In November 2000, Save the Children worked with a group of dedicated volunteers to launch its first Delegation to Mali, West Africa. Since then, there have been Delegations to Nicaragua, Nepal, El Salvador, Malawi, Bolivia, Viet Nam, Guatemala, Mississippi Delta, Ethiopia, Jordan and Appalachia. Delegations are intended to expand the network of individuals, who, after visiting STC's programs in the developing world or in the United States, will support and promote the work of STC's national organization by raising funds, influencing public policy, increasing public awareness or providing educational forums.
Delegations vary in length and cost depending on the country visited. A Delegate pays the cost of meals, in country transportation, translators, informational packets and briefings. Flight reservations are the responsibility of the Delegate. A tax-deductible donation is given to the visited field office in recognition of the planning and staff time needed to host the Delegation.
The Delegates' Council is a volunteer group of returning Delegates. STC, working with members of the Delegates' Council, selects three or four countries a year that are able to host a Delegation. Individuals are invited to participate in a Delegation based on their interest in becoming long term supporters and advocates of STC. By joining a Delegation, existing supporters are given with the opportunity to become more informed by witnessing first hand STC's programs in action.
A returning Delegate is expected to do one or more of the following:
- Share newfound knowledge from the field with the public, local service or professional groups, government leaders and schools in ways of their choosing
- Meet with and/or write to legislators about issues that affect the quality of life for women and children in the developing world or in the United States
- Give press interviews
- Make a personal donation and/or assist Save the Children in raising funds from individuals, foundations and corporations
- Join or help create a volunteer leadership council in their community
- Participate in the annual Save the Children Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.
- Attend the Delegates Council Annual Meeting and Dinner
- Identify individuals who will join future Delegations
Please contact Elle Russell, erussell@savechildren.org any questions.
