PBI-USA’S COMMITTEES:
Consider supporting the work of PBI by serving on a committee
Not ready to commit as a board member but want to get involved? Or would you simply like to learn more about PBI-USA’s work while supporting our efforts? Consider serving on a PBI-USA committee or in a short-term volunteer role - a great way to volunteer for PBI-USA in a more limited capacity. Below are PBI-USA’s current committees and volunteer opportunities with information regarding how to get involved.
Fundraising Committee
PBI-USA takes the lead on foundation fundraising in the U.S. for all of PBI’s teams. To ensure we do not duplicate efforts or step on each other’s toes, we coordinate our work as a global entity through an international fundraising working group. Within that working group, PBI-USA coordinates the U.S. fundraising committee which is made up of PBI-USA board members and leaders from PBI entities around the world.
In 2025, NCC member Bill Eisenstein will facilitate the U.S. fundraising committee. To volunteer, email info@pbiusa.orgwith “fundraising committee” in the subject line.
Flash Fundraisers
Each year, PBI-USA organizes a 3-day online fundraiser. To meet our fundraising goal, we recruit and train volunteers to serve as fundraisers for the 3-day online event. Those who volunteer will be trained in the art of peer-to-peer fundraising and receive other tips to strengthen their grassroots fundraising skills.
PBI-USA’s 2025 Flash Fundraiser will take place on August 26-28, 2025. On August 15th, we will hold a virtual pep rally and training to get volunteers ready for the fundraiser! Taking place over only 3 days, the fundraiser goes by quickly. So we want to make sure we are ready as soon as August 26th arrives!
To volunteer as a flash fundraiser, send us an email at info@pbiusa.org with “flash fundraiser” in the subject and we will follow up with you with all of the details.
Advocacy Committee
To respond to the current moment, PBI-USA will activate a new PBI-USA Advocacy Committee, with leadership from DC-based NCC members Daniella Burgi-Palomino and Andrew Miller. Our advocacy committee will work closely with PBI’s global advocacy working group to coordinate U.S. advocacy efforts for all PBI teams. In addition, we will meet regularly with PBI field teams to understand their needs around U.S. advocacy.
Through the work of the committee, PBI-USA will work to increase the involvement of U.S. citizens who serve on PBI field teams with advocacy opportunities. PBI currently has U.S. volunteers serving on the Mexico and Honduras teams.
Building upon strategic shifts we made due to COVID-19 pandemic, committee members will coordinate and participate in advocacy meetings, both in-person and virtual, to connect the defenders we accompany with U.S. and international officials with influence over their situation.
To join the PBI-USA Advocacy Committee and help us provide support to threatened human rights defenders, please send an email to info@pbiusa.org with “advocacy committee” in the subject.
PBI-USA/PBI Canada Working Group
At the May 2025 PBI-USA National Gathering, one opportunity participants decided to move forward is the formation of a joint working group (WG) for collaboration between PBI-USA and PBI-Canada. This WG will include NCC and Board members from both country groups. Others who are interested in helping with the Turtle Island Project (see below) or joint fundraising opportunities between the U.S. and Canada are welcome to join as well!
The Turtle Island project was first proposed by PBI Canada at the 2024 PBI General Assembly. The project is an opportunity for PBI teams working on Turtle Island (North America) to evaluate the positive role Peace Brigades International is having and could additionally have on Turtle Island.
Over the next several months, PBI-USA intends to engage in a working group with PBI Canada to discuss areas for collaboration and explore opportunities to support specific categories of organizations and social movements currently at risk in North America, including Indigenous peoples (expanding on current work by PBI Canada and previous efforts by PBI-USA to support efforts at Standing Rock), the LGBTQIA+ community (building upon solidarity efforts PBI-USA has previously engaged in with members of the community), and organizations supporting migrants and refugees especially along the Mexico/US border.
To join the Turtle Island WG and help us provide support to threatened human rights defenders in North America, please send an email to info@pbiusa.org with “Turtle Island” in the subject.