What is Ambassadors for Children?
Ambassadors for Children (GAFC) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving children around the world through short-term humanitarian service trips and sustainable programs. GAFC is committed to promoting peace and understanding through face to face cultural exchange opportunities and global volunteerism. Since its conception, GAFC has assisted over 50,000 children worldwide and provided over 3 million dollars in aid to our global partners.
When was GAFC founded?
Sally Brown, former president and CEO of the largest travel club in the United States, followed her vision to combine travel with serving others and founded Ambassadors for Children in 1998.
Who volunteers with GAFC?
People of all ages, occupations and backgrounds can provide a valuable service. Ambassadors for Children volunteers have no language or professional requirements for participation on national and international volunteer programs. Volunteers typically share common characteristics such as flexibility, compassion, a sense of adventure, and most importantly the desire to work with and learn local people in the host community.
What will my accommodations be like?
GAFC attempts to provide accommodations that let our volunteers get a feel for the host culture; whether it be a guest house, an ashram, or an urban hotel. Accommodations vary depending on the destination. Additional details will be provided in your orientation package.
When should I book my travel arrangements and how?
As of mid-2007, GAFC will no longer make air arrangements for our trips. Volunteers will be responsible for booking their own travel to the designated meeting point for the start of the trip. We can give you recommendations or suggestions on how to make these arrangements.
Who leads the trips?
GAFC has a group of dedicated Travel Coordinators in addition to our own staff members and local guides that lead our trips. All GAFC Coordinators have had extensive experience either in a leadership capacity or in international travel.
How many volunteers will be on my program?
The number of volunteers on a trip can range from 10 – 30, depending on the particular program and destination.
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend travel insurance, and work through Travelex Insurance Services. If you would like to enroll in a plan, please call 800.228.9792 and use the GAFC Location Number 14-0020.
Who will meet me once I arrive?
You will be met at a designated point determined by your travel coordinator, who will be in contact with you prior to your trip. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet the group at that point on the start date and time.
What physical shape do I need to be in to participate on a trip?
Volunteers should be in good physical health to participate on an GAFC trip. Some trips are more active than others, however GAFC can generally accommodate certain physical limitations if necessary. If you have specific concerns, please contact the GAFC office.
Are there any age requirements to participate on an GAFC trip?
We at Ambassadors for Children encourage people of all ages to participate in our service programs. Minors (those under 18 years of age) do need to travel with a parent or a specified guardian.
What if I want to stay in the country after the GAFC program ends? What if I want to arrive in the country before the program begins?
We encourage our volunteers to experience the specific host country to its fullest. However, GAFC is responsible for your arrangements during the designated program dates only. If you would like to do various activities other than the particular cultural programs GAFC includes in its trips, you need to make those arrangements on your own, although we can offer you suggestions.
What should I bring with me?
GAFC will provide you with an orientation package prior to your trip detailing country information, accommodations, tips for packing for your trip, and other necessary information. You must have a passport for all GAFC trips, except for those trips within the United States. For more information, please see our Travel Tips section, and contact GAFC with any specific questions.
Do I need a visa?
Visa requirements vary depending on the trip. If you do need a visa, it is noted under the trip details. Visa costs are not included in the program fee. If you are required to obtain a visa for entry to a specific country, state that you are on vacation so that you avoid having to apply for a work permit. You do need a valid passport before you can apply for a visa.
Will I have free time during my trip?
Yes, you will have free time most evenings and at least one day to explore on your own or relax. For our longer trips, volunteers will have a minimum of 2 days free.
What’s not covered in the trip fee?
Transportation costs you incur in getting to the specified meeting point for the beginning of the program, passport fees, visa fees, vaccinations and other preventative medications, free-time expenses, optional tours, and anything else not specifically listed under ‘inclusions’ of the trip. Medical and trip cancellation insurance also are not included in the service program fee, but are recommended.
How can I help?
- Take a trip with GAFC to volunteer and support our global partners.
- You can make a monetary donation to GAFC on behalf of one of our sustainable programs – please look under ‘Impact Projects’ to learn more about these programs. When donating for a specific program, please note that on the memo section of your check.
- GAFC also accepts donated items for our projects. We routinely collect items such as
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- Children’s and adults’ vitamins
- Aspirin and children’s pain relievers
- Band-aids, cotton swabs, latex gloves, and other medical items
- Children’s Spanish books
- Notebooks, pens and pencils
- Sewing supplies and sewing materials
- Other various items as specified
While we appreciate your willingness to help, we may decline items that are not specifically listed, as the items above reflect the needs of our long-term projects with our partners.
- Make a tax-deductible donation to Ambassadors for Children. You can make a donation for any amount online at Donations via PayPal! Or send a check to GAFC. We will provide you with a thank you letter and our Tax ID # for your records.
- Donate to our general fund: We are a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization that relies on financial contributions. For every dollar donated, GAFC delivers $20 worth of aid that substantively assists and gives hope to children and families in need.
- Sponsor a student: You may not be able to participate on missions yourself, but your donations could help sponsor a student to volunteer
Will I be safe on a trip?
GAFC has a high level of diplomatic and political support in the countries we visit. We will take every precaution to keep you as safe as possible. Our participants will be appraised if there is a U.S. State Department warning to a location, and participants take full personal responsibility if they decide to travel to the location anyway. If necessary, we will reschedule a trip if we feel it is unsafe to travel.
What traits make for a good experience?
Volunteers are typically culturally sensitive, flexible, optimistic, willing to both share and learn, work well in a team setting, and above all are open to new experiences. We ask that you be open-minded and flexible, as things in other countries do not always work the way they do in the U.S.
Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
When you volunteer with Ambassadors for Children, you are donating time and labor, but there are still costs associated with the set-up and maintenance of the experience in which you volunteer. GAFC is a volunteer organization and is 100% financially self-supported through its trips and individual contributions. GAFC is committed to respecting volunteers’ resources, and keeps its overhead costs to a minimum. At the same time, our trips cost money to ensure consistent, quality, safe, and rewarding experiences.
Does GAFC have any religious or government affiliation?
No. GAFC is a nonsectarian organization. We may, however, work with a group within the host community who has religious or government affiliation. In this case, we make all efforts to ascertain and be assured that the host group works with all members of the larger community, regardless of religious or political beliefs and associations.
Can I fundraise for my trip?
Absolutely! We encourage people to fundraise for their volunteer experience and offer guidance on how to be successful at it. Getting others involved in your effort is yet another way to widen the network of global citizenry.
Can GAFC arrange a group trip?
Absolutely! A cross-cultural humanitarian trip is an innovative experience that can be shared by and enrich any group, offering many opportunities for growth, cultural enrichment, and team building. Select an GAFC location or project that resonates with your group, and explore the possibilities. Each GAFC program is led by an experienced, trained travel coordinator. GAFC will make pre-trip preparations and send your orientation information, handle all country logistics, and facilitate meetings. Each GAFC trip allows for some free time to explore the surrounding area, and has some flexibility in arranging certain dates for your group’s trip.
Can I get college credit for my GAFC trip?
Many colleges encourage and support volunteer experience by counting the project towards your academic program as a service-learning internship or independent study. Make sure to talk to an advisor to facilitate this process and see what guidelines are in place at your school.
I’m a schoolteacher. Can I get continuing education credits for going on an GAFC trip?
Ten continuing education unit hours per week can be earned by participating on an GAFC trip. It will be necessary, however, for you to seek pre-approval from your local continuing education committee. CEU Certificates of Participation will be awarded if requested. Participants will earn their CEUs by developing skills in the following areas: Trip Preparation (accomplished through reading and orientation), Developing Cultural Competencies (accomplished through community interaction and project participation), and Self-Development (accomplished through journals, group meetings, discussions, and reflections).
Have a question that you didn’t see here? Contact us at 866.338.3468 or
contact@ambassadorsforchildren.org.
