Dr. Alison Thompson OAM

968

Missions Completed

18M

People Helped

6

Continents

25

Years of Service

A Life of
Service

25 years of unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid across six continents.

Global Impact

As Ambassador to the Haitian Ministry of the Environment, she helped ratify the Paris Agreement in the Haitian Parliament and represented Haiti at the United Nations COP 22 Summit.

Innovation

Founded CTEC—the first Sri Lankan Tsunami Early-warning Center and Children's Learning Museum following the 2004 tsunami.

Disaster Force

Disaster Force is a decentralized disaster-response operating system, fueled by microfunding from fintech companies that unites communities, technology, and capital to accelerate recovery after disasters.

Thompson founded TWV as a first responder at the Sept 11th, 2001 attacks in NYC. Since then, it has grown to over 30,000 volunteers running large refugee camps, field hospitals, and resilience hubs around the world.

Her work spans across the Syrian, Afghan, Venezuelan, and Ukrainian refugee crises, bringing critical aid to the most vulnerable populations in their darkest hours.

Featured Videos

Everyone's Needed, No Skills Required | Alison Thompson | TEDxCoconutGrove

Third Wave Volunteers - IMPACT REPORT - 24 YEARS OF SERVICE

Facebook - Third Wawe

Third Wave Volunteers go to Ukraine

Photos

The Story

The Third Wave: A Volunteer Story

Available from Random House, this inspiring memoir chronicles Dr. Alison Thompson's extraordinary journey of service, sacrifice, and impact across the world's most vulnerable communities.

Buy on Amazon

The Third Wave Documentary

A powerful documentary that brings to life the stories of Third Wave Volunteers' impact across the globe. Watch the unfolding narrative of compassion, resilience, and human connection.

Watch on Amazon

Recognition

Awards &
Honors

Recognized globally for unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief excellence.

US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

President Biden

Order of Australia (OAM)

The Australian Government & Queen Elizabeth II

Ambassadorship

Haitian Ministry of Environment

Paul Harris Award

Rotary International

US Medal of Excellence

82nd Airborne, US Southern Command

Testimonials

Words of support from leaders, artists, and humanitarians across the globe.

"Alison Thompson is an inspiration. Whereas most people check out after a crisis, Thompson remains there on the ground, loving, caring, and communicating the need for awareness and help. Her creativity and healing are incomparable in a crisis, and she delivers the messages that are needed around the world. Alison is a call to action."

Donna Karan

"Whatever you do I hope your Third Wave Volunteers don’t start a band otherwise I’ll be in deep trouble!"

Bono

"The Third Wave is truly a must see! For ourselves our children and everyone we know. For anyone that has two legs or a dollar in their pocket. It inspires the very best in us, just when we need that most, and comes close to answering our purpose in life."

Sean Penn

"In a world of turmoil, The Third Wave is a welcome and inspiring account of what one woman and her friends can accomplish against the greatest odds. Ride this wave and feel better about the generation ready to lead us all ashore."

Tom Brokaw

"Alison Thompson’s captivating life story and adventures in volunteering make us all want to be better citizens of our planet. We can all contribute, she fearlessly tells us, not just with her soaring words but even more with her inspiring actions."

Edwidge Danticat

"Alison Thompson’s The Third Wave teaches and emphasizes the value of effective, appropriate volunteerism, even when severe negative circumstances limit the number of fellow human beings who can be helped."

Tony Duke

"Readers will marvel at Thompson’s ability to leave her life midstream to help others, clearly relishing the adventure as much as the opportunity to serve. She urges volunteers to redefine heroism by doing whatever they can with examples of small efforts with great impact."

Publishers Weekly

"The powerful takeaway of this distinct and heartfelt memoir is that saving and rebuilding lives is not the work of superheroes. Volunteering can happen anywhere at any time and can last for just an hour. Be the brightest light you can be and lead the way in the dark. The book vividly epitomizes the Talmudic […]"