« Go Back

About Counterpart International, Inc.

Counterpart Communities is a dynamic program of Counterpart International that provides direct humanitarian and development assistance to people and communities in need around the world. Counterpart Communities offers a framework for the transfer of humanitarian, technical, and economic assistance to developing and transitional countries while simultaneously building sustainable relationships directly between communities in need and those with the resources to help.

Counterpart International actively works to enhance community cooperation through staff based in the U.S., staff based in developing and transitional countries, and partnerships with organizations including Sister Cities International. Through a program comprised of three elements -- humanitarian aid, technical assistance, and economic development -- communities in need benefit from the transfer of commodities, technical skills and knowledge, and, ultimately, economic investment and support from their Counterpart Communities. The program enables US citizens, organizations, and corporations to participate directly in providing sustainable assistance to developing and transitional countries.

International Voluntary Service Activities

Counterpart International organizes and administers volunteers in countries around the world, including locations in North America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Over the past 12 months, 64 volunteers have traveled from the US to their Counterpart Communities to help distribute humanitarian assistance, offer technical expertise, or discuss economic possibilities. In the next year, with the growth of the program, Counterpart Communities expects over 150 volunteers to offer their assistance internationally. Currently, there are approximately 200 volunteers accessible to the organization, and the number of those interested in volunteering continues to grow.

Volunteer for Prosperity Opportunities
Number of Opportunities	50
Geographic Regions	Africa, Middle East, Fr. Soviet Union
Health & Prosperity Sectors	Agriculture, Economic Growth, Health, Reform,Capacity Building, Education, HIV/AIDS, Water,Competitiveness, Information Communication Technology,Natural Resources Management,Women Youth Empowerment
Types of Opportunities	Management, Technical, Support, Other
Average Duration of Projects	3 weeks
Volunteer Profile Summary
Counterpart Communities seeks volunteers to participate in international development activities overseas including those that fall under humanitarian, technical, and economic assistance. The volunteer·s duties overseas may include organizing other volunteers, distributing commodities, and attending distribution activities. Among the activities undertaken in technical assistance projects, volunteers travel overseas to discuss opportunities for improvement at home and abroad. In seminars, conferences, and workshops addressing research, cutting-edge technology, new methods, or best practices in an industry, volunteers provide professional training where appropriate, and learn from the practices of the developing or transitional community. Volunteers may help identify joint economic development projects they would like to pursue, and provide the overseas community with tools to take advantage of economic opportunities. Counterpart works with the volunteers to offer the overseas community support for economic development projects, including: business skills training, marketing assistance, help in building associations, business incubators, and financing opportunities for microenterprises. Counterpart Communities is looking for volunteers with a wide variety of professional backgrounds, skills, and capabilities, as opportunities vary in developing or transitional community.