Executive Director, David Berkal

A long-time seeker of adventure and social change, David would not pay some faceless business thousands of dollars to volunteer overseas. Instead, he set off for a year-long journey around the world, which laid the groundwork for Operation Groundswell’s original trip once it became obvious that there was a need for genuine, ethical and affordable programs. Currently, David serves as Executive Director, exploring new paths of expansion and assisting with general operations. David is a student of Aboriginal Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Toronto. This has led him in helping to start Canadian Roots, a partner of OG, which brings together non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal youth on road trips that engage with the teachings of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. David is passionate about fighting for a more just Canada and can often be found cycling or making soup.

Program Director, Jonah Brotman

After interning at a radio station in Ghana in the summer of 2006, Jonah realized that he had learned more in eight weeks of travel than from years’ worth of lectures and labs. As a co-founder of Operation Groundswell in 2006, Jonah has maintained the backpacker lifestyle since graduating university several years ago. Having traveled to 34 countries on four continents, some memorable moments include being kicked out of refugee camps, getting malaria twice, relaxing with former Khmer Rouge soldiers and driving from London to Mongolia. Jonah led the West Africa trips in 2007 and 2008 and the Southeast Asia trip in 2009. Jonah is currently the Program Director in charge of all trips and will be leading the Southeast Asia trips in 2010. Having graduated from Carleton University in 2007, Jonah contends that he’s not taking his third year off but just living life. When not working for OG, Jonah obsessively follows fantasy sports and plots his next crazy journey.

Organizational Director, Jo Sorrentino

Jo first came across Operation Groundswell after volunteering with a much larger gap-year organization for 4 months. She spent her last month in Ghana as a volunteer on OG’s pilot program and was blown away by the positive impact of an organization that focused on group dynamics and solid partnerships with local communities. Jo was overjoyed to have the opportunity to coordinate and lead the trips the following two years. As Organizational Director, Jo is responsible for organizational development and financial planning. Jo is immersed in Global Studies and Environmental Science at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is on the Environmental Sustainability Committee working towards reducing the school’s ecological impact and opening up dialogue on the subject between administration and students. When not studying or working for OG, she can be found rock climbing and catering to the whims of her new kitten.

Fundraising Coordinator, Calum McGuigan

Operation Groundswell has contracted all fundraising efforts to Fervent Events.  Fervent Events is responsible for creating and implementing OG’s volunteer fundraising manual, and assisting all volunteers throughout their efforts for 2010.

Fervent Events is owned and managed by Calum McGuigan.  Calum studied at Glasgow Caledonian University from 2002-2006 obtaining a BA (Hons) Events Management Degree.  After graduating from university he moved to Toronto originally to play rugby!  After 6 months in the city Calum was appointed Special Events Officer at Daily Bread Food Bank, a position which he held for 2.5 years.  In this role he was responsible for fundraising events such as Daily Bread’s annual gala, golf classic, 24-HR Food Sort, Lady Jays Food Drive and much more.

It was in August 2009 that Calum left Daily Bread Food Bank and launched Fervent Events.

“After meeting with the Operation Groundswell team, I am delighted that Fervent Events has been given the opportunity to provide fundraising help for all of 2010’s volunteers. It’s great to be part of a young and vibrant organization committed to social change.  I look forward to a long relationship with Operation Groundswell!”