Diaspora Volunteerism: Serving Your Heritage

Group C. Diaspora Volunteerism: Serving Your Heritage

Over 60 million first and second generation Americans have strong roots in their countries of origin and want to know what they can do to help. Diasporas can provide technical advice and professional expertise, often have the linguistic and cultural familiarity that makes engagement more effective and trustworthy from the recipient’s vantage point, particularly in the most volatile regions, and diaspora volunteers can help counter the effects of “brain drain”. This session explores different ways that organized volunteer programs can engage diaspora volunteers and provide perspective from diaspora volunteers who have undertaken projects in their countries of origin.

Moderator:

Michael Deal, VEGA

Speakers:

Derek Evans, Cuso International
Natalie Grigorian, Birthright Armenia
Gregory Price, VolunteerMatch
Aelaf Worku, American International Health Alliance