- WHAT IS PEP?
The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), the flagship program of the Center
for Citizen Initiatives (CCI), is a unique, hands-on international and vocational
service project that enables US volunteers to have a personal and educational
exchange without ever leaving home.
Based on the historic Marshall Plan, PEP is designed to jump-start the Russian
economy from the bottom up. Utilizing America's tremendous business know-how
and skills, volunteer business trainers and hosts provide three weeks of intensive,
hands-on training in US companies. PEP profoundly transforms Russian business
leaders and empowers them to make much-needed changes immediately in their
businesses.
- WHO FUNDS PEP?
PEP is funded by a grant from the US State Department and fees from the Russian
participants. US civic clubs and volunteers generously provide in-kind donations
such as home hosting, pro bono business training, local transportation and
meals.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COST BREAKDOWN
- HOW DOES IT WORK?
In a nutshell: CCI's San Francisco office works to identify US communities
in every state (no area is too big or too small!) to match them with upcoming
Russian delegations. In the meantime, CCI's seven Russian offices recruit
and carefully screen the owners and directors of Russian enterprises in a
variety of industries.
For the next 3-4+ months, American volunteers receive guidelines and support
from CCI to help create a business training schedule, arrange for home hosting
and provide a plan for local transportation and cultural exchange with their
Russian guests.
TO SEE MORE
DETAILS ON PLANNING FOR A DELEGATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY
After a fascinating three weeks of intensive business management training
and eye-opening cultural exchange, the Russian delegates return home where
they are required to share their newly acquired knowledge with colleagues
by giving seminars and lectures. PEP graduates report that they are able to
apply and communicate information learned in America with amazing success.
They often adapt their businesses, increase output, and introduce new products.
Many have also been inspired to form or join civic clubs such as Rotary and
Kiwanis, and to initiate their own community service projects in Russia.
- WHO ARE THE RUSSIAN PARTICIPANTS?
Delegations consist of men and women, usually between the ages of 30-45, who
are business owners, leaders and directors of small- and medium-sized private
companies from over 30 cities in Russia. They travel together in industry-specific
delegations (such as real estate, advertising, construction, crop farmers,
etc.) chosen by your club from among 30-40 industry types.
The delegates must meet rigorous criteria and compete for limited slots. At
the end of the application process, which includes several interviews, 11
Russians are selected for each delegation.
MEET THE RUSSIANS
- WHO ARE THE AMERICAN SUPPORTERS?
PEP has been supported by more than 300 American civic clubs and 15,000 volunteers
from 44 states since 1994. Delegations have been hosted by clubs and communities
of all sizes. PEP also enjoys strong bipartisan support in the US Congress.
MEET THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS
- WHAT IS THE SIZE OF A DELEGATION?
Delegations are made up of 13 people: 11 delegates, plus a professional interpreter
and a group facilitator provided by the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI).
The interpreter and facilitator act as translators as well as on-site support
staff.
- HOW LONG
IS A DELEGATION IN AN AMERICAN COMMUNITY?
PEP delegations stay in the US for 24 days, 15 days of which are reserved
for business training. Typically, groups arrive on a Thursday and depart on
a Sunday. Delegations arrive every month of the year--we will gladly work
with you to determine the best time frame for your club.
- WHY SHOULD AMERICAN
VOLUNTEERS GET INVOLVED?
By participating in PEP, American volunteers take advantage of a unique opportunity
to play a vital role in Russia's historic transition to a democratic government
and a free-market economy. You will be on the ground floor of shaping the
emerging Russian economy. PEP is a business training program where the American
dream meets the Russian soul. It unites US communities with Russian participants
through training and social events, promoting international understanding
and lifelong friendships. PEP is a great way to get positive local media coverage
for your organization and to reach out into the community and increase membership.
It often qualifies as a service project for your civic club. It is also a
LOT OF FUN! By sharing your knowledge, business practices and homes with Russian
delegates, you will not only help Russian businesses become more competitive,
but you will also advance democracy and civic values around the world.
- HOW CAN WE GET INVOLVED?
CCI recommends that clubs have at least a three to four month planning period
before the Russians arrive in their communities. One of CCI's San Francisco-based
Community Outreach Officers can work with you to determine the best timing
for your club and community. CCI's Coordination Department will then assist
you with setting up training sessions and finding home hosts. Whether this
will be your first or fifth experience with a PEP delegation, CCI's staff
look forward to working with you! CCI will provide your club with 24-hour
staff support, a training curriculum, and manuals for home and business hosts.
STEPS TO HOSTING A PEP DELEGATION
- Call CCI today -- we'll work with you from the
start!
- Discuss the program with your club's board of directors.
- Select an industry type that you would like to host -- we'll help you.
- Select dates -- we'll help you.
- Work with CCI coordinators every step of the way to implement a mutually
rewarding program.
- Have fun!