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The VOLUNTEER VOICE Issue 4 December 2006

Volunteers for Prosperity Releases 2006 Annual Report

The Office of Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP Office) at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has released its annual report for federal fiscal year 2006 noting a sharp increase in the number of American professionals volunteering abroad. During 2006, VfP partners reported deploying over 21,000 volunteers, an increase of 75 percent over the FY 2005 total of 12,000. The report covers the period from October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006.

The report is available at www.volunteersforprosperity.gov

VfP Supports President’s Malaria Initiative

President George W. Bush recently announced that the Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP) initiative he created by executive order in September 2003 has been amended to include support for the U.S. government’s goal to control malaria in the poorest parts of the world. Speaking at the first-ever White House Summit on Malaria on December 14th, the President said VfP would be utilized to send American doctors, nurses and health care professionals as volunteers overseas to combat the preventable disease, and organizations deploying them may more easily receive federal grants targeting malaria control. Learn more…

USA Freedom Corps Director Recognizes VfP Volunteer for International Voluntary Service

Left to right: Jack Hawkins, Director, VfP Office at USAID, Archie Wainright, and Desiree Sayle, USA Freedom Corps Director. Photo courtesy of The Brookings Institution Left to right: Jack Hawkins, Director, VfP Office at USAID, Archie Wainright, and Desiree Sayle, USA Freedom Corps Director. Photo courtesy of The Brookings Institution.USA Freedom Corps Director Desiree T. Sayle honored Archie B. Wainright, a Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP) volunteer, with the President’s Call to Service Award in recognition of his outstanding international voluntary service. The award, which recognizes volunteers who have completed 4000 or more service hours over the course of their lifetime, was presented to Mr. Wainright on December 5, 2006, at the International Volunteering Leadership Summit held at the Brookings Institution. The event coincided with International Volunteer Day which was established by the United Nations as an annual celebration of the contributions of volunteers to various causes and communities. Learn more…

VfP Partners Honor Volunteers!

Geekcorps Volunteers to Help Launch Digital Freedom Initiative in South Africa

Ryan Whitney (in orange and white shirt) with members of the AVOIR team at the University of the Western Cape. Ryan Whitney (in orange and white shirt) with members of the AVOIR team at the University of the Western Cape. Geekcorps, affiliated with VfP Partner - International Executive Service Corps – recently launched its participation in the Digital Freedom Initiative (DFI) in South Africa. DFI brings together federal agencies, the private sector, nonprofits, and universities to build technical capacity and spur economic growth in developing nations through the adoption of new technology and pro-competitive regulation.

In Cape Town, Geekcorps is developing the capacity of African universities as part of the African Virtual Open Initiatives and Resources (AVOIR) project to produce the next generation of software developers - local capacity to develop local technology solutions. In partnership with the University of Western Cape, Geekcorps volunteers will help develop a cutting edge, real-time educational collaboration program.

The first volunteer to arrive, Ryan Whitney is already making an impact. Ryan comes from Seattle, WA where he started his own web applications development and consulting firm.

"Ryan is contributing some great ideas. He is a valuable asset to the project, and we are really glad he is here!" said Paul Scott, project manager.

Two additional Geekcorps volunteers are expected to arrive in early 2007. DFI is a key presidential initiative that is supported by VfP.

VfP MISSION: Volunteers for Prosperity promotes the energy and idealism of the United States through support of international voluntary service by highly skilled American professionals to advance the global health and prosperity goals of the U.S. Government

VfP Partner Spotlight: CHF International

Founded in 1952, CHF International serves as a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low- and moderate-income communities around the world, helping families improve their social, economic, and environmental conditions. CHF (Community, Habitat, and Finance) provides technical expertise and leadership in international development, including critical emergency management following disasters and civil conflict. Whether rehabilitating schools, roads, and water systems, or establishing independent financial institutions that will lend credit to low-income individuals to start businesses or build homes, CHF’s American volunteers share their technical skills in microfinance and micro enterprise development, local organizational capacity building, community-led development, and building public-private partnerships. CHF has worked in nearly 100 countries worldwide since its inception.

For more information visit http://www.chfhq.org/.

Volunteer Profile: Cindy Owings, Small Business Owner

Cindy Owings at a local artisan’s studio in the Republic of Georgia Cindy Owings at a local artisan’s studio in the Republic of GeorgiaWith decades of experience selling her own handicrafts products, Cindy Owings knows the difficulties faced by artisans trying to develop and market their products. Ms. Owings who lives in McAllister, Montana ran her own design and manufacturing company for over 20 years. Drawing from her expertise as a professional potter and textile artist, Ms. Owings traveled to the Republic of Georgia in April 2006 to assist the handicraft sector as a volunteer with nonprofit CHF International.

The Republic of Georgia’s unemployment rate of nearly 13 percent means that over half of the population is living below the poverty line. Since there are few economic opportunities available, Georgians are attempting to turn a hobby like creating handicrafts products into an income generating enterprise with proper training. Georgians utilize local materials such as wool and clay to create items including pottery, knitted boots and rugs.

While in Georgia, Ms. Owings led numerous training workshops on techniques for spinning raw wool and yarn. She also worked with local artisans regarding business development and marketing methods. Reflecting upon her international voluntary service in Georgia, Ms. Owings said, “It was a grand adventure traveling to remote villages, eating delicious food, meeting talented artisans, sharing my own business and textile knowledge and soaking up a culture rich in diverse history!”

Find a Specific International Voluntary Service Opportunity!

The VfP Office has added a search engine to its website that links to a database of announcements for specific international voluntary opportunities. See USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network Find an International Volunteer Opportunity. The new search engine makes it easier for skilled Americans to volunteer overseas. VfP partners interested in listing their international voluntary opportunities with the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network should contact the VfP Office for further information at volunteersforprosperity@usaid.gov.

 

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Volunteers for Prosperity was established by Executive Order in September 2003. VfP works through leading U.S. non-profits and businesses to deploy highly skilled American professionals in volunteer opportunities that support the global health and prosperity goals of the U.S. Government. For more information visit: www.volunteersforprosperity.gov.