During the 2010 ATWS panel on Visual Storytelling, NomadsLand debuted a video co-production it created in conjunction with Florida’s Dragonfly Expeditions. The project was designed to instruct tour operators and tourism boards how to create “signature films” and interactive marketing campaigns to use visual  storytelling in establishing direct relationships with potential travelers through ads and social media.

Founder Davin Hutchins said, “Creating simple yet compelling storylines through video about these companies and destinations is really the future of adventure travel. Emphasizing environmental stewardship, triple-bottom-line values and soft adventure in the language of video will be key as the industry goes mainstream.”

From Dragonfly’s blog:

The Labor Day weekend of 2010 brought an exciting opportunity to Dragonfly Expeditions: Our company was selected by  NomadsLand among several contestants to have a professionally produced video shot and edited to be presented at the ATTA World Summit in Scotland in October of 2010.  Davin Hutchins from  traveled to South Florida to capture the sights and sounds that exemplify Dragonfly Expeditions’ journeys and philosophy.

Nomadsland has a unique approach to filmmaking which became very apparent to us when we saw several examples of their work. Their goal is to curate, create and distribute visual media that raises awareness and support of businesses, foundations and NGOs seeking to reshape our planet for a better future by telling inspirational stories of the greening of business, responsible tourism, sustainable global development and the advent of social capitalism.  The goal of the 3-day shoot with Dragonfly Expeditions was not to come up with a mere “clip”, but rather an actual short film or “micro-documentary” which would explore in-depth what the values are that make Dragonfly Expeditions stand out and that drive the relationships our company entertains with its clients, staff, vendors and friends.

Read more…

In recent years, economic reforms have transformed India into one of the fastest growing economies. However, low-income areas abound, and high levels of illiteracy and malnutrition continue to affect social progress. Issues like these along with the caste system — the traditional social hierarchy of Indian society — contribute to the socio-economic divide within the population. Throughout its history, India has proven to be a center of social activism, change, and resilience. Our Partner Programs in India reflect these values and strive to provide necessary services that improve the lives of community members.

In recent years, many advances have been made to improve healthcare, hygiene, and education. However, malnutrition, disease, and the large economic divide between well-paid workers and low-paid workers have hindered some of this progress. In addition, the population in Ghana has been growing more quickly than facilities to provide proper social services can be created. One way that Ghanaians have used to tackle these issues is to create community NGOs to help provide the basic social services that residents need.

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a recognized leader in the field of international volunteering, founded in 1995. CCS has a worldwide staff of over 200 people and has been profiled in more than 500 news outlets.

It emphasizes responsible and ethical tourism by active participation with the local communities and by disseminating information on the benefits to the community and the wildlife that surrounds them.

Camps International already has sustainable development and conservation projects running in Kenya and Tanzania and is about to expand with similar ventures in Borneo. The CIT charity will direct funds to support these projects and ensure every penny is carefully spent. It important to stress that, unlike large international charities, CIT will avoid local government or other non-governmental agencies directing with how the money is distributed.

PEPY primarily works in Siem Reap Province in the northwestern part of Cambodia. The majority of PEPY’s educational programs are in Chanleas Dai Commune, a rural area about 65 km outside the city of Siem Reap. The city, home to the temples of Angkor, is a burgeoning tourist destination and generates millions of dollars in tourism revenue each year.

WAVES for Development offers impoverished coastal communities innovative Educational Surf and Surf Voluntourism programs that take advantage of surfing resources for meeting community development goals and reducing poverty. By offering Educational Surf programs, at-risk youth develop healthy physical activity habits outside of the classroom, gain an appreciation for the natural environment, and acquire needed life skills while building confidence and having fun. The beneficiaries of our programs include Peruvian youth, local partner organizations in coastal communities, and international visitors.

Our community-based programs promote:

+ Cultural Exchange and Understanding
+ Life Skills for Local Youth
+ Environmental Conservation
+ Sustainable Tourism
+ Social Entrepreneurship

Voluntourism is a rare opportunity to spend time with the world’s children in a way that most people couldn’t imagine. Our trips to India combine sight seeing in one of the most interesting places on our planet with serving those who are in need.

We have multiple trips planned for 2009 and all include visits to our children’s homes to meet the children and opportunities to see the wonderful scenery and culture of India.

A trip to one of The Miracle Foundation homes will be one of the most fulfilling trips of your life!

These unique and culturally fascinating volunteer abroad Quests blend working with children in one of the world’s most beautiful and exotic places, while learning about the incredible culture and people of Nepal! United Planet’s unique Quest opportunities enable you to gaze beyond cultural boundaries to support, learn from and befriend the warm and gracious people of Nepal.