Mission

United Planet strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another.

United Planet is so nice As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.

The underlying principle of our programs is the concept of Relational Diplomacy -- recognizing that the relationship between people of diverse backgrounds is the basic building block for uniting the world. United Planet’s innovative programs are designed to expose our common human bonds, generate respect and appreciation for our cultural, racial, and religious diversity, and enrich lives of our neighbors worldwide.

Please visit the Relational Diplomacy site for more information about United Planet Executive Director Dave Santulli, and his book.

A Holistic Model for Engagement

United Planet's holistic approach integrates international, local, and online initiatives to facilitate ongoing engagement. All United Planet programs create points of access for people of all cultures, nationalities, ages, and socio-economic classes to participate worldwide. Each program feeds into and builds momentum for the other.

International Programs

Quest - Through local partnerships, Quests provide meaningful volunteer experiences and support for communities in need in over 40 countries. In doing so, United Planet empowers people of all ages to form genuine cross-cultural relationships while making a direct impact on the world. Programs include: Short-Term Quests (1 to 12 weeks) and Long-Term Quests (6 months to 1 year). Volunteers can participate as individuals or in groups.

Local Community Building

International Volunteer Cultural Awareness Project (CAP) - CAP draws on the diversity of cultures and international experience that exists within local communities. By providing opportunities for people to come together and learn from each other's experiences and backgrounds, CAP promotes global understanding on a local level.

Ambassador Programs - The United Planet Ambassador Program inspires leadership, civic engagement, and international cooperation, and empowers people of all ages to become catalysts for change. This program places the tools for change in the hands of global citizens at schools and community clubs around the world. You may join the program as a club or as an individual.

Community Development Projects - In partnership with local NGOs, United Planet undertakes sustainable projects that provide support for communities in need. For instance, UP and its partner in Guatemala, a shelter for abused women and their children, opened a Laundromat that brings in necessary revenue for the shelter, while financially empowering the women who reside there.

United Planet Day

United Planet Day is an annual event held around the world that brings together local communities to celebrate and share their cultures and interconnectedness with the world. United Planet Day falls on the Autumn Equinox- a day on which the sun shines equally on all people on Earth.

Learn more about United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Programs in over 40 countries from 1-52 weeks