Nizu, China
Fall 2013
WHO IS Go the Second Mile? We are advocates for the vulnerable in the world who are victims of greed, poverty, power, exploitation, abuse, victimization or neglect. As a volunteer Travel organization we bringing people and resources to the global poor. Through our strategic partnerships with organizations that are tackling issues of poverty and injustice, we are a positive influence in helping the lives of those who are most at-risk, while having a lasting effect on those who travel with us. We believe that poverty and injustice can be overcome by working together.
Why Nizu? Nizu is the Tibetan name of a remote village in Shangri-la County, Yunnan Province, China. It is on the eastern edge of Pudacuo National Park, China’s first officially designated national parkland. The natural environment of Nizu is extraordinary, with old growth forests, high lakes, waterfalls, caves, and stunning mountains, offering a true wilderness paradise. Wildlife abounds, making Nizu a well deserving attraction for visitors and intrepid travelers. Coupled with a unique flavor of Tibetan culture, the Bon religion, Nizu is deserving of timely and effective cultural, environmental, and sustainable development plans and projects.
What will we be doing? We will partner with Ibex Development Organization, or Ibex, a small non-profit based in the USA, that has had a presence in Nizu since the year 2000, when Kevin Skalsky and family hiked over the mountains to be the first Westerners to visit the community. Due to their important connections with this Tibetan-Chinese village through relationship building, community projects focusing on sustainable tourism, as well as support of children in education, we’ll be able to join with them in helping to fulfill some of their long term objectives.
Because we value locally initiated and maintained projects, the exact nature of what we will be doing will not be known until we get closer to the trip date.
Who should go? Anyone wanting to do international volunteer work, enjoys fairly rigorous hiking as well as the stamina to handle physical activity at a high altitude. There is room for 10 additional team members on this trip.
How long will the trip take? We will spend roughly two and a half weeks together.
Is there Free Time? The final leg of our journey will include a trip to a popular, quaint ancient Chinese town, Lijong, nestled in the mountains half way between our locale and the large city of Kunming, China. While taking a few days to visit the area, we will use this time to process our experience, share our impressions, and insights and reflect on the impact of the trip on our lives.
How much will this cost? This trip will cost approximately $5000-$5500 (prices may vary). The price will include round trip air fare, transportation, food and lodging while in country as well as all of the costs associated with our aftermath visit. It also includes pre trip preparation, day long training and post trip meeting.
Who Pays for these Projects? Donations to Second Mile fund the projects and on-going support that we provide these communities. If you would like to donate to our organization please go to our website or send tax deductible donations to the address noted below.
Go the Second Mile is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization. For more information email at info@go2ndmile.org. P.O Box 55249, Shoreline, WA 98155.
