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HOME
Join me on an ongoing adventure in both inner journeys and outward experiences. The HOME link above will take you to my main site, where you will find a lot more to explore. If you would like to add your own comments (readable by all visitors), just click on the COMMENTS link below any entry. If you want to send a private message to me, click on the menu item CONTACT LIZ above, or send email to liz@whereisliz.com
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Global Ambassadors, an idea whose time has come...
In a most encouraging start to the new year, the idea of using travel as a tool for both personal growth and to effect positive change in the world is receiving more attention than ever.
Lonely Planet's Global Travel Editor, Don George, has written a great column about the growing movement for people to take the opportunity to use their travel to help change the world:
"People recognize more keenly and acutely than ever that if we are going to have understanding and peace in the world, we must build the road ourselves. Every interpersonal connection places one more brick on that path. Every trip is an ambassadors."
You can read the whole article here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/columns/traveller_archive/2003dec31/
This is not a new idea. Servas, an international organization of travelers and hosts has been working since 1948, their goal to work together "to foster peace, goodwill and mutual respect" by providing "...opportunities for person-to-person contacts between people of diverse cultures and backgrounds."
In their December 2003 newsletter (http://www.usservas.org/newsletter.html#backpack) they recognize that these goals are being reflected in projects such as Brad Newsham's Backpack Nation, and my own efforts to create a personal global goodwill ambassadorship model that others can follow.
I also see virtual travel communities like Globosapiens, BootsnAll, and Travellerspoint as a vital part of this equation... a way for people to make meaningful interpersonal connections that are not blocked by political borders or geographical obstacles. Here we can share information, form friendships and learn about each other and our unique cultures (even when we can't afford the time or cost of actual travel). And when we can travel, we can do so with the help and advice of people who have been there before, and who live there now -- an advantage that is guaranteed to lead to a more interesting, insightful journey.
This is my wish, for a more interconnected, understanding and peaceful 2004, and beyond.
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