Think Global — Act Global — You’ll Never Be the
Same!
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to change the world and to be changed in the process. The world is waiting for you. Join a Thrivent Builds Worldwide team today and start making a world of difference.
Foundation for Building
The Thrivent Builds Worldwide volunteer program consists of short-term house-building trips designed to give concerned people the opportunity to observe and contribute to Habitat’s work first hand. Working alongside homeowners and local volunteers, team members build a true “global village” of love, homes, families, communities and hope.
Building Bridges, Building Hope
Working with a Habitat affiliate is often a life-changing experience. Thrivent Builds Worldwide participants learn about poverty housing, development challenges and Habitat’s mission to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide. Thrivent Builds Worldwide team members give of themselves as they work alongside homeowners and local volunteers. Learning about the host community’s culture, language and social practices as well as developing new skills and confidence are additional benefits of participating in a trip.
Adventure Travel, Thrivent-Style
Every Thrivent Builds Worldwide Trip, coordinated by Global Village, is different and each team member can expect to gain a unique set of experiences and memories. Itineraries are balanced with plenty of work, rest and free time. Most teams spend a few days—depending on the length of the trip—touring local historic sites or attractions or participating in outdoor recreational activities. Safaris in national parks; visits to ancient ruins, museums and churches; hikes in the mountains and rainforests; whitewater rafting and kayaking trips are all part of the cultural experience for teams. Volunteers form a once-in-a-lifetime team as they travel, live, work and eat together.
An Invaluable Experience
Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip costs depend on the country visited, the host affiliate and the length of the trip. All trip costs include room and board, in-country transportation, traveler's medical insurance and a donation toward the host community’s building program. Airfare, cancellation protection and baggage insurance are not included in the cost. Some participants cover all of their costs, while many others engage in fund-raising campaigns. Cost estimates (US$) for a 9- to 14-day trip (not including airfare) are:
- Africa $1,300–$1,700
- Asia and South America $1,000–$1,800
- Central America/Caribbean $1,000–$1,400
- Europe $1,300–$2,200
Seeking Diverse, Dedicated Volunteers — No Experience Required
Individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the Thrivent Builds Worldwide program. Participants under age 18 may only participate if their participation has been approved by the team leader and the Thrivent Builds Worldwide coordinator, and if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Special arrangements may be required for those under the age of 14, as they may not be allowed to participate in build activities. In 2006, Thrivent Builds Worldwide will not sponsor any youth-group teams that are are not accompanied by a parent or guardian of every youth participant. Participants should be in good health. Work assignments often require strenuous manual labor.
Volunteer Leaders: Sharing the Vision
Team leaders offer their services as volunteers to Thrivent Builds Worldwide and to each team member. Team leaders are responsible for planning all aspects of the trip. All team leaders are approved by Thrivent Builds Worldwide and supported by Habitat coordinators.
General Guidelines to Consider
- Passport—In most cases you need a current passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some countries may also require a visa.
- Language fluency—There is no language requirement for participating in a trip.
- Work site safety—The onsite construction supervisor will instruct volunteers in the correct procedure for performing each task and will familiarize you with the potential hazards and how such hazards can be minimized or avoided.
- Health and personal safety—The health and safety of team members is a top priority of Thrivent Builds Worldwide. We keep informed of the latest travel advisories from several countries. The participant, however, has the responsibility of understanding the associated risks and making the final decision to participate with a team.
