Dear Service Colleagues,

On September 25, 2003, President George W. Bush launched Volunteers for Prosperity to encourage international voluntary service by highly skilled Americans supporting major U.S. efforts to promote health and prosperity around the world.

The Office of Volunteers for Prosperity at the U.S. Agency for International Development serves as a clearinghouse for international voluntary opportunities and has a network of over 220 partner organizations, nonprofits, and businesses that deploy and direct these volunteers in short, flexible assignments.

During the past three years, the world has witnessed devastating natural disasters such as the South Asian tsunami and the Pakistan earthquake.  In response to these tragedies the number of highly skilled Americans who answered the call to serve overseas has steadily increased.  Other Americans have helped fight the scourge of HIV/AIDS, volunteered as teachers, or imparted business and financial know-how to citizens of developing countries.

Last year, more than 20,000 skilled Americans offered their skills in developing countries in health care, engineering, information technology, financial services, trade and investment, education, and other areas of expertise.

Volunteers for Prosperity volunteers are making a difference in the lives of people around the world and at the same time are strengthening cross-cultural ties with people worldwide.  Volunteers for Prosperity is fulfilling the promise envisioned by President Bush when he predicted that through Volunteers for Prosperity, “this generation of citizens will show the world the energy and idealism of the United States of America”.

American professionals, nonprofits and businesses can learn more about participating in Volunteers for Prosperity at www.volunteersforprosperity.gov.

Sincerely,

Desiree Sayle
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Director of USA Freedom Corps