Parson said volunteers need medical insurance and a sincere interest in helping others.

Since volunteers pay their own way, it helps to have an adventurous and optimistic spirit.

"We've found, if you really have the desire to go, you can find the money," said Parson. "I have a lot. I can help."

Upcoming missions include working on small-business education in Peru, setting up an agricultural school in Paraguay and teaching business/survival skills in remote areas of Africa.

Parson is hoping when students hear about the group they'll contact them and sign up for summer missions.

"We need volunteers with skills. We need money. We want to change lives. That's a big thing for us. Your entire life will be changed through this experience. We're trying to get people involved in the fight against poverty," she said.

A core belief permeating Empowering Nations is that handouts to the poor cannot solve the underlying problem. Teaching and empowering people to help themselves is key. Empowering Nations firmly believes that one person can, in fact, make a difference.

"There is a cure for poverty. There is hope," said Vandermyde.

If you want to get involved

www.empoweringnations.org

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E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com