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Allan Evans (PhD, EE '10, exp) and Scott Wright (PhD, EE '09) are highly
trained and skilled electrical engineers, working on some of the hottest
projects in their field. They are also co-founders of the non-profit charity
called Globe Shares, which they established to help long-term volunteers
connect with charitable opportunities around the world.
Globe Shares is for people who want to travel, and for donors who want to
see how their money is being used. Allan and Scott have traveled quite a bit
both professionally and personally. After talking to friends who've done
they same, they realized that there is something special about actually
immersing yourself in a specific community and culture, and even more,
helping that community in meaningful ways.
"So," said Evans, "we decided to put our efforts into starting Globe Shares
so that the people who come after us can continue to do the same thing we
are going to do. We thought, somebody has to start this, it may as well be
us."
"Our mission is to find volunteer opportunities at the places that people
want to travel to, opportunities that won’t cost the traveler a lot of
money," added Evans. "If they do have to pay for some expenses, Globe Shares
will help raise money for the supplies or whatever is needed for the
volunteer project."
 They
already have an impressive and varied list of partner communities and
projects that ranges from teaching in Egypt and Thailand, to helping
communities in Peru (right) recover from a massive earthquake that
hit in 2007, to right here in Michigan working with Food Gatherers, the
Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, and partnering with U-M to
introduce K12 students to engineering. More projects will be added as needed
to accommodate individual travelers.
Evans and Wright both plan to travel for one year beginning in January.
During this time, they'll be blogging, taking photos, and letting the donors
know exactly how they are helping specific communities. None of the donated
money will be used for travel expenses.
"You’ll be able to see where your money is going," explained Wright. "If you
give even $25, you’ll be able to go onto the website and see where your $25
was spent. Almost 100% of every dollar Globe Shares receives in tax exempt
donations goes directly to people in need."
Wright leaves for Thailand in January, and will be joined by Evans
once he completes final edits of his dissertation. When they return, Allan
and Scott will resume their engineering careers in academia or industry, and
continue to serve on the Board of Directors of Globe Shares. They hope
others will be motivated to carry on the work they started - engineering a
passion for travel into an opportunity to see the world, and help the world.
Posted: December 24, 2009 by
Catharine June
EECS/ECE Communications Coordinator
cmsj@umich.edu or 734-936-2965
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