April 25, 2007 - Relief Riders International (RRI), a pioneer in VolunTourism, the new form of adventure travel, was nominated as "Change Agent" by the Alliance for a New Humanity. (http://www.anhglobal.org/).

The Alliance is focused on building and sustaining a global movement dedicated to a compassionate humanity. Alliance members believe that if enough people shift their awareness toward social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability, then injustice, oppression, and the destruction of the ecosystem can be stopped.

RRI works to make that vision come true in rural India. Recently featured in Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine, Forbes Magazine and the Washington Post, Relief Riders combines a powerful mix of exotic travel and life-changing humanitarian service. Guests ride Marwari horses through the breathtaking Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India, and take part in a series of vital medical and educational relief missions along the way. RRI purchases and distributes essential supplies to rural villagers, and hires doctors and eye surgeons who deliver free medical care.

Alexander Souri, the founder and Executive Director of RRI recently joined representatives from 38 countries at the Alliance's Human Forum 2006 this December in Puerto Rico. Journalist Judy Martin conducted an interview for the March April issue of Motto Magazine with Souri during the Forum. You can listen to the interview at "The Work/Life Pod cast with Social Entrepreneur Alexander Souri" April 15th at http://www.thechaosmonitor.com/

Martin's article about RRI appeared in the March/April 2007 issue of Motto Magazine (http://www.reliefridersinternational.com/PDF/motto_article.pdf). She interviewed Alliance for a New Humanity President and best-selling author, Deepak Chopra, about the work Souri is doing. "The human soul is looking for meaning, context, relationships and archetypal stories to participate in," Chopra noted. "Social entrepreneurs like Alexander are creating purpose and meaning for themselves as well as others."

Author of "Life after Death," "Journey into Healing," and "Peace Is the Way", Chopra spoke about the connection between the Alliance and Souri's work for RRI. "He also provides humanitarian service in the process by taking people on a journey which is inward as well as outward "¦ He gets together people who want to connect with other people who care. Therefore, he embodies the three basic foundation tools of the Alliance: transformation, service, connectivity."

"It is very inspiring to know that there is an organization such as the Alliance, which has taken a stance to create a forum in which growth and understanding are discussed and highlighted in order to ease the transition from the old business paradigm to the new" Souri declared.

Whether it's giving goats to families, schoolbooks to children, or helping RRI's eye surgeons perform life-changing cataract surgeries, the relief ride experience breaks down the barriers of geography, creed and class.

During their most recent 2006-2007 New Year's ride, Souri and his riders helped to treat 865 patients at their medical camp in Roopangarh. And in Nawa, 640 patients were screened for life-changing cataract surgery. 92 patients were eligible and were successfully operated on.

"From the very beginning I was interested in the transformative possibilities of travel that was inextricably linked to promoting positive change in the lives of those we visit," Souri noted. "And I know from my own travels to Rajasthan that for every gift I have given I have received gifts that have changed my life."

RRI is now taking reservations for its next three trips: the Pushkar Relief Ride on the 7th through the 22nd of October, 2007; the Nagaur Relief Ride January 21st through February 5th, 2008; and the Roopangarh Relief Ride February 23rd through March 9th, 2008.

For more information about RRI:
Relief Riders International
304 Main Street "“ Suite 3B
Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230
United States
413) 329-5876
http://www.reliefridersinternational.com/
Email: info@reliefridersinternational.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Alexander Souri / 413.329.5876

Relief Riders International

Relief Riders International

Relief Riders International (RRI) is a humanitarian-based, adventure travel company that organizes horseback journeys through breathtaking areas in developing countries around the world. Relief Riders International is designed to offer individuals not only an exhilarating journey but the chance to use their skills, enthusiasm and experience to promote positive change.

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