Always wanted to volunteer or explore social entrepreneurship but didn’t know where to start? The 2nd International Youth Volunteerism Summit next February will bring together thinkers and doers in the field of international volunteer work and entrepreneurship. What’s more, if you already have an idea in mind, submit a proposal and see it take off.
The organisers of the International Youth Volunteerism Summit (IYVS) are looking for enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the second annual IYVS. The summit will be held at Northwestern University from February 22-25, 2007. The weekend is designed to celebrate the impulses behind youth volunteerism around the world while at the same time creating a social and intellectual space for serious critical discussion of the limits and pitfalls of those impulses. IYVS will select and sponsor up to 10 international participants to join 50 American students and a group of 40 social entrepreneurs, NGO executives, and academic experts.
The Summit will introduce major problems of direct international engagement while building its delegates’ capacities to more successfully act as catalysts of sustainable progress. Keynote speakers and panel discussions introduce delegates to overarching issues faced by international volunteers, while practical workshops build particular skills sets like grant writing and business planning necessary to international organizational planning.
IYVS is unique among its peers in that it provides outcome funding for projects created by its delegates. In 2006, IYVS provided two packages worth $10,000 total for projects initiated by student delegates.
They are looking for a diverse group of participants and encourage everyone to apply regardless of previous volunteer experience. Housing and food will be covered for all delegates. Travel stipends will be available in a separate application. Interested individuals should refer to www.iyvs.org/prospectus, and www.iyvs.org/apply for further information and the application forms.
Please note that all applications must be received by Friday, November 10th, 2006.
Interested in Volunteerism? Interested in International Affairs? Interested in Social Entrepreneurship? IYVS2007 is for you.
Editor’s note: Even though “10 international participants” seem like a measly number, it never hurts to try, does it? If this is what you want, try for it and show your passion. After all, entrepreneurs shouldn’t have “fear” or “failures” in their vocabulary.