Volunteers
United by Friendship is an organization composed entirely of volunteers and it is through their goodwill and efforts that it has been possible carry out the mission of UbF. The volunteers help to raise funds, provide technical expertise and participate on teams that complete annual on-site visits to the project locations. As shown below, many of the volunteers report that it was a satisfying and life-changing experience for them.
What a treat it was to represent United by Friendship as a member of the 2007 team! I took one suitcase (my second bag was a box of dental supplies) and an open mind. The trip included multiple tasks and goals and I was honored to participate in celebrating the successes of the many worthy projects coordinated by Deborah Simon and her organization, United by Friendship. The most memorable part of the trip was learning about, meeting and being with such a diverse population of Guatemalan people. I found them to be most gracious, warm and welcoming to our group. The trip deepened my commitment to serve in whatever way I can to enrich and improve the quality of life of those so deserving.
— Irene Harris
I strongly encourage anyone associated with United by Friendship to take this opportunity to travel to Guatemala with a UbF team. By doing so, you will experience, as we did, direct interaction with the people, generous hospitality, the culture, the breathtaking landscapes, and the need for individual and community development that can be directly affected by our involvement. This is a “working vacation” that we couldn’t have enjoyed in any other way! It was our privilege to have been a part of the 2007 team.
— Doc
Even though I have been following the work of UbF over the years, I was just amazed at all the projects that United by Friendship and Rotary have done in Guatemala. The variety, size and importance of the projects is incredible! I was also deeply moved by my first experience with the people of Guatemala. I found everyone I came in contact with to be hopeful for the future, hard-working and very appreciative of the help that is offered them. I truly feel that any gift I make for this work is worth every penny! The bonus was making such wonderful new friends on the UbF team.
— Ken Campbell
What a trip, literally! It was an experience I will not forget. The people of Uspantan are working so hard to improve their special corner of Guatemala. They have done so much with so little. I found them proud, happy and industrious. To connect in a meaningful way with members of the community through a smile, a firm handshake and a few words made my first (but not my last) visit to Uspantan inspiring. I will continue to do what I can to support UbF and their projects in Guatemala and urge you to do the same.
— Brian Lemke
