About the Founders - A Broader View Volunteers Nonprofit
A Broader View Volunteers Corp (ABV) was founded in 2007 by Sarah and Oliver Ehlers as a US-registered 501(c)(3) non-religious nonprofit organization. Drawing on decades of international travel, tourism administration, and humanitarian fieldwork, the founders established ABV to make ethical, community-led volunteer travel accessible, affordable, and impactful worldwide.
The summer of 2007 marked a pivotal moment in Sarah and Oliver's lives. They embarked on a journey to Chile, a trip that would alter their perspective forever. During their time in Chile, they encountered people who were warm, generous, and inspiring. Witnessing firsthand the impact of small acts of service on communities in need, Sarah and Oliver felt called to action. They realized that they wanted to create something meaningful and sustainable that would allow others to experience the same transformational journey.
Thus, A Broader View was born - an organization that prioritizes the needs of the communities they serve while providing volunteers with safe and enriching cultural travel experiences. Sarah and Oliver's vision for A Broader View was to make it easier for individuals to engage in service work while immersing themselves in new cultures, broadening their perspectives and becoming more empathetic human beings.
After almost two decades, Sarah and Oliver continue to play an active daily role in the organization, working closely with local partners and volunteers to ensure that each program meets the highest standards of quality and impact. Through their work with A Broader View, Sarah and Oliver hope to inspire a new generation of travelers who are committed to making a positive difference in the world. They believe that by working together, we can create a more just and equitable global community, one volunteer experience at a time.
Who founded A Broader View Volunteers?
A Broader View Volunteers Corp was co-founded in 2007 by Sarah and Oliver Ehlers in Pennsylvania. Combining backgrounds in international charity outreach, tourism administration, and global travel, they created ABV to bridge the gap between passionate volunteers and under-resourced communities around the world.
Why did the founders start A Broader View Volunteers?
After witnessing both the urgent needs of developing communities and the high costs charged by commercial travel agencies, the founders set out to build a transparent 501(c)(3) nonprofit alternative. Their goal was to ensure tax-deductible program fees directly funded local orphanages, clinics, schools, and conservation projects.
How are the founders involved in daily volunteer operations?
Sarah and Oliver Ehlers actively oversee daily operations, international coordinator partnerships, and volunteer pre-departure preparation. Their hands-on management ensures every participant receives customized placement matching and continuous support across all 168 programs in 33 countries.