ACCION's Ambassador Program
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Experience the Power of Microfinance, Firsthand
The application process for this summer's program is now closed, click here to visit the blog for the current Ambassadors!
 ACCION International's Ambassador Program is a new volunteer program whose goal is to send dedicated individuals to the field to document the impact of microfinance on the lives of the poor. The Ambassador Program is a fully volunteer-based and individually funded program that offers participants unique exposure to the work of ACCION’s partner microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the field. The pilot class of ACCION Ambassadors will deploy to the field in July 2010.
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 Ambassador experiences through blogs, photographs, journals and video testimonials.
- Teams of 2-3 Ambassadors are then embedded with an ACCION partner microfinance institution for up to 10 weeks.
- 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; and assisting MFI staff with general administrative tasks.
Benefits to Ambassadors
- Customized one-week training from microfinance industry pioneer ACCION International
- Field experience working closely with MFI staff for up to 10 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:
- 21 years old; university graduate
- Fluency in a local language (such as English, Hindi or Spanish – depending on the program)
- Experience traveling or living overseas (preferably in a developing country)
- Excellent writing, communication and analytical skills
- Interest in microfinance, economic development or social entrepreneurship
- Familiarity with video, photography and Web-based applications, such as blogs and social networks
- Flexibility, humility, self-motivation
For more information about the program, please contact ambassadors@accion.org.
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