THE NEED
Volunteers provide a cost effective and scalable compliment to philanthropic or aid giving. The value of volunteerism remains hard to quantify, but we do know it outdistances the value of cash contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations by a factor of nearly 3:11 (European Volunteer Measurement Project, Center for Civil Society Studies, Johns Hopkins University, 2011). As numbers of volunteers increase worldwide, so does the need to train those leading them. Companies increasingly recognize the return of investing in and improving the communities where their employees live and work. Corporate volunteer engagement can connect employees with local organizations for annual service days and larger campaigns. GSLI provides a model and platform for a ensuring these investments have a long term and sustained impact. We share the belief that a hand out does not make for sustainable change. Service leaders are the change makers, uniquely positioned in their communities to mobilize resources, including human capital, to address key areas of social concern.
OUR APPROACH
GSLI works with service leaders to identify local issues and explore models for solutions.
Our approach is:
LOCAL - diverse cultural approaches demand innovative programs and new ideas that address local needs
INNOVATIVE - service leaders are empowered social entrepreneurs, applying volunteer resources to find new solutions to long-standing social challenges
SUSTAINABLE – by engaging people at the local level in the solution, the results are more sustainable and longer lasting.
THE COMMUNITY
Membership in GSLI's community of VOLiNTEER is open to non-profit leaders, educators, private sector CSR executives, and all tasked with volunteer management, currently in over 100 countries. GSLI offers leadership development to individual volunteer leaders worldwide in the following ways:
- access to the VOLiNTEER online network that links service leaders in a community of interest, facilitating sharing of best practices, innovative approaches, and new resources;
- opportunities for peer exchange and mentoring to build bridges, share success stories and challenges, and explore collaboration;
- invitations to join international awareness campaigns and service summits (hosted in partnership with U.S. Embassies), bringing together service leaders for a common cause;
- Meridian honors and supports these leaders, promoting a sustained commitment to civic participation and inspiring others to make service a central part of their lives.
If you are interested in joining GSLI or learning more about programs, please contact Meg Poole, Director at (202) 939-5895 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
