Posted by Randy LeGrant on Wed, Dec 20, 2006
It has been a busy month in planes, trains and automobiles, if you will pardon the movie reference.
From its celebrated symbols of patriotism to its undiscovered neighborhoods, the sights and sounds of
Washington, DC are inspiring. Beyond it’s most familiar vistas, the capital city unwinds into a lively urban center. Casual cafes and upscale bistros line the trendy streets of Georgetown, while the downtown district sizzles with a host of new restaurants. Spontaneous Jazz notes tumble out the windows of U Street's nightclubs, while world-class performers take the stage at the highly acclaimed
Kennedy Center. Kayakers tackle the Potomac River as it winds past the elegant marble tributes to America's great leaders.
I was invited to the
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. President Carter established the President’s Commission on the Holocaust November 1, 1978. Then in 1980, Congress unanimously passed legislation to establish the United States Holocaust Memorial. I was surrounded by visions of
Darfur…the current exhibit on show there. But the focus that day was on the fate of all people who are isolated, persecuted, incarcerated and abused for being a certain color, living in a particular part of the world, or exercising religious freedom.
The following day it was next door to
Baltimore, a bustling city built on tradition and civic pride and the location of HBO’s hit mini-series,
The Wire. Since the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor in the late 1970s, Baltimore has set the standard for urban renewal and is now a major travel destination welcoming over 11 million business and leisure visitors each year.
The crown jewel of Baltimore is the Inner Harbor, a scenic and popular waterfront area with dozens of retail stores, restaurants and attractions. This, combined with Baltimore's easy accessibility, makes the city unique. What most people don't realize is that most sites and neighborhoods are within walking distance of each other, and this makes Charm City an ideal place for business as well as pleasure.
My meetings in Baltimore included a stop at
The Orchard Street A.M.E. Church. Free Blacks and slaves donated their labor and in 1837 built the structure at night by torchlight. According to oral tradition, the church's original buildings served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. During the 1970s, construction workers uncovered a secret tunnel underneath the church, which is now the oldest standing building constructed by Blacks in the city of Baltimore. There was an enormous effort recently for funding, after a water main burst and flooded the church.
And now I have just returned from London, where I met for three days with our CEO, Kevin Morgan, our COO, Jim Miller, and our UK partners who help us provide unique teaching and volunteer experiences there.
Our meetings were held in
Mayfair, set roughly between Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Park Lane, which is at the very heart of London. This area has been owned by the Grosvenor family since 1677 and takes its name from the 15-day May Fair, once held there every year.
Mayfair's expansive and handsome architecture has always attracted the very wealthy. For nearly 300 years the most influential people in the land have enjoyed its elegant squares, broad Georgian thoroughfares and beautiful parks. Mayfair also boasts the capital's most exclusive shops, hotels, restaurants and clubs.
The results of our meetings in London will provide not only a more firm foundation of volunteering and teaching abroad, but also create a framework around consistent themes that make each
GeoVisions project a safe, secure and life-changing experience for the community and the volunteer.
Thank you for making 2006 another great year!
We always appreciate our volunteers, teachers and anyone interested in our overseas opportunities. But during the holidays we reflect on the many people who make our
Global Work and Service Programs strong. Providing inspiring volunteer and teaching opportunities in 18 countries in 60 different projects worldwide, we have much to be thankful for. Please know that as we grow you are always important to us and your voice will always be heard, no matter how many volunteers and teachers work with us.
Pushing the envelope to improve our programs, responding to the needs of our overseas partners and being fairly priced and managed are our top goals. In 2007, we hope that you will continue to be impressed with our Global Work and Service Programs.
To our volunteers and teachers (and those thinking about volunteering) — best wishes for a wonderful holiday.
To our overseas partners — good luck with your inspiring work next year at each of your projects. Know that we are behind you, providing the very best teachers and volunteers worldwide to help fulfill your mission!
I look forward to seeing you in 2007!
Randy LeGrant
Executive Director
GeoVisions
Posted by Randy LeGrant on Mon, Nov 27, 2006
At this time of year, the Northeast United States has the “look and feel” of major change. The weather goes from hot and humid to cool and dry. Shorts and t-shirts give way to long pants and bulky sweaters. Trees change from green to red. It seems this happens as quickly as overnight, and that adds to the feeling of impending change.
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending some meetings in New York where I managed to steal a few hours inside the
American Museum of Natural History and the
Hayden Planetarium. Where I used to take my five year old almost monthly (he’s now working here and 24 years old), I now take my six and eight year olds. The special exhibits are riveting, but not so much as the wonder reflected in the eyes of children and the sharp questions (never-ending and without pause) on the subway home.
A walk down Fifth Avenue humbles me, and keeps me grounded at the same time.
GeoVisions' newest program in South Africa saturates my mind as I contrast the wealth on some of New York’s streets against the memory of round, mud huts and villagers foraging for food in Africa’s Wild Coast. Here, Microsoft has donated 50 computers, and we will be sending computer-literate volunteers to show the students how to use them.
I am thankful for the volunteers contacting us about our projects and how well people all around the world are responding. We have been contacted by new volunteers in Brazil, Singapore, Germany, China and Jordon along with many from the U.S. GeoVisions now has 80 projects operating in 20 countries. This is where need meets inspiration. And that makes an enormous difference in lives and communities around the world.
November reminds us that the holiday season is approaching. For all those inspired enough to make a difference with GeoVisions in upcoming 2007, all of us here thank you. Your emails and phone calls, your applications, and your enthusiasm to leave a place better than you found it inspires us to to go that extra mile to make sure you meet that goal.
Have a wonderful November.
Randy LeGrant
Executive Director
GeoVisions