The VOLUNTEER VOICE
Issue 2 July 2006
Third International Roundtable on Service and Volunteering Focuses on Global Disaster Response
On June 20th over 150 attendees gathered for the Third Annual International Roundtable on Service and Volunteering at the Microsoft Corporate Headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Representatives from a wide range of organizations active in international service - corporations, NGOs, and officials from the public sector - attended this one day conference, which has become the largest annual gathering of international volunteer service leaders in the United States.
Jack Hawkins, Director of the Office of Volunteers for Prosperity at USAID, opened this year’s roundtable by noting the importance of bringing together government, the private sector, and NGO communities in order to effectively prepare for and respond to global disasters. Mr. Hawkins shared a presidential message with those gathered commemorating the event. Introducing best selling author John Barry as the event’s keynote speaker, Hawkins commented that effective disaster response requires an appropriate historic context. Learn more
New VfP Brochure Available
Volunteers for Prosperity has just released an expanded and updated brochure explaining the program to non-profit and business leaders and potential volunteers. The brochure describes how VfP partner organizations participate, the benefits of becoming a VfP partner, how individuals participate, how volunteers are honored through the President's Volunteer Service Award, and more....
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 Becomes Leadership Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award
The Office of Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP Office) at USAID is pleased to be an official Leadership Organization for the PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD. As such the Web site, www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov/s/volunteersprosperity, has been established to provide VfP partners with a central Internet location that facilitates registration to become a certifying organization for the Award.
VfP has teamed with its partner organizations – over 220 U.S.-based NGOs and businesses across the country - to deliver this Award to outstanding volunteers. As a Leadership Organization for the Award, VfP encourages its partners and their local affiliates to register as Certifying Organizations, nominate potential recipients and distribute the Award to those who meet the Award criteria.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation – created by President George W. Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers make to our nation. To learn more and find out how to qualify for the Award, visit http://www.volunteersforprosperity.gov/busorg/honor.htm.
To be eligible to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Applicants’ service hours must be confirmed by a registered Certifying Organization. There are three levels of the Award varying by hours of service completed within a 12-month period: |
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Kids - 14 and younger |
Adults - Ages 26 and up |
Young Adults - Ages 15 - 25 |
Families and Groups (two or more people)* *Each member contributing at least 25 hours towards the total |
PRESIDENT'S CALL TO SERVICE AWARD |
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VfP Partner Spotlight: Cross-Cultural Solutions
Operating in 10 countries, Cross-Cultural Solutions exemplifies Volunteers for Prosperity’s flexibility in international service opportunities. The New York Times wrote: “For those who want something different, something akin to a mini-stint with the Peace Corps, there is Cross-Cultural Solutions.” Skilled Americans serving with this non-profit organization work with local partners in Africa, Latin America and Russia for terms of service ranging from one to 12 weeks. Established in 1995, CCS, located in New Rochelle, New York, sent 2,217 volunteers overseas last year.
CCS project areas include medical care, HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, business mentoring, and education. For contact information and more details, visit http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org
Volunteer Profile: Lindsey Inouye, M.D.
Dr. Lindsey Inouye of Tucson, Arizona took his family on vacation to Guatemala last January. In connection with the visit, through Cross-Cultural Solutions, Dr. Inouye spent two weeks donating his services as a physician to the needy at Guatemala’s National Cancer Center. “My two week experience involved interviewing Mayan patients, discussing surgical oncology with hospice MDs, presenting tumor embolization techniques, and discussing future projects with hospital administrators,” said Dr. Inouye.
Dr. Inouye’s family members took part in other volunteer activities during the two weeks he worked at the Cancer Center. He plans to return soon to Guatemala and continue the important work of improving local cancer treatments. “Guatemala,” he says, “will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Photo Caption: Dr. Lindsey Inouye (middle) with Guatemalan physicians in the National Cancer Center in Guatemala City.
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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