Social Responsibility

Social Responsibility

Colombian Basket Weaver. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

“Learn to do common things uncommonly well; we must always keep in mind that anything that helps full the dinner pail is valuable.”

– George Washington Carver

What defines a responsible travel extends far beyond the act of simply minimizing luggage, recycling plastic, or conserving hotel amenities like bath towels. While these practices are commendable initial steps, responsible travel fundamentally emerges from the heart.

The evolving landscape of tourism has ushered in a new era of social responsibility, prompting individuals to reassess their travel behaviors and their broader impact. A socially responsible traveler embodies compassion and empathy for people, prioritizing efforts to mitigate negative social, economic, and environmental effects while fostering positive contributions to local communities.

In essence, a socially responsible traveler embodies the essence of global citizenship, serving as an ambassador for humanity in every destination visited. Whether exploring a new city or venturing into remote landscapes, it’s essential to consider the ripple effects of our actions and interactions. By consciously choosing social responsibility, we can leave behind a legacy of positive influence, enriching the places we visit and the lives we touch along the way.

  • Squirrel Monkey seen on Monkey Island in the Colombian Amazon

    In the heart of the Colombian Amazon, there's a fascinating sanctuary known as Monkey Island (Isla de los Micos), home to an abundance of adorable squirrel monkeys. This enchanting island is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

  • american

    In honor of our Nations’ heroes this Veterans Day, we are pleased to introduce you to animal trainer Clarissa Black, founder of Pets for Vets—an organization that serves veterans and shelter animals.  The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. Then CBS Soap fans will enjoy our interview with the dashing Don Diamont from the Bold and the Beautiful (B&B).  Most known for his character as “Dollar Bill” Spencer on B&B and formerly as Brad Carlton on the Young and the Restless, Don joins us to talk about his illustrious film and television career and his work with the  National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Finally, we have all heard about the approaching end of the Maya calendar on December 21, 2012.  Certainly Hollywood has sensationalized what the Maya [...]

  • Diving with Whale Sharks at the Georgia Aquarium

    The Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium, offers one of the most extraordinary scuba diving experiences. Conducted in a very safe and responsible manner, this dive ensures the protection of the animals with a strict "no touch" policy and the presence of three dive masters among the dive party.

  • Michelle Obama previews Chritmas 2010 at the White House

    We kicked off the 2010 holiday season at the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama warmly welcomed military families who organize the Quantico and Anacostia branches of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive, highlighting their invaluable contributions.

  • Frog on a lily pad shows that a healthy environment is necessary and possible.

    When simple actions—such as recycling, conserving water, and turning off lights—can help make a difference for our environment, there’s no reason not to extend these eco-friendly habits to your travels.

  • Raj Gandhi at Swiss Embassy Part 1 keynote about Initiative of Change.

    Rajmohan Gandhi, a true global citizen and a great friend of World Footprints, continues to carry on the remarkable legacy of his grandfather, the late Mahatma Gandhi. Rajmohan Gandhi serves as President of the non-profit organization Initiatives of Change (IofC), dedicated to building trust across the world's divides.

  • football

    Fans of the CBS prime-time reality show, Survivor will remember contestant Becky Lee from the 2006 Cook Islands season. She took her prize money and created Becky’s Fund, to raise awareness about domestic violence. Becky will talk about her social mission with the fund, and share some tips for making it on Survivor. Then, we’ll share how the game of soccer is promoting global citizenship and transforming lives with guest Lawrence Cann, the founder and CEO of Street Soccer USA, who has made soccer a force for social change. Lawrence Cann intended to volunteer for a month at a homeless services center in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2002. The Street Soccer USA venture, for which Lawrence is the Founder and CEO, has grown from 1 program in Charlotte, North Carolina to 18 cities across the United States. Under his leadership, the organization has established relationships a variety of companies, foundations, [...]

  • Rajmohan Gandhi at the Swiss Embassy. Part 2 of the Initiative of Change (IoC) keynote. IoC is based in Switzerland.

    In Part 2 of Rajmohan Gandhi's presentation at the Embassy of Switzerland, he delves deeper into the current global challenges we face. Despite these issues, Rajmohan remains optimistic, emphasizing that our shared humanity will ultimately lead to stronger relationships and a kinder world.

  • dancer pixabay

    On today's  podcast episode... Jana La Sorte, Executive Director of Urban Bush Women, talks about her dance company’s selection as one of three companies selected to inaugurate the U.S. State Department’s cultural exchange program called “Dance Motion USA.” Then, you will meet Cat Cora, the first and only female Iron Chef and founder of the non-profit organization called Chefs for Humanity. Cat Cora is an accomplished lifestyle entrepreneur, author, restaurateur, contributing editor and television personality. She made television history in 2005 when she became the first female Iron Chef on Food Network’s Iron Chef America.  Cat, the Iron Chef will talk about her foundation’s philanthropic efforts, including their newly launched campaign for Haiti called One Million in One Month. And now that the Olympic Games have concluded, the world is shifting its attention to South Africa, the host country for the 2010 World Cup. Travel’n On will be joined by one [...]

  • earth responsibility

    This broadcast is a favorite legacy show that we produced under our old name Travel'n On and before re-branding as WORLD FOOTPRINTS. We discuss corporate social responsibility with Sam. Tonya and Ian enjoy a conversation with Samantha Taylor from Reputation Dynamics.  Sam stops by to discuss corporate social responsibility during our live broadcast from the US-Africa Business Summit. Samantha "Sam" was born in London and raised in Kenya, East Africa, where she experienced firsthand the difficulties of poverty and community development. Sam established Reputation Dynamics in 2005 to offer local and global citizenship development to for-profit and NGO/social enterprise enterprises. Reputation Dynamics focuses on establishing creative alliances that inspire the public and private sectors to work together as a unified force for social and environmental sustainability. She encourages a wide range of organisations on long-term strategies for enhancing the wellbeing of communities by establishing holistic collaborations. She is an advocate [...]

  • Volunteers

    Rick Webster , VP of Public Policy at the US Travel Association, joins Travel'n On Radio to talk about the Travel Promotion Act and his Associations efforts to promote tourism in the United States.