What began as a father inviting his daughter (Amy) on a graduation adventure to Cuba eventually became friendships that stretched across families, communities, and generations. Long before Shared Resolve existed, people were already choosing to show up for one another.

It grew over more than 25 years—one invitation, one friendship, and one act of generosity at a time. In Amy’s words, this is how it unfolded: 

In 1998, my father invited me on a trip after college. What began as one mysterious adventure became lifelong friendships with families who welcomed us into their homes, conservationists who shared the places they loved, and community leaders who trusted us with both their hopes and their hardships. Books were written, and generations grew.

In 2016, I invited my best friend, Victoria, to celebrate her birthday. She invited friends of her own, and together we unknowingly led our first group journey. We thought we were sharing a destination. Instead, we were inviting people into relationships.

Over the years, many groups followed, and those relationships grew into a community. Travelers returned, friends invited friends to Cuba, and generosity became a way of life. What began as shared experiences grew into humanitarian aid, environmental stewardship, and trusted partnerships. Today, the Shared Resolve community continues that tradition—celebrating milestones, honoring loved ones, and giving back to the people and places that have become part of their story.

Looking back, we realized we hadn’t been building trips.

We had been building a community that gives to those in need at home and around the world, one local partnership at a time.

Today, every volunteer, donor, traveler, Shared Resolve Champion, and local partner becomes part of that same story.

And it still begins the same way it always has—with one invitation.