Community Solutions- Information for Host Organizations

Interested in hosting a 2013 Community Solutions Program leader? Community Solutions is now accepting Host Interest Forms from U.S. organizations. To notify IREX of your interest and willingess to host a Community Solutions Program leader in 2013, please submit a Host Interest Form no later than April 30, 2013.

IREX seeks U.S. community-based, non-profit or other grassroots organizations, government offices or legislative bodies that actively engage in community development projects to host, mentor and guide community leaders from August to December of 2013. Community Solutions participants are among the best and brightest global community leaders working in Transparency & Accountability, Tolerance/Conflict Resolution, Environmental Issues, and Women and Gender Issues. Community leaders participating in the program will come from 56 countries. 

Hear what past host organizations have to say about hosting a leader:

Benefits of Hosting a Community Solutions Leader

Outstanding Community Leaders: IREX pre-screens applicants through an extensive selection process which includes detailed reviews of candidate applications, interviews in English and language testing, ensuring that leaders are qualified to contribute actively to the life of the organization and the surrounding community.  Learn more about the backgrounds and experiences of CSP Leaders here.

Diversity: hosts benefit from the diverse cultural and professional backgrounds and ideas of leaders (see list of countries below)

International Networks: interaction with leaders can lead to new contacts and areas for future international collaboration

Publicity: organizations receive free publicity through IREX and the community leaders

Lasting Change: hosts have the opportunity to contribute to positive lasting change in community leaders’ home communities by sharing their expertise and networks

No Cost: IREX sponsors leaders’ visas, provides complete financial support, and monitors and supports the community leaders’ activities throughout the duration of the program. In fact, hosts receive an honorarium for their participation in the Community Solutions Program

Contributions of Host Organizations

Mentor: hosts designate a mentor within the organization or government office who will meet with the leader on a regular basis to help guide them in their learning

Work Space: host organizations provide office space or other work space (shared if necessary)

Resources: host organizations offer access to computer, e-mail, and Internet facilities

Support: hosts provide initial support in helping the leader find housing, familiarize themselves with local resources, and integrate socially and culturally into the host institution and community

Networks: host organizations facilitate leader’s experiential learning and networking

Collaborate: host organizations collaborate with community leaders on their follow-on projects

Interested in hosting a Community Solutions Leader? Complete a Host Interest Form.