Overview

VEGA volunteers represent nearly every sector of the economy. If you are a current or recent practitioner with extensive experience in one of VEGA's key four areas and are interested in donating your expertise to help build stronger economies and make a difference in the lives of your counterparts overseas, please consider joining VEGA in its mission. VEGA itself does not recruit volunteer experts; they are recruited through our member organizations. Requirements for technical skills and regional experience vary for each of our member organizations.

Qualities of a VEGA Volunteer

Expertise: VEGA volunteers are professionals in the fields in which they are providing technical training, enabling them to achieve instant rapport with their clients;

Commitment: VEGA volunteers frequently remain in contact with their host country clients long after individual assignments are completed and continue to conduct support activities in the U.S.;

Flexibility: Experienced volunteers can be deployed quickly to respond to urgent client needs;

Experience: VEGA optimizes program impact by utilizing both the experience of repeat volunteers and the fresh up-to-date knowledge of qualified first timers.

There are many reasons to become a VEGA volunteer. The following are just some of the benefits of joining:

• Visit a new country where you will meet and work with new people.
• Contribute to lasting development of businesses, industries and communities in a developing country.
• Fulfill your sense of adventure while applying your work experience to a common good.
• Acquire valuable new experiences and confront unique challenges in your field.
• Broaden your understanding of other countries and their unique business climate.
• Observe the process of economic and social transition first-hand.
• Represent the U.S. as a citizen diplomat.
• Be a source of knowledge and support for others in need.
• Gain the rewards of mentoring others on a global scale.
• Develop new business connections, new friendships and lasting memories.
• Participate and contribute to the free exchange of ideas to generate solutions to real business problems.

Voices of VEGA Volunteers

"Volunteering with a VEGA program is a wonderful way to use your expertise, share your knowledge and to learn about new cultures and new people. It has really given me an opportunity to expand my horizons."

~Susan Snelson

VEGA- Bulgaria Trade & Development Program

"VEGA volunteer programs make it possible to do important things that we couldn't and wouldn't do on our own. They provide an opportunity to make a lasting impact on ourselves and others in unique situations. Iraqi and American professionals getting to know and understand each other in these trying times in an interactive business setting was a life changing experience for both the volunteers and the attendees."

~Donald Van Stone

VEGA - Iraq Private Sector, Development Initiative