Washington, D.C. - On August 3, 2005, representatives of foreign governments, private voluntary organizations, corporations and academic institutions from around the world will gather together for the 2nd Annual International Roundtable on Service and Volunteerism at the Washington, DC Convention Center.

The International Roundtable, orchestrated by the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network (POLF), and the Office of Volunteers for Prosperity (VFP) at U.S. Agency for International Development, will feature presentations from leading national and international experts on volunteerism and service.

“This international exchange occurs at a time when issues of national security and disaster response are at the forefront of the agenda. Meeting these challenges requires increased collaboration with the private sector and an expansion of volunteers’ roles in revitalizing civil society throughout the world,” said David Caprara, a senior Director at CNCS.

Jack Hawkins, Director of VFP, a presidential initiative that deploys highly skilled volunteers overseas to advance health and prosperity added, “Living as we all do in a changed world of America’s 9/11 and London’s 7/7, this year’s gathering takes on special significance. We are approaching a time of increased recognition of the value of volunteer service.”

“In addition to great speakers, and the chance to network with others from around the world, the conference will feature exciting new initiatives[AJM1] ,” said Miriam Parel, a Vice President at POLF.

Plenary discussions are planned as well as breakout sessions that will allow participants the opportunity to exchange best practices on relevant topics.

Presentations include:

• Morning Plenary entitled “Volunteerism: Official Approaches; Personal Experiences and Global Impacts” featuring experts from VFP, Peace Corps, and United Nations Volunteers.
• Session on regional models for volunteering and service in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
• Panel discussion on effective volunteer service policies in Nepal, Israel, and Canada.
• Discussion on how global corporate volunteering can support the Millennium Development Goals.
• Luncheon Plenary on Conflict Resolution through Service and Interfaith Dialogue with key note speakers Anne Taggart from the United Kingdom Home Office and David Knafo from Israel’s Ministry of Social Affairs.

The International Roundtable is made possible by the support of the White House Office of the USA Freedom Corps, Peace Corps, Case Foundation, Center for Social Development at Washington University and the active participation of leading NGOs and international service organizations including United Nations Volunteers, International Association for Volunteer Effort and Inter-American Development Bank.

The one-day event precedes the National Conference on Volunteering and Service that will be held August 4-6 in Washington, DC.

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