Global Volunteers' primary mission is to wage peace by enabling volunteers to improve their understanding and respect for other cultures through direct service to host commnunities. Working at the invitation and under the direction of indigenous development partners, Global Volunteers mobilizes short-term volunteer teams to assist local people with ongoing human and economic development projects in more than 100 host communities on six continents.

Volunteers teach English, care for orphaned babies and other vulnerable children, provide companionship for seniors, build and repair homes and community facilities, and provide health care services. No professional experience required for most volunteer placements. As a non-governmental organization (NGO) in special consultative status with the United Nations, Global Volunteers provides direct project funding assistance year-around to host communities through volunteers' tax-deductible service program fees. Global Volunteers also provides on-going training to international staff and sponsorship programs for vulnerable children in host communities.