Volunteer in the Field
Join Our Ambassadors Program and Experience the Power of Microfinance, Firsthand!
Apply Now! | Overview (PDF) | FAQs (PDF) | Ambassador Bios (2011 Class) | Ambassadors Blog
 The 2012 ACCION Ambassadors Application is NOW OPEN. Follow the link above to our online application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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ACCION International's Ambassadors Program is a volunteer program whose goal is to send dedicated individuals to the field to document the impact of microfinance on the lives of the poor. It is a unique experience that offers participants rare exposure to the work of ACCION’s partner microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the field. Since its pilot class in 2010, ACCION has sent twenty-five volunteers into the field to work alongside ten of ACCION’s partner institutions and offices.
How the Program Works
- Ambassadors receive one week of intensive training at ACCION’s headquarters in Boston, MA. The training covers such essentials as what to expect in the field, an introduction to microfinance and ACCION’s work, and how to document field experiences through blogs, photographs, journals and video testimonials.
- Teams of 2-3 Ambassadors will travel to an ACCION partner microfinance institution for 2-3 months, and even longer if possible.
- Once in the field, Ambassador responsibilities can include accompanying MFI loan officers on client visits to record the stories of microentrepreneurs; conducting brief social impact assessments; contributing to special projects; and assisting MFI staff with general administrative tasks.
Benefits to Ambassadors
- Customized one-week training from microfinance industry pioneer ACCION International, tentatively scheduled for June 4th to 7th in Boston, MA
- Field experience working closely with MFI staff for up to 12 weeks in a developing country
- Career development and networking opportunities through ACCION Ambassador alumni
Requirements to Apply
Ideal candidates will possess the following skills and meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a university graduate
- Be fluent in a local language (such as Hindi, Swahili or Spanish – depending on the program location)
- Have experience traveling or living overseas (preferably in a developing country)
- Possess excellent writing, communication and analytical skills
- Have an interest in microfinance, economic development or social entrepreneurship
- Be familiar with video, photography and Web-based applications, such as blogs and social networks
- Be flexible, humble and self-motivated
- Be available to participate in the 2012 Ambassadors Training in Boston, tentatively scheduled for June 4th – 7th
- Be able to cover travel and living expenses during the course of the program, including the mandatory training in Boston
Application Requirements – the application will open on January 2, 2012
- A current resume
- A cover letter that answers these questions: Why do you want to be an ACCION Ambassador? What do you hope to gain from the experience? What skills can you offer to your host MFI? How do you plan to finance this program?
- A writing sample of any nature, no longer than 1000 words
- Exceptional candidates will be invited to have a phone interview and possible interviews with MFI partners before final selection.
To request more information about the program, please contact ambassadors@accion.org.
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