CUSO and VSO Canada merger
CUSO and VSO Canada merged on November 1, 2008 to form one of North America's leading international development organizations that works through volunteers.
The two agencies decided the time was right to pool resources and knowledge, and create something bigger and better than the sum of its parts. Both organizations have worked in many regions of the world – sometimes working side-by-side.
CUSO was founded in 1961. VSO Canada started in 1995. Combined, they placed around 15,000 volunteers who have contributed to a world of solutions in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Americas, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe. With CUSO joining the VSO international family, we now work in more than 40 countries. Collectively, the members of the VSO Federation have placed over 45,000 volunteers.
Tangible benefits of the merger
A combined CUSO and VSO Canada can learn from the many successes, occasional failures, and best practices of the two organizations. By joining forces, CUSO-VSO will:
Use international volunteering as a powerful tool for change – for both the individuals and the communities they serve. With more placements in more countries, there are new opportunities for volunteers to contribute to community and human development, to broaden their worldviews, and to deepen cultural connections within the global community.
Recruit the most experienced and committed volunteers from every corner of Canada and the United States. CUSO-VSO is now the North American member of the worldwide VSO Federation, which is the world's largest volunteer-sending international development organization.
Recruit beyond the borders of North America. Overseas partner groups at the grassroots of change deserve the best volunteer for the job, regardless of country of origin. In addition to Canadian and American volunteers, CUSO-VSO also recruits from developing countries.
Increase effectiveness in volunteer recruiting and on-the-ground projects by sharing resources and streamlining operations. There are many players in the field of international cooperation. By joining forces, CUSO-VSO plans to reduce overhead and administration costs and maximize the impact of development dollars in the field. Donations travel further – and make a greater difference.
Support partner groups in all corners of the developing world, and meet the needs they identify as the most important. CUSO-VSO's programming is developed and implemented in collaboration with local organizations and governments. This ensures decisions are rooted in the knowledge and experience that overseas partners have of the unique development challenges facing their communities.
Transfer the expertise, experience and best practices of one country to another. Through membership in an international federation, CUSO-VSO can contribute to a world of solutions through interconnected development programs that extend beyond national borders.
Engage in policy debate at a global scale. As a key member of the world's largest volunteer-sending international development organization, we have influence. CUSO-VSO has an independent Board of Directors, and sits on the VSO Federation board as the second-largest member after the UK.
Diversify sources of funding. In addition to support from Canadian and American agencies and VSO International, CUSO-VSO will have increased access to potential European and international project funding.
