Karuna International is a nonprofit organization working to bridge the gap between the United States and developing countries by increasing global awareness.  We produce events to educate young adults about global development issues and inform them of the opportunities available to volunteer abroad.  We support independent, grassroots organizations that place volunteers alongside locals to work together to achieve solutions to development issues.  The lack of political and religious affiliations allows us to work with an open mind and cultural sensitivity.  By providing global education and scholarships to volunteer abroad, we are making a difference, one person at a time.

We are a 501c(3) nonprofit comprised of compassionate agents of social change who know we can make a difference in the lives of others and promote international development with cross-cultural awareness and respect. Our goal is to empower young adults to be globally conscious leaders of social change.

The mission of Karuna International is to increase cross-cultural awareness among young adults by serving as a resource for global education, providing information and assistance to volunteer abroad, and creating opportunities that foster leadership development.

We serve American young adults, primarily youth of color, from low-income communities, by offering global education and scholarships to volunteer abroad. We serve individuals in developing countries by providing volunteers to work alongside them to create solutions to development issues.

MY FIRST PASSPORT:
An educational scholarship program for youth from low-income, urban communities, My First Passport provides a global education curriculum as well as an all-inclusive scholarship package to send young adults abroad for the first time, to participate in a structured volunteer program. Upon their return, volunteers share their experience creatively within their communities to promote international understanding.

My First Passport enables young adults to gain intercultural experience, while developing and fostering leadership skills that will allow them to be leaders within their communities. An international volunteer experience also provides a firsthand understanding of global development issues and gives youth the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the quality of life for people living in developing countries.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS:
In our Young Professionals program, young adults, twenty-one and over are exposed to international issues and international volunteer opportunities at quarterly events that feature socially and globally conscious films with culturally rich cuisine, cocktails and entertainment.

Our Young Professionals program also offers scholarships to young adults for program fees associated with volunteering abroad. We believe the combination of international travel and volunteerism is the best way to experience another culture first hand. We understand the financial hardship that prevents many young adults from volunteering abroad, which is why we created a scholarship program to alleviate the financial obstacle.


COMPASSION IN ACTION:
To break the cycle of poverty in developing countries, Compassion in Action is a grassroots community development program that offers annual grants and guidance to cooperative groups working towards eradicating poverty in developing countries. By providing assessments and investments in education, technology and resources, we enable individuals living in poverty to help themselves by generating sustainable revenue that increases income and ultimately, the quality of life.

Decempber 5: International Volunteer Day!

Founder/Executive Director, Michelle Arellano
Co-Founder, Lisa Griffiths
Program Coordinator, Kirsten Rose
Program Coordinator, Rema Christy

Dustin Myers
Nichelle Carlson
Aaron Himes
Shannon Barrero
Alex Salas
Anna Freeman
Jessica Burch

San Dieguito Printers
Studio Light Room
Flora Springs Winery

There are several non-political, non-religious organizations that offer international volunteer placements and for that, we commend them. What Karuna International is looking to do, is fill in the gaps where opportunities are being missed. There is no organization in existence to provide global education and promote international volunteer opportunities, nor is there one to specifically provide scholarships to volunteer abroad.

Another major service that many organizations fail to provide is alumni engagement. Once a volunteer returns from an international placement, there are many thoughts and skills acquired that need to be nurtured and fostered to further the impact of the experience.