Humanist Action
Ecuadorian Exchange (part 2 of 3): Learning from Tandana Foundation
For a long time this trip was just a dream. Although multiple people at Foundation Beyond Belief had put a lot of hours into its planning, in the end it seemed impossible. International laws and foreign immigration systems made it extremely difficult to get to Ecuador. It didn’t matter that Ecuador is visa-free for 90…
Read MoreEcuadorian Exchange: learning from human rights groups in Quito (part 1 of 3)
When I arrived in Quito I was jet lagged and exhausted from two days of flights filled with lengthy and agonizing layovers. I was also suffering from altitude sickness coming from Ghana where the altitude is around 880 meters (compared to Quito’s 2,850 meters). However, I was excited to be in Ecuador and really looking forward to meeting…
Read MoreGuest blog: In Service, be as Selfish as Possible
There is a cautionary tale that frequently surfaces in discussions about international aid. Women from a particular village walk miles to the river to do laundry despite the donation of a laundry trough circling the village’s water tank. The organization that donated the washing station failed to realize that laundry time serves another function: women-only…
Read MoreAnnouncement: Humanist Action: Ghana accepting applications
Are you ready to deepen your humanism through international service? The Humanist Action: Ghana (HA: Ghana) is now accepting applications for the 2019-2020 volunteering commitment. 2019-2020 volunteers will be the first HA: Ghana group to support grassroots human rights organizations working in the Central Region as well as keep supporting our partner organizations in the Northern Region…
Read MoreHumanist Action: Ghana Update Part 2
To read part one click here. Last December the 2017-2018 HA: Ghana team (volunteers and FBB leadership) mutually decided to leave Yendi. The HA: Ghana program faced some unexpected challenges in 2017 that forced several big location changes for our volunteers. While these challenges were entirely outside our control, we want to remain transparent about the…
Read MoreHumanist Action: Ghana Update
You may have noticed that the Humanist Action: Ghana (HA: Ghana) has been silent on social media in the first months of 2018. We want to bring you up to date on an eventful few months. As you may know, HA: Ghana launched in Ghana’s Northern Region in support of Songtaba, a grassroots women’s rights…
Read MoreHA: Ghana: A guide to making friends in Ghana
Throughout my life, this one question has always been at the forefront of my mind when trying something new. As I have moved from place to place, joined new teams and organizations this question would always format itself in one of two ways. How will I make friends? What if I don’t make friends? Naturally,…
Read MoreMeeting People Where They Are
Over the years, I have worked to help people of all ages, from a plethora of backgrounds, situations, and worldviews. I have been an educator, a caretaker, and a friend. I have worked in three different countries and cultural contexts, and in many different levels of involvement. Though I have learned many lessons, and hope…
Read MoreVolunteers arrive in Ghana for Humanist Action: Ghana
The new volunteers for our third Humanist Action: Ghana team have arrived in Yendi, and orientation has begun. After introductions, Baako Alhassan began their training with Dagbanli language lessons. Lukeman Domba then facilitated a session detailing the history of the Northern Region of Ghana, land demarcation of Ghana, and cross cultural differences. In this photo…
Read MoreGratitude and the kola nut: the end of the road in Ghana
There is a saying in the Northern Region of Ghana that says, “Kola nut lasts in the mouths of those who value it.” Kola nuts come from a tree in the rainforests of Africa and are used in many ceremonial traditions, including guests visiting a chief in Ghana. You are expected to bring kola nuts…
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