My wife and I, along with eight other volunteers, spent 12 days in a remote part of Nepal working with local craftspeople and workers helping to restore a historic Buddhist gompa (or monastery) that had thrived for centuries but had fallen into disrepair.

Whether it's the majestic vistas of the snowcapped Himalayas, the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, the peace of the Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries, the wildlife in Chitwan National Park, or a visit to another World Heritage Site, trekkers and world travelers alike have long been making their way to Nepal to witness its beauty and learn of its rich culture and history.

Skilled attorneys are always in need worldwide, particularly in the areas of human rights, international development, capacity building, land rights, rule of law initiatives, as well as policy and legislation.

I spent two weeks in South Africa working with students as a volunteer for Bridges to Understanding, a program that has taught digital storytelling workshops both in the US and in international locations. Through Bridges, volunteers go to India, Peru, Guatemala and South Africa to support local students in telling their own stories through brief movies made from still images.

Why FSD?
The Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) offers a global treasure trove of volunteer opportunities—especially for the Boomer volunteer. 

Bridges to Understanding grew out of a belief that every child has a story to tell and that this story is important to share in a global community. The organization began in 2001, out of the inspiration of founder and renowned photographer Phil Borges, who had visited several indigenous communities and saw that many cultures, isolated from one another, were being lost.