Activities
The volunteer-powered Building Bridges Coalition conducts many
ongoing activities in support of our goals.
Workgroups
Most of the coalition's work is accomplished by hard-working volunteers involved with the different workgroups. You can see a list of the workgroups by clicking on the Workgroups tab and visit the page for each group to view their recent activities. (Note: You must be a member of the BBC community to see workgroup information.)
Tracking the Doubling Cohort
The coalition conducts an annual survey to track progress towards its goal to double the number of international volunteers. The number of international volunteers is tracked through the Doubling Cohort, which is a representative group of approximately 47 volunteer-sending organizations. To see results of the 2009 survey, click here: 2009_BBC_Doubling_Cohort_Results.pdf
Legislative Initiatives
Authorize Volunteers for Prosperity - This initiative was realized with passage of the 2009 Edward Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the Volunteers for Prosperity program and the VfPServe program that provides stipends to help skilled volunteers serve abroad. The challenge now is to secure funding for the program.
More Peace Corps - This initiative aims to double the number of Peace Corps volunteers.
Global Service Fellowship - Program to strengthen America’s citizen diplomacy efforts overseas by increasing the presence of American volunteers abroad.
Key Points:
1. The GSF will provide $250 million over 5 years to fund approximately 10,000 fellows per year.
2. Fellowships will average between $2,500 and $7,500 depending on the length of stay.
3. Volunteers will apply for fellowships through their congressional district.
4. Added weight will be given to applicants with income equal to 200% of the poverty line or below.
Supporting Research
BBC supports the Research & Impacts arm of the Brookings Institution Initiative on International Volunteering & Service. Some of the international volunteer research from our colleagues at Washington University in St. Louis can be found here:
Workgroups
Most of the coalition's work is accomplished by hard-working volunteers involved with the different workgroups. You can see a list of the workgroups by clicking on the Workgroups tab and visit the page for each group to view their recent activities. (Note: You must be a member of the BBC community to see workgroup information.)
Tracking the Doubling Cohort
The coalition conducts an annual survey to track progress towards its goal to double the number of international volunteers. The number of international volunteers is tracked through the Doubling Cohort, which is a representative group of approximately 47 volunteer-sending organizations. To see results of the 2009 survey, click here: 2009_BBC_Doubling_Cohort_Results.pdf
Legislative Initiatives
Authorize Volunteers for Prosperity - This initiative was realized with passage of the 2009 Edward Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the Volunteers for Prosperity program and the VfPServe program that provides stipends to help skilled volunteers serve abroad. The challenge now is to secure funding for the program.
More Peace Corps - This initiative aims to double the number of Peace Corps volunteers.
Global Service Fellowship - Program to strengthen America’s citizen diplomacy efforts overseas by increasing the presence of American volunteers abroad.
Key Points:
1. The GSF will provide $250 million over 5 years to fund approximately 10,000 fellows per year.
2. Fellowships will average between $2,500 and $7,500 depending on the length of stay.
3. Volunteers will apply for fellowships through their congressional district.
4. Added weight will be given to applicants with income equal to 200% of the poverty line or below.
Supporting Research
BBC supports the Research & Impacts arm of the Brookings Institution Initiative on International Volunteering & Service. Some of the international volunteer research from our colleagues at Washington University in St. Louis can be found here:
About
© 2009 Created by Building Bridges Coalition on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
