GIVE’s Pillars of Sustainable Change

In honor of Earth Day:

See how we gave back in 2025 & join our Go Green with GIVE Week!

Sustainable change at GIVE is built on three key pillars: environmental, social, and economic impact. Every time we build relationships with communities, design new programs, or add experiences to our itineraries, we must ask ourselves: How does this support the local community environmentally, socially, and economically? If the answer is yes to all three, it’s a go! If not, we head back to the drawing board. This commitment to responsible travel is how we create lasting, positive change. Discover how these pillars come to life in our projects—and see how you can be part of the movement to Go Green with GIVE!

One Team. One Dream.

Socially

In Tanzania: We’re building relationships with our new local partners in Kilwa Masoko, fostering cultural exchange & community-led initiatives along Tanzania’s southern coast.
In Zanzibar: Skuli ya Kairo GIVE was recently ranked #1 in the district and #3 in the region, expanding access to quality education for students in the community.
In Thailand: 400+ students in rural hill-tribe communities received immersive English education, building confidence, communication skills, and future opportunity.
In Laos: 70 hard-working and passionate students from Sop Chem received participation-based scholarships to help cover their school costs.
In Hawai’i: Our first local scholarship winner, who joined a trip last year, was empowered to pursue being an emergency response volunteer with the Red Cross for the Hawaiian Islands.
In Costa Rica: In the community of Gandoca, we’ve launched the first-ever adult English class, welcoming community members into a formal classroom setting for the very first time.
In Nicaragua: Our English Education Coordinator and Guide, Megan, is living in the community of Jiquilillo to help enhance the English classes within the community, providing greater access to learning opportunities.

Environmentally

In Tanzania: On our first trip, we planted 500+ mangroves, helping restore coastal ecosystems that protect shorelines and support marine life.
In Zanzibar: We’ve started working with local women’s co-op, Chako, turning resort waste into sustainable art, reducing trash while supporting community-led environmental solutions.
In Thailand: Local students gained water confidence and learned shark conservation through hands-on marine education experiences.
In Laos: We have strengthened supportive efforts for Free the Bears, a nonprofit rescuing 150+ bears and other wildlife from the illegal trade.
In Hawai’i: In 2025, we removed over ~4,000 lbs. of marine debris and invasive plants from critical habitats along the Big Island coastlines.
In Costa Rica: Community members in Gandoca are now regularly harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables from plants cultivated by GIVE volunteers, providing essential nourishment for the children attending the local school.
In Nicaragua: Turtle expert Ramon continues his dedicated efforts in releasing baby sea turtles into the wild, playing a crucial role in preserving and supporting the sea turtle population along Nicaragua’s North Pacific coast.

Economically

In Tanzania: By working with local guides, boat operators, and small businesses, we’re helping bring sustainable tourism revenue into a region that sees far fewer visitors.
In Zanzibar: Four former students from our tutoring program secured full-time jobs this year with the government and local hotels, creating real pathways to long-term employment.
In Thailand: Supported mahouts in developing community-based elephant tourism to foster healthy communities and ecosystems.
In Laos: Driven by their goal of becoming the cleanest village in Laos, the community of Sop Chem has already begun making it a reality. We’ve purchased thousands of eco-bricks from local residents, and construction has officially started on both a community kitchen and a new roadway.
In Hawai’i: We’ve contributed $8,000+ to local nonprofits focused on environmental restoration, food security, and indigenous cultural preservation.
In Costa Rica: We’ve invested in training local guides by providing Wilderness First Aid and Leadership courses, helping to enhance their skill sets and increasing their earning potential in future employment opportunities.
In Nicaragua: Through our ongoing support of ecotourism in Jiquilillo, we’re empowering women and driving sustainable growth in the local community, contributing to both economic stability and gender equality.

Lead with change with us:

Join our #GoGreenwithGIVE Week: April 20th-26th!

Every day this week, join us to make a positive impact with our daily challenges. Share how you take action and inspire others to do the same! Tag @givevolunteers and #gogreenwithGIVE. Together, let’s show love for our planet.

	Meatless Monday – Go vegetarian for the day!
	Transportation Tuesday – Skip the car, bike/walk for your commute
	Water Wednesday – Be mindful of your water consumption
	Team Human Thursday – Share stories of people who inspire you to be an engaged global citizen
	Footprint Friday – Leave handprints instead of footprints
	Salvage Saturday – Focus on reducing waste: reuse & upcycle
	Shop Green Sunday – Support sustainable brands

Download Digital Flyers/Tempaltes!

*Join us in a fun social challenge for sustainability! Tag @givevolunteers & use #GoGreenwithGIVE on social media to show your support, engage your community, and inspire action*

GIVE’s Pillars of Sustainable Change

In honor of Earth Day:

One Team. One Dream.

Socially

In Tanzania: We’re building relationships with our new local partners in Kilwa Masoko, fostering cultural exchange & community-led initiatives along Tanzania’s southern coast.

In Zanzibar: Skuli ya Kairo GIVE was recently ranked #1 in the district and #3 in the region, expanding access to quality education for students in the community.

In Thailand: 400+ students in rural hill-tribe communities received immersive English education, building confidence, communication skills, and future opportunity.

In Laos: 70 hard-working and passionate students from Sop Chem received participation-based scholarships to help cover their school costs.

In Hawai’i: Our first local scholarship winner, who joined a trip last year, was empowered to pursue being an emergency response volunteer with the Red Cross for the Hawaiian Islands.

In Costa Rica: In the community of Gandoca, we’ve launched the first-ever adult English class, welcoming community members into a formal classroom setting for the very first time.

In Nicaragua: Our English Education Coordinator and Guide, Megan, is living in the community of Jiquilillo to help enhance the English classes within the community, providing greater access to learning opportunities.

Environmentally

In Tanzania: On our first trip, we planted 500+ mangroves, helping restore coastal ecosystems that protect shorelines and support marine life.

In Zanzibar: We’ve started working with local women’s co-op, Chako, turning resort waste into sustainable art, reducing trash while supporting community-led environmental solutions.

In Thailand: Local students gained water confidence and learned shark conservation through hands-on marine education experiences.

In Laos: We have strengthened supportive efforts for Free the Bears, a nonprofit rescuing 150+ bears and other wildlife from the illegal trade.

In Hawai’i: In 2025, we removed over ~4,000 lbs. of marine debris and invasive plants from critical habitats along the Big Island coastlines.

In Costa Rica: Community members in Gandoca are now regularly harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables from plants cultivated by GIVE volunteers, providing essential nourishment for the children attending the local school.

In Nicaragua: Turtle expert Ramon continues his dedicated efforts in releasing baby sea turtles into the wild, playing a crucial role in preserving and supporting the sea turtle population along Nicaragua’s North Pacific coast.

Economically

In Tanzania: By working with local guides, boat operators, and small businesses, we’re helping bring sustainable tourism revenue into a region that sees far fewer visitors.

In Zanzibar: Four former students from our tutoring program secured full-time jobs this year with the government and local hotels, creating real pathways to long-term employment.

In Thailand: Supported mahouts in developing community-based elephant tourism to foster healthy communities and ecosystems.

In Laos: Driven by their goal of becoming the cleanest village in Laos, the community of Sop Chem has already begun making it a reality. We’ve purchased thousands of eco-bricks from local residents, and construction has officially started on both a community kitchen and a new roadway.

In Hawai’i: We’ve contributed $8,000+ to local nonprofits focused on environmental restoration, food security, and indigenous cultural preservation.

In Costa Rica: We’ve invested in training local guides by providing Wilderness First Aid and Leadership courses, helping to enhance their skill sets and increasing their earning potential in future employment opportunities.

In Nicaragua: Through our ongoing support of ecotourism in Jiquilillo, we’re empowering women and driving sustainable growth in the local community, contributing to both economic stability and gender equality.

Lead with change with us:

Join our #GoGreenwithGIVE Week: April 20th-26th!