Established in 1964 as the people-to-people component of President Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress, Partners of the Americas is now the largest private voluntary organization in the Western Hemisphere engaged in international development and training. Its 60 “partnerships” link 31 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America with 45 states in the United States. For example, Kentucky is partnered with Ecuador, Kansas with Paraguay, and New Jersey with Haiti.
How Partnerships Work
A partnership consists of two committees, one on the northern side and one on the southern side. Each is run by a board of officers and directors and is locally incorporated as a tax-exempt, non-profit organization conducting projects in socio-economic development, education, and professional and cultural exchanges. A typical committee consists of several program-oriented sub-committees. Citizens on each side of the partnership work together to carry out projects, frequently in collaboration with local organizations. Together, chapters that form a partnership jointly plan mutually-beneficial projects. They then mobilize the human and financial resources to implement them.
What Works Conference
Every year members from chapters around the world to gather together and share what works for them, and can be useful to other members.
Partners of the Americas is built – and continues to thrive – upon enduring relationships across borders. Working together, staff and thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas bring expertise in the areas of:
- Exchanges & Fellowships
- Gender & Equality
- Youth & Children
- Agriculture & Environment
Partners of the Americas is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is supported with federal funds, generous contributions of individuals, corporations and foundations that recognize the value of strengthening alliances between the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2004, the Partners volunteers dedicated an estimated $1.3 million worth of time to projects and activities.
Despite growth and change, Partners of the Americas continues to operate under a simple premise: that in partnership, we can build leadership, understanding and opportunity throughout the Americas.
Make a difference and have fun!
Volunteers are welcome and needed. All kinds of expertise are invaluable and helpful. Join the New Jersey-Haiti partnership: it will make a difference in your life and that of others.
Oh, and yes…we also have some fun