as well as here and here. 

This week, keep your eyes open. Be ready to be randomly kind. You'll know when the opportunity presents itself. It's one of the very best parts about being human. And it's in every one of us. Sometimes we just need a contrived holiday or a well-meaning website to remind us.

A VOLUNTEERING VACATION IN COLORADO

Before re-joining the real world back in Washington DC, we stopped off in Colorado for a few weeks. 

After 30,000+ miles, we needed a vacation (seriously!), plus we got to see Liz's parents and hike in the valley where we got engaged, American Basin. And of course, we volunteered. 

The hiking was simply spectacular, particularly the trail up to Mount Garfield in the Bookcliffs in Grand Junction (hi, Liz!).

We even got to experience some very curious local wildlife on the Liz's parent's back porch. Thanks, Mark and Sheila. 

And then there were all the volunteer activities. 

First up, we hit the local library. Did you know you could volunteer at many public libraries? Volunteers fill a critical need, as budget cuts are affecting libraries all over the country.

The friendly folks at the Mesa County Library System taught us the joys of sorting books, shipping books, and shelving books all in the same day. Two local newspapers even wrote a story about our time at the library.


Read the full stories online here & here




Even better, we found out later that Liz's mom and others became regular volunteers after our visit. As we've often experienced in our travels, volunteering is seriously contagious!

Next stop, we were invited to talk to two service learning classes at a Grand Junction high school about the places we've experienced and why we think volunteering is so important. We also talked about the importance of being engaged in your local community whether it's in Colorado or Cambodia. 

Then, after sharing a few of our favorite photos, we helped the students work through some of the incredible ideas they were developing to improve their school. These guys were so far ahead of us when we were their ages. In addition to going to school and working, this group was figuring out how to get approval and funding to paint educational murals on buildings and to add hand-decorated trash cans to increase proper litter disposal. A big thanks to the students and their fantastic teacher, Ms. McGuire -- keep up the great work...and keep inspiring! 

Next up, we headed back to the spot where it all started more than two years ago...cleaning up the Continental Divide. This time, we came prepared with granola, water, and of course, our ever-present trash bags, which we never hike without anymore. 

Like the last time, we did what anyone could do -- we cleaned things up a bit. It wasn't hard, and it didn't take long. And just like before, we felt really good when we were through, and the area looked a lot better, too. 

It was a special moment for us -- for the better part of two years, we have been traveling, volunteering at least one day each week no matter where we went.

We have seen and done so many things we before only dreamed about. But there is more to be done. More trash to be picked up. More books to shelve. More students, travelers and fellow humans to talk to about making giving back a part of their lives...at least one day each week. 

PANAMA SPECIAL OLYMPICS VOLUNTARIOS

We never really thought we'd spend a weekend bowling in Panama City, Panama. Never say never. 

We were resting up after our daily afternoon stroll between the fish market and Casco Viejo, when we heard two people talking animatedly about an upcoming sporting event. We soon figured out they were discussing a bowling tournament, of all things.

Interest piqued (Kip's a closet bowler, for real), we leaned in closer and soon learned that the Panama Special Olympics would soon be hosting its national bowling championships. 

Yes, we introduced ourselves immediately. Then, of course, we asked if they could use some free help at the tourney. 

Lucky for us, the two were helping organize the event, and soon enough, we were signed on as "voluntarios" for the big games. As volunteers, we would be doing everything from serving as guides for the participants to keeping order during the games, coordinating scores, and generally doing whatever anyone deemed necessary during the event. 

Working at a bowling tournament may not seem like the funnest way to spend a weekend in Panama. 

But think about it -- when would you ever get to sit front row at a national championship of anything, AND get to hang out, slap high fives and generally just have a good time? And do it in Central America with the amazing athletes from Special Olympics?  

Yeah, we had the best time ever. That's us below in the center, hanging with 'our' team just behind us and getting a hug from Pedro. 

Between frames we got to talk with the athletes. They told us about all the work they'd done to get where they were. They taught us how to say "strike" and "turkey" in Spanish. One girl told Liz she was going on a date with a guy from an opposing team, but that we couldn't tell anyone or her teammates would get really mad. 

We learned a lot that day -- both about bowling and about life as a Special Olympian.

As the bowlers rolled their final frames and the medal ceremonies ended, we realized we had been a part of something very special indeed. 

And we owed it all to volunteering and to the amazing athletes and people we met with Special Olympics Panama. 

VOLUNTEERING IN SAN JUAN DEL SUR

The entrance to the San Juan del Sur Library.

If you've got some time to spare between beach breaks and surf sessions, drop by the San Juan del Sur Library, aka Biblioteca Movil.

Just off the Parque Central about four blocks from the sand, the white-washed, one-story building trimmed out in ocean blue packs a big punch in a tiny package. 

In addition to hundreds of books in English and Spanish for kids and adults, they also offer computer literacy classes, study times, and best of all, a mobile library. 

For those unfamiliar with mobile libraries, first imagine a food truck, but instead of being a place to buy burritos, the library on wheels offers free books for loan in remote communities where libraries exist only in the dreams of the children who live there. 

It's food for the mind.

Travelers-turned volunteers are welcome to tag-along on the Mobile Library's scheduled three-times-per-week trips, which leave SJDS early and come back mid-afternoon. 

Sadly, the trips were on hold for a week-long holiday while we were there. If, like us, you're unable to make a trip with the Biblioteca Movil, the library also accepts new and used books, as well as supplies for their child learning and computer center.  

Drop by the Library for more info, to make a donation and of course, to sign up for a trip on La Biblioteca Movil.

Two librarians fill out library cards and educate visitors about volunteer opporutnities at La Biblioteca Movil. 

In front of the library, Kip waves hello after we dropped off some books and craft materials.

HIGH SCHOOL KIDS' HANDWRITTEN LETTERS

U.S. Postal Service

It's not often you get a handwritten letter these days. Blame it on Facebook or the failings of the U.S. Postal Service, but few people take the time to put pen to paper to send personal correspondence anymore. 

We had a big surprise waiting for us at home during our recent stop between trips. While we were away a class of high school students we had never met decided to write us letters. On paper. With pen and pencil. 

It turns out the kids and their thoughtful teacher Mrs. Paula Callender at Pleasant Hill High School (La.) had been following our travels and volunteer activities online for months. One day in class, they decided to write us letters on what they thought about traveling, our trip and giving back (Mrs. Callender later invited us to speak to her class, which we'll write about this week).

We read every letter, most of them a few times. Some were hopeful, some a little goofy (you know who you are!), all of them inspirational and well written. 

Thanks again to Chiquita, Mrs. Callender, and all the students who wrote us. While every letter they sent made us smile, one particular note stood out, the text of which we've included below:

"You inspired me to look beyond Pleasant Hill. You inspired me to be a better me and help others. What you guys are doing is beautiful and selfless. You guys have showed me that the world is a canvas and where ever you go, you can paint your life story. I just want to say thank you for opening my eyes to all the possibilities there are."

--Chiquita Carhee, student, Pleasant Hill High School

STORY FROM WORLD BICYCLE RELIEF

Big thanks to the folks at World Bicycle Relief for all the work they do...and for posting the story below on their blog about our recent experience with them in Uganda. 

For more than 100,000 individuals across Africa, WBR has shown bicycles can change lives. Thanks again, guys, and keep up the great work!
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WBR: Wheels on the Ground in Jinja, Uganda

Liz Zipse and her husband Kip have been traveling the world for the past year, with the intent to learn, adventure, and most of all--give back. 

With a goal of incorporating one day per week of volunteerism into their travels, Liz and Kip have participated in a myriad of amazing projects as they've hiked, dived and surfed their way around the globe...

Read the full article here... 

VOLUNTOURISM WITH SOFT POWER EDUCATION UGANDA

Kids take a break from supervising Liz's painting skills to wave hello. 

Sadly, there are folks out there who still don't comprehend the value of short-term volunteering. 

For example, guidebook publisher Lonely Planet's Africa guide informs potential volunteers that, "Unless you’ve got some expertise, and are prepared to stay for at least a year, you’re unlikely to be much use anyway." 

Really, Lonely Planet? A year or nothing? 

Perhaps the publisher should discuss its ill-advised statement with the folks at Soft Power Education or with the thousands of kids that Soft Power and its short-term volunteers have helped over the years. 

Like Big Brother Mouse in Laos, Soft Power seeks out travelers who aren't able to commit to weeks or months (or a year) of volunteering. The nonprofit offers visitors various options, including a "One Day Volunteering" program, which enables participants to tour its facilities, learn about issues affecting the area, donate, and work on an ongoing project such as painting a school or helping construct a building. 

Kip trying to stay between the lines.

Liz having a much easier time than hubby.

We had a few extra days in Jinja, so we emailed Soft Power through their website to see if they had anything available (click here for tips on finding volunteer opportunities on the road). From there, they hooked us up with an opportunity through their school refurbishment program. 

We were told to meet Kibii, their energetic volunteer manager who grew up nearby, at a local Nile River rafting company. From there, Kibii gave us a tour of some of the projects the organization had completed, including the Amagezi Education Centre and the Kayabirwa Children's Centre. After the tour, off we went in the back of a pickup to the site where we'd spend the rest of the day.

Kip and our guide Kibii, who manages volunteers and organizes projects for Soft Power Education. 

Painting walls back home can get tedious quickly. Yet, there's a certain joy in brushing some color to the walls of a noisy school while being closely-watched by kids who would much rather critique two muzungus working than play outside during recess. The students didn't seem to be going anywhere, so we put them to work and started testing out their English skills. 

"Which letter comes next?" we asked, as we painted our alphabetical-way around the room. In unison, the kids would shout back their answers. "Name an animal that starts with that letter"...and the game continued. 

All was well and good until a teacher came by the room. Playtime was over, it seemed, at least for the kids. 

For us, we still had hours and another alphabet or two to go. And despite the duties at hand, we couldn't wait to keep going.

Interested in volunteering with Soft Power? Check out there volunteer page and see what option works for you. 

Oddly enough, this sign is directly next to this "interesting" building.

PHOTO FRIDAY: HAPPY KIDS, HAPPY ADULTS

Nothing like happy kids to brighten up a day, especially a Photo Friday (which doesn't always have to be glowing sunsets and such).

The crazy kids above, whose classroom we were painting (more on that next week), decided it was time for recess. Then they decided we had to take photos with them and they would put on their happy faces. 

Hard to argue with a room full of grinning nine-yr-olds. 

TIPS ON VOLUNTEERING WHILE TRAVELING

Volunteering is fun (and maybe scary to at least one kid)!

Interested in voluntourism and volunteering during your next trip? 

The publication Third Sector, which asked us to write about our travels and 1 of 7, liked our first story so much they asked us to write another one with tips for people looking to volunteer while traveling.

Read the full story HERE or below. 

If you've recently volunteered during your travels (or at home!) and you'd like to see it featured on the 1 of 7 site, send us an email (1of7.org @ gmail.com) and we'll do our best to feature it here.

_________________________________________________________

Traveling volunteers Liz Zipse and Kip Patrick provide tips on 'voluntourism' - giving something back to local communities while travelling abroad

You Can Always Do Something
A lot of travelers like to volunteer while away from home. However, not everyone is willing or able to spend their entire holiday volunteering in one place, often paying a third-party organisation for the privilege, which is how many voluntourism trips are set up. 

For those 'selfish' travelers like us who still want to help but prefer short-term alternatives, there are countless ways to give back. From teaming up with on-the-ground organisations that accept short-term do-gooders to organizing your own beach or street cleanup, or helping local children with their nascent English skills, rest assured that whether you’re at home or abroad there’s always something you can do to help others.

Befriend Google
As part of pre-trip planning, do an online search for the word 'volunteer' and the name of the place you’re going.

Collecting trash on Everest trek.

This can be a helpful way to learn about local organisations that seek volunteers or find pre-scheduled events where volunteers may be needed – think Earth Day, public festivals, park clean-ups, and so on. 

While in South Africa last month, we found a local animal rescue organisation that held a weekly 'canine socialization session'. We signed up and, after a short training session, we were being overrun by a pack of the happiest, cutest, cuddliest canines we’d seen in months. 

Many charities have excellent websites, as well as volunteer coordinators who can help. Other organisations, such as Stuff Your Rucksack, have details of existing projects that need support around the world. Two other good examples of organisations that offer free, short-term volunteering opportunities are Big Brother Mouse in Laos and Soft Power in Uganda. 

Keep Your Eyes Open 
Opportunities to help out are all around us, particularly in less developed countries – though it often requires a sharp eye to see them. If you meet someone who’s keen to improve their English (and not just hoping to sell you a tour or a trinket), ask if they would like to work on their language skills. On beaches, street corners or nature trails littered with rubbish, spend a few hours picking up trash and see what happens. It’s not glamorous, and maybe it doesn't fit the classic definition of voluntourism, but these and other opportunities to give back are small but powerful ways to make a difference. 

The biggest surprise to us was that every time we found opportunities like this, other people joined in to help, whether it was a father and son in the Philippines, some kids from a nearby mosque in Borneo, or fellow travelers who just wanted to lend a hand. The main thing is to stay alert when an opportunity presents itself. 

Ask a Local 
If you haven't had any luck finding a volunteer opportunity online or at your destination, talk with a friendly local. Hotel managers, waiters, shopkeepers and even taxi drivers can be a wealth of information, helping you to find an organisation that might not be large enough to have a website. You can also stop by or email non-profits wherever you are to ask if they have recommendations. Even if they don’t offer short-term gigs themselves, they might know someone who does. One caveat: be aware that there are people and organisations whose main goal is to make money off tourists under the guise of doing good. Stay alert, ask questions and, if something doesn't seem quite right, don’t proceed. 

Don’t Hand Out Candy or Cash on the Street 
It might seem like a quick, easy way to make a difference but, as painful as it sounds, do your best not to give out sweets or money to beggars on the street, particularly to children. Candy will damage their teeth. Giving money is likely to encourage more begging. Worse, the street kids in some places might be forced to be there by criminals who use them as a source of income. There are exceptions to every rule, of course, but if you really want to help it’s better to direct your donation to a local organisation devoted to addressing the issue rather than make a bad situation worse. 

Ignore the Naysayers

Delivering books in Laos.

Surprisingly, there’s a large group of volunteer 'experts' who tell travelers that short-term volunteering isn't worthwhile. The Volunteer section of Lonely Planet’s latest Africa guide says: "Unless you've got some expertise, and are prepared to stay for at least a year, you’re unlikely to be much use." 

Organisations are doubtless thrilled to have highly skilled, long-term volunteers, especially those willing to pay for the privilege. But for most of us this type of requirement and time commitment simply isn't realistic.

A lack of time or money should never stop someone from giving back, particularly in places like Asia and Africa, home to most of the world’s poorest countries. Even the smallest of gestures can go a long way toward helping someone who needs it most. Do your research, stay alert, ask locals for advice and never be discouraged if someone tells you "you can't." Take it from us – you can. At the end of the day, remember that there’s always something we can do to help others – even if it’s just one day each week. 

-Liz Zipse and Kip Patrick have spent the last 11 months volunteering while travelling
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THIRD SECTOR: VOLUNTOURISM THE SELFISH WAY

The UK's top non-profit publication, Third Sector invited us to write an article about our trip, 1 of 7, and volunteering while traveling. 

Read the full article HERE, or check out a brief intro below.

Voluntourism the Selfish Way
Eleven months ago we left our nonprofit jobs in the U.S. and kicked off an around-the-world trip...all in pursuit of our goal to volunteer at least one day each week, no matter where the trip took us.

It’s not what most people think of when they hear the word “voluntourism”—which typically involves a trip to a single place for a defined period, all organised by a third party organisation.

But when it came to our trip of a lifetime, we were selfish....read the entire article here.

WALKING DOGS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Kip walks a rescued yellow lab at the SPCA in George, South Africa. 

The following story appeared in the George Herald, the local paper of the town where we stopped to volunteer on a drive along South Africa's famous Garden Route:

YANKS VISIT GEORGE SPCA

The Garden Route SPCA received some surprise visitors last week from the United States.

Liz Zipse and Kip Patrick, a married couple from Washington, DC, are volunteering their way around the world and stopped by the SPCA during one of its twice-weekly "animal socialization" sessions.

While at the facility, the couple joined a group of animal-loving George volunteers who walk dogs, cuddle cats and play with puppies, all of which are up for adoption.

"Our time at the SPCA in George was some of the most fun we've had in 10 months of volunteering all over Africa and Asia," said Liz Zipse, who, with her husband, is volunteering at least one day every week of their trip.

"The animals love the attention they get from our volunteers, and the volunteers really enjoy their time with our dogs and cats, which stay with us until we can find them a permanent, loving home," said Senior Inspector Salomé Botha. 

"We were happy Liz and Kip picked the Garden Route SPCA as part of their weekly volunteer activities... and were delighted that they took out memberships as well... our first American members!"



The SPCA welcomes volunteers to walk dogs and socialise puppies and cats. (Volunteers must be 16 or over.) The sessions take place 2.00pm to 4.00pm every Wednesday and 9.00am to 11.00am on Saturdays. 

For information on how you can become a volunteer, call Heather at 072 877 2911. For more information on the travels and volunteer activities Liz and Kip, visit their website at www.1of7.org.

HIKING (AND CLEANING UP) THE INDIAN HIMALAYAS

Our friend Alex Parlini (the dark speck on the trail) hikes toward Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak.

While Liz headed south to Udaipur, Mumbai, and Goa, Kip and his buddy Alex from DC went northeast to Darjeeling (thanks for the visit, AP!). After testing out the region's famous teas, they traveled into the Indian Himalayas for a trek toward the world's third highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga (alt: 28,169 ft). 

There, they hiked five days and watched some incredible sunsets/rises over the mountains of India/Tibet/Nepal/Bangladesh/Bhutan, one of the most unique and spectacular views in the world. 

Along the way, they also filled garbage bags with trash that lined the trails. As we had experienced in places including Nepal, Borneo, the Philippines, and others, the people met along the way happily joined the trail beautification efforts, proving once again that cleaning up...and volunteering...can be contagious. A big thanks to the guides, as well as Alex, Stewart, Stephanie, Raymond, and Sara.

With no trash collection in the mountains, garbage must be burned to get rid of it. Above, Alex supervises while the guides incinerate a small pile of some of the debris we collected during the five-day hike.

Mt Kanchenjunga in the morning light.

Kip at sunrise. The view includes Everest.

Potato diggers met along the trail.

The sun sets behind afternoon clouds.

TOP 6 FAVORITE VOLUNTEER STOPS

As part of our goal to volunteer at least one day each week, we've had the opportunity to see, learn, and do some amazing things. From cleaning up the bottom of a bay in Palau on Earth Day to delivering books to kids in rural Laos, it's been a fun and rewarding part of our trip so far.

As the new year begins, we thought we'd take a look back at our Top 6 favorite volunteer stops. 

Remember, whether you're at home or far from it, there's always something you can do to help others...even if it's just one day each week.

Delivering Books to Kids in Laos

Earth Day in Palau

Liz's Little Helpers in Borneo

Everest Trek Clean Up

Counting Whale Sharks in the Philippines

English By Candlelight in Burma

READING ENGLISH BY CANDLELIGHT

The best part of a visit to Myanmar is meeting the people who live here. Despite plenty of reasons to be less than happy, (rampant poverty and a life under a totalitarian government, to name two), the folks we've met have been some of the happiest, friendliest anywhere. 

On a bicycle ride through one of the local villages near Inle Lake, we met a man named U Paw San. He was walking with his nine-year old daughter along the shore. We said hello, he said hello. We were lost, as usual, so we asked U Paw where the dirt track we were on was headed. Luckily, he spoke some English. He gave us directions and then answered a few our inane questions about where to see birds, what time the sun sets, and if we were allowed to even be in his village.

The next thing we knew, he invited us to his house to meet the rest of his family and to have tea. It may sound somewhat abrupt, strangers getting asked into someone's home, but this quick hospitality happens often here. You start up a conversation with a local, and in two minutes, you're holding their baby or giving them high fives or having tea at their house.  

The most rewarding part for us came when his shy daughter finally started talking to us. Over hot tea, U Paw told us she was one of the top students in her English class at school, and she really wanted to practice. But she wasn't used to meeting strangers. 

By the second cup, and after much encouragement from her dad and mom, she brought her little backpack to a small table on the floor, pulled out her English workbook and started reading off a list of vegetables in English to Liz. There was no electricity in the house, which was built on wooden posts for flood protection, so we drank, read, and studied by candlelight. 

After about two hours of reading and talking, she decided to show us everything in her backpack. In addition to papers and well-used school books, the most interesting thing she showed us was her pencil sharpener--a small straight razor, which she was quite adept at using, much to her dad's delight. It's hard to imagine seeing 20 nine-year olds in class all whittling pencils with razor blades at the same time. 

Typical of Burmese hospitality, U Paw and family invited us to come back the next day. We couldn't say no, and we spent most of the day with them (more about that later), culminating in another candlelight English session over tea and rice cakes. As a bonus, the daughter taught us to count to 100 in Burmese. 


After spending so much time with the family and meeting so many neighbors in the village, we took some photos of everyone and printed them out as a thank you for adopting us temporarily. 

U Paw San's niece, face smeared with thanaka, came downstairs to read with us for a while. U Paw's parents and sister's family live upstairs in their two-room house. 

Mom holding MoMo, their youngest, surrounded by five young neighborhood boys.

Mom and son MoMo. They have four children total--three boys and a girl.

Liz playing "swing me" with a new friend.