NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

International NGOs have been working with volunteers for as long as the development sector has existed, but the means through which volunteers contribute to development objectives have evolved over time. This webinar is designed to examine how skilled volunteers can contribute to market systems development outcomes. The presenters will discuss recent innovations through a number of concrete examples. Evidence will be shared on skills-based volunteering as a means to bring new talent into market systems programs and to tap into a steady pipeline of advisors, facilitators, and investors. We will also focus on the planning, training, and monitoring required to make the best use of volunteers in market systems programming, and demonstrate how volunteers can contribute to sustainable impact at scale.

This webinar will:

• Address commonly held misconceptions about volunteer programming
• Share successful models and lessons learned related to engaging volunteers
• Highlight examples of how skilled volunteers have contributed to tangible results and impacts
• Identify opportunities for funders, organizations, and professionals to harness volunteer expertise

The three speakers and their respective organizations each bring many years of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating international volunteer programs.