Oxfam America Savings Groups Conference Volunteer

SG2013 Savings Groups Conference: Expanding Financial Inclusion and Development

March 4 & 5, 2013, Arlington, VA

Savings Groups provide access to basic financial services to over six million rural poor people, mostly women, worldwide. These self-selected and self- managed groups, predominately found in remote areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Central America, provide their members with a secure place to save and easy access to loans.

The SG 2013 Savings Groups Conference will demonstrate to a broad community of stakeholders that Savings Groups are an effective and complementary approach to financial inclusion and development. Together, participants will learn how Savings Groups can enhance their programs, provide efficient financial inclusion and provide meaningful social impact.

It is organized by Oxfam America, along with an Advisory Committee composed of representatives from the Aga Khan Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Freedom from Hunger, The MasterCard Foundation, Plan International, the SEEP Network, and USAID.

General conference topics include:

• The place that Savings Groups occupy within the current financial landscape
• How Savings Groups can be linked to the formal financial sector
• How Savings Groups reach the rural poor in remote areas
• How to scale up Savings Groups
• How Savings Groups can be platforms for other services, products, and types of education
• How to link Savings Groups to mobile technology

Conference Volunteers

We will need up to 8 volunteers for the two day event. Our volunteers will be instrumental to the success of this conference. We encourage graduate students, young professionals, or those interested in development initiatives to apply for this valuable opportunity to learn more about the field. We are seeking organized individuals with strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of the DC area.

In return, the SG 2013 registration fee will be waived for all volunteers and meals will be provided. You may also attend and observe select research and programming sessions. Transportation fees will not be covered.

The deadline to submit your application is February 4^th, 2013. Please note we will not accept late applications.

We will need volunteers for the following roles:

Pre-Conference

• Sunday, March 3^rd 12pm – 4pm

Pre-conference volunteers will assist in assembling program packets, setting up the registration area, posting session signs, and other duties.

Conference Registration

• Monday, March 4^th 7am – 9am

Conference registration volunteers will check-in pre-registered participants, register any new participants, distribute registration packets and name badges, and attend to general registration needs.

Workshop and Panel Sessions

• Monday, March 4^th and Tuesday, March 5^th 9am – 5pm

Session volunteers will assist in the set-up of each room 30 minutes before the session's start. They will also ensure presenters have checked-in at morning registration, guide them to their designated presentation room, and assist in distributing session materials.

Special Projects

• Monday, March 4th and Tuesday, March 5th 8am – 5pm

Special projects will need to be carried out throughout the conference. These volunteers will have several different assignments throughout the day. Responsibilities may include directing conference attendees to all sessions and meals, assisting with book events, and guiding VIPs to their reserved seating and sessions.

Expectations

Throughout the two days, all volunteers should be prepared to answer questions and provide information about the conference's program and schedule. Volunteers may be asked about the DC area, so it may be helpful to know about local attractions, transportation, and restaurants. An orientation session will be held before the conference so that volunteers become familiar with the hotel, program, and details of their roles.

Contact Belicca Ferrer (savingsconference@oxfamamerica.org) for assistance or questions. You can also visit the SG 2013 Savings Groups Conference website at www.oxfamamerica.org/sgconference.