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. 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