BYU NewsNet - Empowering Nations, HELP International merge

Two is usually better than one; at least that’s what two Provo-based nonprofit groups hope to find by joining forces.

HELP International and Empowering Nations have decided to merge organizations to make a bigger impact on the global fight against poverty.

“The overall objective for this Empowering Nations and HELP International merger is to broaden our reach,” said Mike Riding, executive director of HELP International. “We hope to support more students, working in more parts of the world to do even greater good.”

Volunteers from both organizations are sent to serve in impoverished countries in the hope the experience will benefit not only the people served, but the volunteers as well.

The merging organizations will continue to “provide a life-changing experience through service to the poor,” but their merger will also enable them to cut costs and not have to compete for the same volunteer base, said Warner Woodworth, BYU professor and co-founder of both HELP and EN.

Together, the programs have sent nearly 1,200 volunteers to different locations world-wide in an attempt to fight poverty.

“Right now, one billion people are living in extreme poverty. We’re going to continue getting the word out and show people they can do something about it,” Woodworth said in a news release.

Some volunteer projects include English teaching, public health projects, working in orphanages and construction.

“We assist impoverished families in moving toward a more sustainable future,” Woodworth said.

After 20 hours of pre-training requirements in safety, health, international development and leadership, volunteers are sent to serve two to four months on development projects in foreign countries.

Both organizations attract volunteers from across the United States and Canada. Nearly 50 percent of volunteers come from Utah, according to Riding.

“Over the past decade, our volunteers have learned the sheer joy of empowering those who suffer,” Woodworth said.

Woodworth and Riding are confident the merger of HELP and EN will result in a stronger organization and enable them to integrate the best practices of each organization.

“We are looking forward to the knowledge, skills and years of experience that the Empowering Nations management teams will bring to HELP International,” Riding said.

For more information, or to volunteer visit www.help-international.org.