Policy Brief #160

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The Brookings Institution POLICY BRIEF March 2007 Policy Brief #160 Related Brookings Resources Global Service Fellowships: Building • “The Best Diplomats: American Volunteers” Bridges through American Volunteers Opinion by David L. Caprara (January 2007) BY DAVID L. CAPRARA, JOHN BRIDGELAND • “International Volunteering: AND HARRIS WOFFORD Smart Power” Policy Brief #155 s policy-makers search by Lex Rieffel and Sarah Zalud for ways to share the (June 2006) best of America with • “Ending Poverty, Promoting A Peace: The Quest for Global the world, they should start Security” with our international volun- Lael Brainard, Derek Chollet and Vinca LaFleur teers, who embody this Brookings Blum Roundtable country’s spirit of generosity, Report (August 2006) resourcefulness and hope. • “Reaching Out: Americans With the support of Congress Serving Overseas” Lex Rieffel and the Bush Administration, Brookings working paper volunteers can become the (December 2005) first face of America to • Security by Other Means: Global Poverty, Foreign communities in many nations, Cross-Cultural Solutions Assistance and American while advancing concrete Leadership Lael Brainard, ed. initiatives that lift up the lives of the poor throughout the world. Brookings Institution Press To maximize the potential of international volunteering, we propose that Congress establish a program of Global Service Fellowships to To receive a weekly e-mail support American volunteers—nominated by congressional members— about Brookings news, events, and publications, sign up serving abroad with qualifying nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), for the Brookings Alert at faith-based groups, and universities that are committed to advancing www.brookings.edu. peace and development. Initial funding of $50 million would support approximately 10,000 fellowships annually averaging $5,000 each to pay for volunteers’ travel, program costs, and minimal living expenses. In addition, Congress and the White House should work together to double the Peace Corps, authorize and provide support to Volunteers for Prosperity, and increase support of other efforts inside and outside government to enable global service and assess its impact. These efforts will empower a growing coalition of international volunteering The organizations to help reach the goal of 100,000 Americans serving in Brookings developing countries each year. Institution 1775 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20036 All Policy Briefs are available on the Brookings website at www.brookings.edu. POLICY BRIEF

The role of international volunteer service unique contributions of voluntary organi- in building bridges across growing global zations as a core strength of our young divides has never been more critical to the democracy. In the following two centuries, future of our nation, and global peace and presidents from John F. Kennedy to George stability. Building on the exemplary work W. Bush have recognized that volunteering of the Peace Corps, a growing field of is one of America’s greatest exports. nongovernmental organizations, faith- based entities, universities, and corporate A longitudinal study conducted by Abt service programs seek to help communities Associates for the Corporation for abroad while enhancing the lives of volun- National and Community Service noted teers. In addition to bringing tangible the profound long-term impact of benefits to the people they serve, members extended service in domestic programs of this new cadre of international volun- like AmeriCorps on participants’ civic teers also tend to develop enduring habits engagement. These benefits include of civic engagement and lasting appreci- increased volunteer connections and ation of foreign partners and perspectives. participation in their community, John Bridgeland co-chairs the Brookings This strengthens America’s civil society, knowledge of local community challenges Institution policy working group on International advances public diplomacy objectives such as the environment, health, and crime, Volunteering and Service. abroad, and deepens American under- and personal growth through strengthened He is CEO of Civic Enterprises, CEO of standing of forces beyond our borders. habits of citizenship and service. Malaria No More, and former assistant to the president and director of the This movement of international volun- Service abroad brings the additional White House Domestic teers could be greatly enhanced by benefit of forging personal relationships Policy Council and director, USA Freedom Corps at the congressional leadership to provide between generous Americans and poor White House overseeing domestic and international America’s volunteers with expanded citizens of foreign lands. While American service. service opportunities that would help volunteers come home with a lifelong improve perceptions of the United States appreciation of the challenges faced by abroad. To maximize the potential of developing countries, citizens of those international volunteering, we propose nations gain personal experience of that Congress pursue a global service American generosity and humanity. agenda centering on a new program of congressionally-nominated Global Service The potential power of these efforts are Fellowships, along with doubling the evidenced in the results of a recent Terror Peace Corps, authorizing and supporting Free Tomorrow poll, which showed a Volunteers for Prosperity, and increased markedly positive change in major Muslim Harris Wofford support of technical assistance and multi- nations’ perceptions of the United States in co-chairs the Brookings Institution policy working lateral exchanges. These efforts will response to humanitarian relief and service group on International empower a growing coalition of interna- initiatives. Polling data indicated that nearly Volunteering and Service. He is a former United tional volunteering organizations to help 60 percent of Indonesians and 75 percent States senator from Pennsylvania and CEO reach the goal of 100,000 Americans of Pakistanis held more favorable views of of the Corporation for serving in developing countries each year. the United States following humanitarian National and Community Service during the Clinton assistance after their tsunami and earth- Administration. He is for- The unique power of volunteer service has quake tragedies. Importantly, this change mer special assistant to President Kennedy for civil been key to the vitality of our nation since in perception lasted beyond the initial aid rights and worked with its birth. In the mid-nineteenth century, and service, underscoring that America’s Sargent Shriver to organize the Peace Corps. historian Alexis de Tocqueville noted the actions can have lasting impact.

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One illustrative international volunteer respond to a call to service meeting example is Kimberly Priebe of critical humanitarian needs and achieving Schaumburg, Illinois, who was recently vital civic diplomacy objectives. honored by USA Freedom Corps for her service as a World Teach volunteer As a centerpiece of this agenda, Congress teaching English in a community college should authorize a new Global Service in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. While serving in Fellowship to support qualifying organiza- Ecuador for one year, Ms. Priebe tions outside of government that have the published columns back home that commitment and the capacity to sponsor described the serious educational needs volunteers abroad to advance concrete of the population in Vilcabamba. After development objectives. Initial funding of reading the columns, the residents of $50 million would support approximately Schaumburg responded by sending 10,000 fellowships annually averaging contributions to establish 100 scholar- $5,000 to pay for volunteers’ travel, ships for young people to attend the program costs, and minimal living Vilcabamba community college. This expense. This is a fraction of the cost of David L. Caprara is support, generated by an American supporting a Peace Corps volunteer for nonresident fellow and director of the Brookings volunteer abroad, will foster benefits and one year. Global Service Fellowships Initiative on International bonds that will last beyond the scholar- ranging from both short-term placements Volunteering and Service, and the former director ships and affect generations to come. of up to six months, to lengthier one year of Faith-Based and assignments can be an effective “on ramp” Community Initiatives and AmeriCorps VISTA, GLOBAL SERVICE both to longer Peace Corps service and a Corporation for National FELLOWSHIPS lifetime of civic engagement. and Community Service. International volunteering and service should be re-engaged with the level of This new initiative, involving government commitment and imagination exhibited by support for individuals in non-profit and President John F. Kennedy in 1961 with faith-based groups, builds on the the launch of the Peace Corps. This successful model created by AmeriCorps legacy should be adapted to meet the at home. AmeriCorps has placed volun- twenty-first century’s unique challenges teers in a variety of civic, community, and of global conflict and human devel- faith-based groups. This has strengthened opment. And it should leverage the the voluntary organizations while also twenty-first century’s remarkable wealth broadening service opportunities well of organizations outside of government, beyond those available through entities such as NGO and faith-based partners, formally connected with government. It corporations and universities committed is a model that creates a powerful virtuous to advancing global development to meet circle: government can leverage resources the goal of engaging 100,000 Americans beyond its own, and worthy voluntary serving abroad annually. groups get needed help in building their own capacities to engage millions of We ask Congress and the president to Americans in service to the nation. raise their sights to these goals by embracing a global service agenda that Global Service Fellowship recipients would empower a wider range of would be nominated by each U.S. repre- Americans of diverse socio-economic sentative and senator, and awards made backgrounds and professional skills to in the form of a voucher to defray travel

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and program living expenses redeemable To promote increased socio-economic through qualifying international diversity in the international service field, voluntary service NGOs, faith-based added weight in the selection process organizations, and overseas service could be given to qualified applicants learning programs with universities and coming from households with income colleges. Fellowship applicants would less than 200 percent of poverty level. initially apply through participating Applicants with demonstrated prior international service programs and, community service experience would, upon acceptance, would submit their likewise, be given added consideration, Fellowship application to their congres- as would applicants from skilled sional office for nomination to the appro- disciplines addressing specific host priate oversight agency. country needs. The role of international volunteer service in building IMPACT PRIORITIES bridges across grow- Participating volunteering programs would collaborate with local host country organizations in developing programs that address local needs for volunteer skill- ing global divides transfer, capacity building, and cross-cultural service objectives. Fellowship has never been proposals should focus on one or more designated impact priorities that reinforce the key objectives of U.S. foreign assistance programs and international devel- more critical to opment compacts, including: the future of our ■ eradication of extreme poverty ■ combating HIV and AIDS, malaria, nation, and global through achievement of the UN and other infectious diseases; peace and stability. Millennium Development Goals; ■ helping to build or provide decent ■ achieving universal primary education; housing;

■ promoting gender equality and ■ providing disaster and humanitarian empowering women and families; response and preparedness;

■ reducing child mortality and ■ promoting cross-cultural exchange, improving maternal health; conflict resolution, and peace;

■ providing medical and dental health ■ developing global partnerships care and prevention; for development in the arenas of • providing assistance for the elderly, economic growth, micro-enterprise, orphans, people with disabilities, and agricultural and rural devel- and refugees; opment; and, ■ ■ promoting environmental sustainability; advancing access to information technology and strengthening civil ■ providing economic and social society. opportunities for youth in countries with growing cohorts of young people; Programs may contribute to impact priorities through direct service, ■ engaging youth service and building indirect service, or capacity building, volunteer-sector capacity in host or a combination thereof. countries;

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ELIGIBLE SPONSORING The extensive experience and expertise of ORGANIZATIONS bodies such as the Institute of Global Service Fellowship applicants must International Education, which manages be registered with a qualifying sponsoring implementation of international organization engaged in priority impact education exchange and global devel- areas, including: opment programs for the State Department, and the International ■ U.S.-based non-governmental organiza- Volunteer Program Association, could tions that sponsor international inform operational implementation and volunteer service; standards for the Global Fellowship Program. Congressionally approved ■ faith-based organizations engaged in programs that address issues such as non-sectarian service delivery; global health and development, foreign While American aid, and reduction of international volunteers come ■ universities and colleges operating conflict could also engage international international service-learning and volunteers receiving a Global Service home with a life- volunteer service programs; and Fellowship. long appreciation

■ local or national host government PROJECT EXPENSE ELIGIBILITY of the challenges agencies promoting national and Successful fellowship applicants would faced by developing community service in designated receive funding commitments redeemable countries, citizens impact areas. through the organization sponsoring the project. Eligible costs would include: of those nations Programs registered with a qualifying gain personal national agency will agree to follow widely ■ airfare, accommodations, and in- accepted standards of performance and country transportation, experience of accountability, including annual financial American generosity audits, liability insurance for program ■ sponsoring organization fees to defray participants, and other standards of international service program costs and and humanity. performance and integrity. Program program administration, standards adopted by the International Volunteer Programs Association and other ■ subsistence allowance in line with local comparable organizations in the volun- market conditions, teering field will be examined by the qualifying national agency that will ■ program materials and tools used for establish guidelines for eligible sponsoring service-related purposes, organizations. ■ local service project seed support, and Global Service Fellowship appropriations and oversight could be placed within the ■ language and cultural training, and other jurisdiction of an agency such as the U.S. pre-service project orientation costs. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office Recipients of Global Service Fellowships of Citizen Exchanges, in cooperation with of up to three months in duration would be the U.S. Agency for International eligible for $2,500 for program costs; three- Development’s Volunteers for Prosperity. to six-month fellowship recipients would

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be eligible for $5,000; and Fellowship affinity group and commissioned the recipients engaged in projects lasting from Foundation Strategy Group to assess best seven months to one year would be eligible practices that should be examined by the for up to $7,500. These general estimates administering Global Service Fellowship are based on cost ranges and experience of national agency. the international volunteer service field. The sponsoring and host organizations OTHER FELLOWSHIP would be responsible for project sustain- PROVISIONS ability through a combination of local Additional fellowship provisions would capacity building and recruitment and include the following: placement of local volunteers. ■ fellows must be U.S. citizens; We ask Congress University students selected as fellows could not apply funding towards normal ■ collaboration with local U.S. embassies and the president tuition; only expenses incurred as a direct would be encouraged to assist local to raise their sights result of service learning programs that partnership building and facilitate visa to these goals by demonstrate clear international service applications by American volunteers; impacts would qualify for support. embracing a global ■ volunteers would be able to defer service agenda... We recommend that authorizing legis- student loans for the duration of their lation also provide for public-private service; and, partnership options to leverage and match Fellowship resources with other sources ■ applicants must clearly describe their of program support. For example, plan for sharing their experiences with matching fund initiatives could be allowed others (particularly in their home for innovative leveraging with corporate congressional district) upon returning fellowship and international volunteering to the United States through classroom programs. Pfizer, IBM, GE, UPS, presentations, local newspaper articles, Timberland, and other companies have follow-up service projects and research, launched a global corporate volunteering or subsequent international exchanges.

A GLOBAL SERVICE AGENDA

To fully leverage the potential of global RECOMMENDATIONS FOR volunteer service to lift up the lives of the CONGRESSIONAL ACTION world’s poorest citizens, promote peace Authorize appropriations for a new and security, and deepen understanding Global Service Fellowship Program— of our foreign partners abroad will require Establish a $50 million Global Service a set of mutually reinforcing initiatives on Fellowship Program providing for 10,000 the part of the White House and volunteer fellowships annually averaging Congress. Fortunately, these steps are $5,000 each. long on impact for relatively modest funding and are likely to win the support Double the Peace Corps—Increase of a broad spectrum of Americans. appropriations to enable the Peace Corps

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Fortunately, these steps are long on impact for relatively modest funding and are likely to win the support of a broad spectrum Former Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered remarks in June 2006 at the Brookings Institution. His speech centered on international service and cultural exchange. “Don’t sell us short,” he stated, “One way not to sell us short is to take that which we still have as a valuable commodity, who we are and what we are, and send it overseas in the form of volunteers.” of Americans. to grow from 7,800 to 14,000 members by volunteering—Preserve congressional its fiftieth anniversary in 2011. support for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics baseline research and tracking Authorize and provide support to the of domestic and international volun- Volunteers for Prosperity program at teering. Provide funding for impact USAID—Provide authority and funding research and assessment of international to further the goal of linking U.S. foreign volunteering best practices, and enhanced assistance efforts with highly skilled collaboration among universities, research professional volunteers by expanding from institutions, and United Nations 20,000 to 40,000 volunteers. Volunteers.

Authorize and provide support to the Increase funding for the State President’s Council on Service and Department’s Bureau of Culture and Civic Participation—Make this current Educational Assistance volunteering presidential council permanent (similar to exchanges—Expand dedicated technical the President’s Council on Physical assistance and travel funding for interna- Fitness). tional exchanges in volunteering initiatives to build capacity for volunteer Support the development of metrics centers and promote national policies in evaluating the impact of international countries seeking assistance.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR Link the President’s Malaria Initiative EXECUTIVE ACTION and President’s Emergency Plan for Encourage increased private-sector AIDS Relief to sources of volunteer support—Assist the establishment of support, including faith-based and international service philanthropic funds community volunteer initiatives—The linking global volunteering with high- White House, USA Freedom Corps, and The policy recommendations in this brief impact project opportunities. USAID’s Office of Faith-Based and Community were developed in conjunction with leading international volunteering practitioners Global Development Alliance could Initiatives are well-positioned to link engaged in the Brookings Institution’s develop a prototype for this approach with international volunteering (including Initiative on International Volunteering and Service and the Building Bridges Coalition. international volunteering organizations, the proposed Global Service Fellowship) corporations, and foundations. with the president’s efforts on malaria and HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. Utilize U.S. Embassies to fast-track visas for American volunteers Together, these steps will coordinate and abroad and promote multinational expand the efforts of a broad spectrum of volunteering exchanges—The State American volunteers in a robust national Department and embassies in host effort aimed at enhancing global countries could serve to help expedite understanding while improving lives American volunteers’ visas and to promote through service. If we are serious about increased bilateral and multilateral enhancing global security and prosperity, volunteer exchanges, including “reverse we should include the natural proponents volunteering.” of America’s optimism, care, and The authors gratefully generosity—our volunteers—as part of acknowledge the leadership and ideas of Lael Brainard, vice the solution. president and director of Brookings Global Economy and Development Program, and the helpful suggestions of For more information about this program, please visit E.J. Dionne, Brookings senior fellow, in preparing this policy www.brookings.edu/global/volunteer. brief. The authors also thank policy associate David Schneider Tell us what you think of this Policy Brief. of American University for his E-mail your comments to [email protected]. dedicated research assistance.

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The views expressed in this Policy Brief are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the trustees, officers, or other staff members of the Brookings Institution.

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