In her previous blog post, The Power of Volunteering Across Three Countries, Lindsay shared with us volunteering experiences during her travel abroad. We learned how volunteering can shape our understanding of service, culture, and people across the globe. In her own words, “I didn’t just visit these countries — I became part of their daily rhythms and challenges.”
In this blog post, Lindsay tells us more about how volunteering is closely aligned with the values behind Greenheart’s Career Advancement Program (CAP). CAP encourages global citizenship, cultural immersion, and personal growth — and volunteering brings all of those elements to life. To find out how, read on!
By Lindsay Coleman-Marsh, Associate Director of Greenheart’s Career Advancement Program for Intern/Trainee
Volunteering builds global leadership.
Service requires empathy, humility, adaptability, and teamwork — skills that CAP champions.
It enriches personal reflection
Every day I volunteered, I walked away with questions, realizations, and stories that shaped my worldview.
It strengthens CAP’s community connections
When participants volunteer, they become ambassadors of goodwill, building lasting ties between CAP and local organizations.
How Host Organizations Can Support Volunteers in CAP
Based on my experiences, here’s what I believe host organizations can offer to help CAP participants find meaningful service opportunities:
1. A simple introduction or orientation: just a few minutes explaining the mission, the community, and what volunteers can expect.
2. A list of small, manageable tasks: many students want to help but need clear direction.
3. Context — not just instructions: when organizations explain the “why,” participants understand the impact more deeply.
4. A chance to observe before jumping in: this helps participants feel confident and prepared.
5. Reflection prompts: even a few questions can transform an experience into a lesson.
6. Follow-up resources: articles, videos, or ways to stay engaged help students carry the experience home.
7. Opportunities for continued involvement: remote volunteering or awareness campaigns can keep connections alive.
Why Volunteerism Matters — Personally
Across these three countries, I learned that service is universal. It transcends language, culture, and borders. It is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to understand a new place — not from the outside, but from within.
Volunteering taught me to:
- Listen.
- Be present.
- See people not as strangers, but as neighbors in a global community.
If you’re participating in a program like CAP — or even if you’re simply traveling — I encourage you to find your way into a local kitchen, classroom, shelter, or community space. The impact you make may be small, but the experience you gain will stay with you far longer than any souvenir.
And who knows — you might walk away changed, just like I did.
Are you a U.S. business and interested in hosting international professionals to enrich your company with a global perspective? Visit HostGreenheartProfessionals.org to learn more.