To my fellow Raleigh alumni, partners and new friends,
I still remember the day I first put on my Raleigh volunteer T-shirt. The sun was just rising over the mountains of Turrialba, and I was among a group of young volunteers ready to begin an adventure that would change our lives forever. For those of us who have experienced it, we know it’s more than just work. It’s a life lesson.
When Raleigh International Trust closed in 2022, many of us felt like we were losing a home. But here in Costa Rica, we believed the Raleigh Spirit was too strong to let go. We had the passion, resilience, and community to keep the mission alive. That’s how Greentalist came to be.
The Power of Raleigh, the Heart of Greentalist
To everyone who wore a Raleigh shirt: know that our foundation remains as strong as ever. Greentalist carries the same dedication to excellence and the same courage that defined Raleigh for 40 years. We are still a global community working towards a sustainable future, now with a renewed local voice and a clear mission: From Costa Rica to the world.
Living Our Values
As alumni, you are familiar with our “Never give up” mindset. That resilience is what inspired us to transform into Greentalist. We continue to be guided by the values we upheld in the field:
- Courage & Innovation:We still venture beyond our comfort zones to find solutions to the planet’s biggest challenges.
- Impact & Integrity:We aim for lasting change, always acting with honesty and respecting the hallmarks of the “Raleigh People.”
- Pura Vida & Equity:From Costa Rica, we lead by example, ensuring equal opportunities for all young people to become changemakers.
Once a Volunteer, Always a Volunteer
Greentalist is the next chapter in the story we started together. We’re building a movement that honours our history but also dares to dream bigger. We still run expeditions, work closely with communities, and empower youth to inspire change.
If my journey from a volunteer in 2008 to Board President says anything, it’s this: once you start walking this path, you never truly stop. You are, and always will be, a part of the Raleigh legacy.
With gratitude and Pura Vida,
Viviana,
Greentalist President of the Board & Raleigh Alumnus 08D/08J
