Volunteer Testimonial Elyse Filsinger, Vancouver Canada

I had the privilege to go to Mexico and Volunteer for PEACE. I volunteered with los animals “Spay and neuter clinic,” and it was one of the best feelings in the world to help out with the dogs and cats. I met some wonderful people who truly inspired me, one of them was Cathy Gordon she is truly one of the most loving and caring people I know. I learned so much about what goes on with animals in Mexico good and bad and it was an experience of a life time. Helping out and meeting amazing people was the best thing and I would do it over and over again.

Volunteer Testimonial: Jenny Seward, Oregon

"I was lucky enough to spend a whole month with PEACE over the summer and could not have found an organization filled with more dedicated or accommodating people. Right from the start, they took me in as part of the PEACE family and made me feel like a valued member of the team. I was in Punta de Mita to volunteer but also to work on a research project for my university and I still cannot believe how touching and eye-opening the experience was. Meeting the people who PEACE is helping day to day created a sense of accomplishment for me at the end of every project, from the spay and neuter clinics to the Manos Unidas program, and it is so exciting to see how PEACE is growing and maturing as an organization who is really making a difference. Thank you PEACE for everything and I hope to see you all again very soon!
See you all again very soon!

Volunteer Testimonial Andie Burchett, Geneva Illinois

This past March, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week in Punte de Mita with the women of PEACE Mexico.

I felt so privileged to share my love of drawing with the women in the artisans program, and was humbled by their determination and patience. In only a few hours, most all had completed a basic curriculum, a drawing project, and had even begun to experiment with water color pencils. Ana (the Manos Unidas director) translated for me in the beginning (She was amazing!), but later on the women and I somehow developed our own kind of communication. It was truly my pleasure to participate in the program.

A school mural was a project that took on a life of its own. After a night of brainstorming with my daughter, Becci, and my friend, Wendi, a large team of volunteers completed a two block long mural in one afternoon! Now that's team work! Nicole did a fantastic job organizing the effort, and the whole day ended up having a "picnic" atmosphere.

From my first meeting with Molly and her staff, I was impressed and inspired. They are strong, visionary women who are changing the lives and the futures of so many Mexican families. It is incredible that they have been able to accomplish so much in such a short time.

Thank you again for my PEACE week, It was truly memorable!

Volunteer Testimonial: Peter Doering, Ottawa, Canada

"Whether it’s the natural beauty of Banderas Bay, the amazing people you build relationships with or the delicious foods you experience, I hope volunteering with PEACE will enrich your life as it has mine. Spending time with the kids and the workers of PEACE has helped provide perspective in my own life, and has forged relationships that I hope will last a lifetime. The teams of workers are very dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, and I am grateful that I can be a small part of the effort. For anyone thinking of offering up their time or resources for the PEACE effort, all I can say is that you will be happy you did. My time there is always fun, but one thing remains difficult... leaving.
See you all again very soon!

Volunteer Testimonial: Molyka Rath – Northern Illinois University

"PEACE was my very first non-profit organization where I had an opportunity to spend an incredible few weeks with. PEACE made it possible to see how a world of compassion, dedication, and determination can come together to positively impact the lives of others. I have learned that the relationships between social needs are all connected and PEACE programs help the entire community to become empowered and prosperous. Overall, my volunteer experience with PEACE was above and beyond what I could have imagined and undoubtedly helped reinforced my passion to work in the non-profit sector. The PEACE family and Mexican people and culture will always be cherished.

Volunteer Testimonial: Mandy Poon, Middlebury College

"Working with PEACE this summer as part of their entrepreneurship camp for kids confirmed for me the possibility of doing truly meaningful work.

It also exposed me to the many layers of a non-profit, non-governmental organization, allowing me to understand the realities of making such an organization work.

This has been one of the most wonderful and inspiring of experiences - I cannot imagine a more fun, interesting crowd with whom to dance away the summer, or to experience the wild beauty of Mexico.

Volunteer Testimonial: Adam Decker, First New York Securities, LLC

"My time spent with PEACE was a culturally, educationally, mind opening and uplifting experience which will serve as an excellent stepping stone for future personal growth. I now know that in the future, I want to be part of an organization like PEACE that attracts so many talented, smart, educated people who are all interested in helping other people before themselves.

After living in New York City for 6 years and then spending time in the Bahia de Banderas region, it is now easy to tell that the amount of money people have or make does not correlate at all with how happy they are. I was also able to recognize that I don’t need to live in a big city like New York to be exposed to people from all different cultures with different views of the world.

I am grateful to have had an opportunity to work with PEACE.

Volunteer Testimonial: Ivy Berg – University of Minnesota, Duluth

PEACE is an amazing organization. I've only had a taste of all the wonderful change they bring to the Bahia de Banderas. During my volunteer time with PEACE, I met so many happy people who do what they love and love what they do. What PEACE does with education is supportive and beneficial for women and children. It was very eye-opening to observe the teaching and learning. I hope the children benefit from the lessons and learning tools I created. My volunteer experience with PEACE is unforgettable and I can't wait to see what PEACE does for the people in the future!