Over 20,000 Highly Skilled Americans Volunteered Worldwide in 2006

Washington, DC – The Office of Volunteers for Prosperity (VfP Office) at the U.S. Agency for International Development is proud to commemorate the third anniversary of the Volunteers for Prosperity initiative established by President Bush’s Executive Order in September 2003. 

“The day really is a celebration of the commitment and energy of skilled American volunteers who have helped others in need throughout the world over the past three years,” said Jack Hawkins, Director of the VfP Office. 

Hawkins acknowledged the selfless dedication of America’s professionals who answered the call to service by using their skills to help others in developing countries.  The VfP Office helped mobilize more than 20,000 Americans – doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, businesspeople and others -- as international volunteers in 2006.

VfP volunteers have made important contributions toward addressing global problems through activities such as treating victims of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, improving drinking water in rural African villages, providing educational opportunities to women in the Middle East, and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs in Asia.

A Presidential initiative of USA Freedom Corps, VfP encourages highly skilled American professionals to serve as volunteers supporting U.S. goals for global health and prosperity. VfP has more than 220 partner organizations, U.S.-based non profits and companies that deploy and manage the volunteers.

“For three years, skilled American volunteers and their sponsor organizations have been bringing to life our motto, “Experience Changing the World”, said Hawkins. “I want to thank every volunteer, business and non profit for endeavoring so tirelessly to improve lives around the world.”

Volunteers for Prosperity was established by Executive Order on September 25, 2003.  VfP works with leading U.S. non-profits and companies to deploy highly skilled American professionals in volunteer opportunities that support the global health and prosperity goals of the U.S. Government.  VfP is part of the USA Freedom Corps, the White House’s coordinating council on volunteer service.  For more information, please visit www.volunteersforprosperity.gov. 

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