Join Us on International Volunteer Day!

International Volunteer Day is a day that was designated by the United Nations in 1985 as an international observance day to celebrate the power of volunteerism and the potential it has to make a difference in the world. It gives volunteer organizations an opportunity to raise awareness for their cause and gives both organizations and volunteers the chance to gain understanding for the contributions they are making to their communities.

By volunteering, you help to improve the lives of others, make the world a better place, and you are able to gain a greater sense of belonging to your community. By donating your time, you gain valuable life skills, as well as life changing experiences and relationships. 

We would like to take the opportunity on this day to highlight the various volunteer opportunities that we have here at Lacrosse the Nations. Volunteering with LtN abroad is an incredibly unique and rewarding experience. LtN is an integral part of the communities where we work, providing volunteers with genuine connections, invaluable community development and nonprofit experience, and lifelong memories. 

You can volunteer for a one-week service trip, a 1-3 month internship, or a 6+ month fellowship. Our service trips give you a chance to see the power that lacrosse has to do some serious good in the world and will expose you to a new community and culture. 

Through our internship, or short-term volunteer program, you will be able to help implement LtN programs and player development, while also working with a wide range of community development projects. See the full internship description here. 

As a long-term volunteer, you will be a Program Director at one of our sites where you will oversee LtN program implementation, help with coach and player development, and implement community development projects. See the full Program Director position here.   

You can find more details about our volunteer opportunities and apply here! Take the leap in honor of International Volunteer Day and join our LtN team!

Celebrating Panama Independence Day!

Each year, Panamanians celebrate their Independence Day on November 28th. This day marks the independence of Panama from Spain in 1821. 

An equally important national holiday for Panama, known as Separation Day, is celebrated earlier in the month, on November 3rd. Separation Day celebrates the formal separation of Panama from Colombia in 1903. When Panama gained independence from Spain in 1821, they gained their freedom from colonizers and were a part of Gran Colombia - a union of independent states along with Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and others. Having voluntarily joined Gran Colombia, they enjoyed sovereignty and statehood within the union.

However, Panama's separation from Gran Colombia eighty-two years later is what resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Panama. This is when Panama became a truly independent country in which the power was held by the people through their own elected representatives.

Many Panamanians differ in which day marks true independence for the country but both are celebrated with equal importance throughout the country. Aside from these independence days, there are other important dates throughout the month of November that relate to the country's political independence. This is why the month of November is considered to be the Month of the Motherland or “El Mes de la Patria”, a month dedicated to the Motherland of Panama. 

“Fiesta Patria” generally refers to the patriotic holidays celebrated by Spanish-speaking countries. In Panama, it refers to the series of non-religious holidays celebrated in November. Fiesta Patria in Panama is made up of five official holidays. In addition to Separation Day and Independence Day, there is also Flag Day, celebrated on November 4th, Colon Day, celebrated on November 5th, and Los Santos Uprising Day, celebrated on November 10th. 

Panama’s independence days and all of Fiesta Patria is celebrated with various military and civilian parades, commemorative political speeches and cultural events that highlight the identities of Panama across the country. Locals wear traditional costumes and traditional food is served throughout the country. Student and civilian-led parades are filled with marching bands, firework displays, and traditional dances and music. El Mes de la Patria is also a time of strong internal tourism. There is no work in government, banks, schools and other non-tourism private companies. Cities tend to be rather empty as families and locals head towards the beach and visit local tourist destinations. 

Another unique holiday specific to wear Lacrosse the Nations operates in Panama, is Bocas Day! Bocas Del Toro became a province of the new Republic of Panama on November 16th, 1903, just days after Panama’s separation from Colombia. Events and activities are held across the province, with the largest celebrations happening right here in Bocas Town! It has clearly been a very exciting month here in Bocas and our staff here on the ground has loved being able to experience the various cultural activities happening in town. 

#PanamaIndependenceDay #FiestaPatria

Join us in Celebrating National Philanthropy Day!

National Philanthropy Day is celebrated on November 15 each year. On this day, we recognize the great contributions of philanthropy to the enrichment of our world and highlight the importance of working together for the common good. We celebrate the contributions made by individuals and organizations around the world to countless causes and missions. In addition, National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has made possible. 

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others. As long as humankind exists, there will always be a need to help one another. People have a responsibility to help those in need or those less fortunate than them in order to better the world as a whole. 

Kind acts and good deeds work in a ripple effect. By doing a good deed, or highlighting a charitable act of someone else, another person may be inspired to help their community and contribute to the world in their own way. This can also aid in bringing awareness to charitable opportunities that exist. It is important to shine a light on the good that is being done in the world and on those who are making a positive impact on it. There is no good deed too small or one that goes unnoticed. 

Some ways that you can participate in National Philanthropy Day are volunteering, spreading the word on social media, and donating to charity. You can visit sick patients in the hospital, pack boxes for a food pantry, garden at your local park, or find any volunteer opportunity that interests you. You can help bring awareness to this day by sharing it on social media accounts. This includes not only the importance of the day, but also causes that you care strongly about. Simply bringing awareness and sharing a cause with others can go a long way. You can also donate to charities. Donating can mean both time and money. Even if you are unable to give money, you can always find a way to make a difference by giving your time. 

You can help support LtN today by sharing us on your social media, donating, or applying to volunteer with us! You can find long and short term volunteer opportunities with Lacrosse the Nations here.