Acquaint

Cause Area

  • Arts & Culture
  • Community
  • Computers & Technology
  • International

Location

1685 134th Ave SE.i103BELLEVUE, WA 98005 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

Acquaint provides a platform which enables volunteers from around the world to grow and learn through human connections.

Description

Acquaint is an intercultural dialogue platform that works to heal divisions and prevent conflict. Volunteers from over 100 countries connect on our website for one-on-one conversations to share culture and perspectives.

Interactions on Acquaint are made easier and more fun by a series of virtual icebreakers. By listening and sharing with one another, we work to build peace and global solidarity. This is "cultural networking" and it has the power to gradually erode barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding that divide humanity.

Each week, volunteers enter their availability on the platform and are paired for sessions based on their time. Pairings are random. Volunteers could end up talking to someone right down the street or on the other side of the world. Either way, there is much they can learn from each other!

Reviews

Would you recommend Acquaint?
17 reviews Write a review
by Olanike O. from NG (2024-04-04 06:55:27.0)
Acquaint is an amazing place to be. It is a global platform that allows people connect with other people. Since joining Acquaint, I've met amazing people, accessed good opportunities and I'm glad I chose to volunteer with Acquaint.
by Erna R. (2024-01-27 09:52:45.0)
Acquaint is an amazing organization! The mission is incredible - I have thoroughly enjoyed speaking to and learning from people from all parts of the world, and that's the best way to build empathy with others. The leadership team is passionate about their work and are very dedicated, and I would highly recommend anyone to volunteer with Acquaint!
by Elain M. (2024-01-23 14:31:38.0)
Volunteering with Acquaint has been a truly transformative experience. The platform's user-friendly design facilitates seamless cross-border conversations, connecting me with wonderful individuals. One standout feature is Acquaint's commitment to privacy; the platform exclusively supports audio calls, eliminating the need to share contact information or videos. This emphasis on privacy adds a layer of comfort and security for volunteers and participants alike. I highly recommend this volunteer opportunity for anyone seeking a meaningful and secure platform to engage in impactful cross-cultural dialogues.
by Alissa T. (2024-01-22 20:37:04.0)
I started volunteering at acquaint in November 2023. It’s only been 3 months and I can say I have enjoyed every moment so far. The sessions allow for incredible conversations with people from around the world. Everyone I’ve had the chance to talk to has been incredibly nice and friendly, I’ve learned so much about other countries and cultures. Besides the other volunteers, the people behind the scenes are also super amazing! They have given me the opportunity to nurture and grow many different skills, both personal and professional. They are very helpful during sessions and outside. Special thank you to Katherine, Alex, and Yehuda for being so supportive and giving me and others great opportunities on this platform! I would recommend anyone to join and start seeing the amazing things acquaint can bring to your life.
by Ge C. (2024-01-22 20:10:52.0)
I learnt a lot about the culture, religion, social issues and interesting facts from people coming from over five different countries that I have never been to only within a few weeks after joining this platform. Acquaint provides a user-friendly plat form for 1-on-1 with people from very different backgrounds and hear about their stories. In addition, it's also a great opportunities for people looking for opportunities to practice English or to gain personal connections in general. Highly recommend!
by Judith B. (2024-01-17 08:07:30.0)
I highly recommend this volunteer organization, Acquaint. During an hour zoom conversation with other volunteers from around the globe, I’ve learned about different cultures, and it’s given me a broader perspective in living my own life. Thus far, I’ve spoken with persons from Brazil, Okinawa, Pakistan, and Malawi. Guidance is provided for conversation starters as needed. This is an inspiring and hopeful organization that brings people together globally, where differences do not hinder our ability to collaborate.
by Mayombwe A. from UG (2023-02-16 05:44:31.0)
Any organisation that has objectives to help is 100% a life changer
by Rachel T. (2023-01-08 13:20:23.0)
You learn a lot from the conversations you have on the platform and broadens your world view. Plus, Katherine, who runs the program, is super nice and makes sure everyone is accounted for!
by MD Mustakim A. from BD (2022-12-29 11:34:10.0)
People are for people. I also want to work for people. I'll be happy to work with you.
by Alfred B. from NG (2022-11-08 09:16:39.0)
Volunteering with Acquaint provides physical and mental rewards. It reduces stress, especially when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns. The healthier I am becoming everyday. Moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one's fate, strengthen the immune system. Because of Acquaint I am able to talk to people around the world and learn about other cultures as well. The management team are amazing people.
by cindy a. (2022-09-22 09:41:17.0)
I have been a volunteer with Acquaint for a year now and have found it to be a very meaningful experience. I have talked with amazing and interesting people from all over the world about so many different things. I have always enjoyed traveling and meeting people, and learning about them and their cultures. Acquaint allows me to connect with people in countries I might not be able to visit and has opened up my eyes to how many similarities we have, but also helped me to better understand different perspectives.
by Donald S. (2022-11-30 08:26:35.0)
It took a little time to go through the hoops to start talking with people around the world through Acquaint, but it was well worth it. I have now spoken with three people, all in their mid-twenties (I'm a grandpa.) I spoke with women from Algeria and Pakistan and a man from Afghanistan. While Afghanistan has been a presence in America (where I live), I knew nothing about Algeria and very little about Pakistan. Now I have human beings I "know" and can relate to and through whom I feel a connection to their countries and cultures. I had thought that Acquaint's rules - audio only and you can meet only once with each person - who make it harder to really connect. I was pleasantly surprised. My experience has been spectacular!!!! My last conversation was with the young woman from Pakistan and I could not stop smiling as she poured forth a river of youthful enthusiasm about her life. The more people I meet, the more I hear, "Yes, it's the same in Pakistan/Algeria/China/Italy," etc.
by Alaap S. from Westport, CT (2022-07-25 06:25:41.0)
Acquaint is the best peacebuilding organization. They build peace through social communication encouraged by their virtual tours of different locations. There is an abundance of leadership roles available once you get far enough. I have learnt a lot through acquaint with different cultures throughout the world about how we are all human and we should all be treated the same even though oftentimes that isn't what is happening with acquaint. I joined Acquaint through VolunteerMatch about an year ago and I am still a proud member.
by Ada C. from BZ (2022-04-26 08:55:15.0)
Since I started volunteering for Acquaint, I've met amazing, joyful volunteers from all over the world with a passion for volunteering and learning about different cultures, beliefs, ethnicities, points of view, and much more. We go around countries admiring their uniqueness and learning about their beautiful history. It is an ineffable experience, to be able to connect so beautifully with strangers that aren't strangers at the same time. Because we connect in ways that strangers don't connect. Acquaint has a mission, and my mission as one of Acquaint's volunteers is to make every session a phenomenal journey, full of laughter and amazing vibes. Volunteering for Acquaint has been one of the best decisions I've made. Because this type of connection is undeniably beautiful.
by Jayson K. (2022-04-26 09:15:48.0)
As the Director of Community Operations with Acquaint, the experience that I have had working and connecting with people from all over the globe has been so impactful! Speaking with people from completely different cultures and being able to learn how amazing and diverse people can be is humbling and rewarding. I am so excited to see our cultural networking volunteer numbers grow knowing so many lives will be affected in such a positive way all over the world!
by Justin S. (2019-08-02 17:30:49.0)
Volunteering for HomeAgain VR is a very rewarding experience. As a volunteer you get to play around with an exciting new technology, work with a people from a variety of backgrounds who look forward to your visits, and best of all, bring smiles to faces and take part in incredible moments. My favorite part of volunteering is hearing resident's stories and finding VR experiences for them. In my several volunteer sessions I have witnessed both caretakers and residents of elder care facilities laugh, cry (with joy!), be amazed, and have old memories triggered. In some cases you work with disabled individuals or those in memory care, and seeing their faces light up with recognition when you show them a place they went in their youth is incredibly moving. I can't recommend HomeAgain VR enough!
by Alex S. (2021-11-09 21:36:59.0)
I love volunteering with Acquaint! I always walk out of sessions feeling accomplished, happy, and energized. Making connections with new and different people feels more and more natural the more I volunteer.

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