President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron announce partnership to strengthen volunteers’ fight against global poverty

26/05/2011 14:10:00

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron have today announced a partnership between two of the world’s leading volunteer organisations, VSO and the US Peace Corps.

Announced during President Obama’s first official State visit to Britain, the partnership will draw on the shared resources of both organisations, helping to ensure VSO and Peace Corps volunteers can continue fighting poverty and improving the lives of poor people for years to come. 

In a statement announcing six key joint initiatives the leaders said that: “The US Peace Corps and VSO will jointly promote volunteering and active citizenship through people to people exchanges. They will work together alongside local communities and organisations on development priorities and they will enhance their effectiveness by sharing best practice in training, systems and innovation.”

For more than fifty years, Peace Corps and VSO have been leading organisations fighting global poverty through volunteering.  Collectively, they have 10,000 international volunteers working in 95 countries and a network of more than 250,000 returned volunteers. Each organisation works in complementary ways, so providing opportunities to work together that enhances our effectiveness in transforming lives across the world.

Peace Corps and VSO have worked together informally, on a small scale, for more than a decade. Building on this foundation, they will explore how they can collaborate further, on volunteer programmes, such as education, health and HIV/AIDS projects across the developing world, and on supporting local citizens to shape their future and the future of their countries.  The partnership will also see organisational learning on training and other support functions.

VSO Chief Executive Officer, Marg Mayne said:

“This is a landmark step forward for VSO and our transatlantic friends, Peace Corps. We both have a shared insight and commitment to engaging people in the fight against poverty. Peace Corps and VSO will support each other’s efforts to develop volunteer programmes that are more effective in engaging poor communities in shaping their own future.

“The announcement today will allow us to increase the reach of our education, health, HIV/AIDS, youth development, gender and climate change programmes. Our valued volunteers will continue to work alongside poor communities and local partners on key development priorities, as well as support them in building a lasting legacy of local volunteer networks.”

Peace Corps Director, Aaron S. Williams said:

“This innovative partnership will enhance the effectiveness and impact of both Peace Corps and VSO.  We will share best practices in programming and training, strengthening our united efforts to combat global poverty.  We are proud that President Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron recognise the contributions our volunteers are making within local communities around the world.”

Ends

VSO Media contact: Krista Eleftheriou on krista.eleftheriou@vso.org.uk, 0208 780 7265, 07738982122.

Peace Corps Press Office: pressoffice@peacecorps.gov, 1-202-692-2230

Editor's notes

VSO
As a leading international development charity, VSO last year assisted 26 million people in reducing poverty. Since 1958 more than 44,000 volunteers have worked in more than 120 countries. Today there are over 1600 international volunteers working in 42 countries around the world.

Peace Corps
President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 77 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.