Member Stories & News https://members.partners.net/news/default.asp Sun, 31 May 2026 19:37:53 GMT Thu, 1 May 2025 15:40:00 GMT Copyright © 2025 Partners of the Americas Partners of the Americas Foundation Opens 2025 Cycle for Grants https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=700065 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=700065

The Partners of the Americas Foundation grant opportunity was open from May 1, 2025 until June 2, 2025. Please come back for future funding opportunities! 

Why should you apply for a Partners of the Americas Foundation Grant?

  • Empower Change: Our grants are designed to make a real difference. If you have a project or initiative that aims to empower individuals and communities, we want to hear from you. Together, we can be catalysts for transformation!
  • Unite for a Better Tomorrow: The Foundation is committed to fostering collaboration and partnership. By applying for a grant, you become part of a vibrant community that is working together for a brighter future. 

 

Which grants are there?

There are two grants:

  • Pixote Literacy Fund (Request for Proposal to be posted)
  • Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund (Request for Proposal to be posted)

 

Attend an Informational Session

Sessions are available in English and Spanish.

 

Stay Informed

The Partners of the Americas Foundation is committed to creating lasting, positive change throughout the Americas, and it starts with your ideas and your proposals. 

We can't wait to see the transformative projects and partnerships that will emerge from this grant proposal season. Together, we can make a difference!

Learn more 

 

If you have any questions or need assistance with the submission process, please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly team at foundation@partners.net. We're here to help!

]]> Thu, 1 May 2025 16:40:00 GMT Partners Celebrates our 2025 Chapter Anniversaries https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=698070 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=698070

Washington, D.C. — April 8, 2025 — Partners of the Americas is proud to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Chapters across the member community that are marking significant anniversaries this year. These milestones are a testament to decades of unwavering commitment to volunteerism, international cooperation, and community-driven development throughout the Americas.

From student-led PartnersCampus Chapters to long-standing U.S. and Latin American partnerships, these Chapters have forged impactful programs and built lasting connections that continue to inspire positive change.

 

Celebrating Chapter Anniversaries

This year, we honor the following Chapters for their years of service, collaboration, and dedication:

5 Years
🎉 PartnersCampus Flintridge Prep, U.S.
🎉 PartnersCampus University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, U.S.

10 Years
🎉 PartnersCampus UniNorte, Colombia
🎉 PartnersCampus UniAtlántico, Colombia
🎉 PartnersCampus Panamá

40 Years
🎉 Washington, U.S.

60 Years
🎉 Alabama, U.S.
🎉 Arkansas, U.S.
🎉 Illinois, U.S.

🎉 Iowa, U.S.
🎉 Wisconsin, U.S.
🎉 Santa Cruz, Bolivia
🎉 Paraíba, Brazil
🎉 São Paulo, Brazil

🎉 Yucatán, Mexico

Each of these Chapters has played a vital role in building bridges across cultures and countries—mobilizing volunteers, developing local leadership, and empowering communities from the ground up.

 

Join the Celebration

Partners of the Americas invites the public to help honor these outstanding Chapters:

  • Share a favorite memory or story about your experience with a Chapter

  • Post a message of congratulations using #PartnersOfTheAmericas

  • Like, comment, and celebrate with us on social media

As we mark these impressive milestones, we are reminded that the spirit of partnership and people-to-people exchange remains as strong and necessary as ever. Thank you to all who have contributed to these Chapters' legacies—and to the many more years of impact ahead.

]]> Mon, 7 Apr 2025 19:59:00 GMT Important Update on Government Funding Changes https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=695905 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=695905 Please see the message below from our President & CEO.

 

Partners of the Americas Member Community,

I wanted to share how the recent changes in U.S. Government funding for foreign aid have created difficult challenges for our staff, partners, members, and the communities we serve.

The “Stop Work” orders we received means that payments have stopped, and already we have had to lay off approximately 30% of our staff. This has been extremely painful, but we are determined to move forward.

My team has modeled every scenario to determine Partners’ actions for each potential situation. We are contacting all our stakeholders to identify ways to keep key initiatives alive, even at reduced levels. Our member community and volunteer networks remain active in many communities, and we are working with our remaining staff to pursue alternative funding for our highest-impact programs. 

 

Where We Stand 

As of now, Partners of the Americas has been implementing 14 programs funded by the U.S. Government through various agencies, totaling around $30 million. However, two USAID projects have been terminated, and programs under other agencies are under review. This situation reflects the ongoing challenges we are facing due to the impact on foreign aid.

Despite these challenges, our mission to connect people and organizations to improve lives continues. 

 

How You Can Take Action

Your voice matters. Here's how you can help:

📢 Contact your representatives—tell them how this affects you! https://bit.ly/41IRagc
📝 Share your story with us—write or record a video. https://bit.ly/3F2yZcD
💙 Support Our Resilience Fund https://bit.ly/3Xskbds
📲 Stay connected: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
👥 Join our community! Become a member today. https://bit.ly/42lItav

Together, we will keep making an impact.

With gratitude and determination,

John McPhail
President & CEO

]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:23:00 GMT Advocate for Partners of the Americas & International Development https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=693343 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=693343 We Need Your Voice

Dear Partners Member Community,

 

I write to you today not just as CEO, but as someone who is profoundly moved by the incredible work each of you does every day to build a stronger, more connected hemisphere. The Partners of the Americas team and I are working around the clock—because we believe in this mission with everything we have. And I know you do, too.

 

Right now, we are facing a critical moment for international development. Decisions are being made that could impact the work we’ve dedicated our lives to—work that strengthens communities, creates opportunities, and fosters lasting relationships between the U.S. and its neighbors. No matter where you stand politically, one thing is clear: international collaboration is not just an investment in others; it’s an investment in ourselves.

 

Now is the time to take action.

 

Join Us for an Update with Me: I invite you to a unique Partners of the Americas Update on Friday, February 14, at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss current events and how we can mobilize as a community. Register here to join us and submit questions.

 

For our U.S. members: Reach out to your U.S. Senators and Representatives. Tell them why international development matters. Share stories of how these partnerships make our communities—at home and abroad—safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

 

For our partners across the Americas and beyond: Let U.S. policymakers know how these programs have transformed lives. Reach out to the U.S. embassies, consulates, and your government representatives. The more they hear about the real impact of U.S. international assistance, the harder it will be to ignore.

 

I urge you to share your story—how Partners has shaped your life, strengthened communities in the U.S. and across the Americas, and created a lasting impact. Highlight your work, the lives you’ve touched, and the data that demonstrates our success. We have an extraordinary story to tell—let’s make sure it’s heard.

 

We’ve made it easy—click here to access advocacy templates and resources to help guide your message.

 

Your Voice Matters.

 

For so many of us, Partners isn’t just an organization—it’s a calling. It’s a shared belief that by working across borders, we create a better future for all of us. This isn’t just about budgets and policies; it’s about real people, real impact, and the legacy we want to leave.

 

So please, take a moment. Share your story. Make your voice heard. The time to act is now.

 

With gratitude and determination,  

 

John McPhail  

President & CEO  

Partners of the Americas  


]]> Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:32:00 GMT A Message from the President & CEO https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=692961 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=692961  

A Difficult Day, And Our Commitment Remains Strong

Dear Partners of the Americas Members, Friends, and Supporters,

 

I am writing to you on a difficult day for Partners of the Americas (Partners) and many of our peer organizations. Like others in the international development community, we have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to lay off some of our incredibly talented and dedicated colleagues due to the recent disruptions in foreign assistance funding. These individuals are not just staff—they are an important part of the heart and soul of our mission, and their contributions have touched countless lives across the Americas. It is a sad day for all of us, and we are committed to rebuilding and emerging stronger from this challenge. 

 

The stop-work orders issued by the Trump administration, part of a broader review of foreign assistance programs, have placed many of our ongoing initiatives on hold. We recognize the administration’s desire to ensure that U.S. foreign aid aligns with national priorities. Transparency and alignment with U.S. interests are principles we deeply value. 

However, we believe it is in the best interest of the United States—and indeed the world—to sustain program funding and retain the talented staff who drive these initiatives forward during the review process. Abrupt disruptions risk undermining the very stability and prosperity that U.S. foreign assistance has fostered for decades.

 

At Partners, we remain confident that our programs unequivocally support America’s goals of being stronger, safer, and more prosperous. For more than 60 years, Partners has embodied a proud nonpartisan tradition, advancing initiatives with robust support from both Republican and Democratic administrations. President John F. Kennedy inspired and approved our founding as part of the Alliance for Progress; President Gerald Ford served as our honorary chairman in 1975; and President Ronald Reagan emphasized the importance of our people-to-people programs in securing peace and mutual understanding in the Americas.

 

Our focus on public-private partnerships—both in the United States and internationally—has been instrumental in advancing economic development, enhancing trade, and expanding global business opportunities. Programs like Farmer-to-Farmer, Juntos Aprendemos, and Cacao and Complementary Crops for Development (C4D) are not only transforming lives in the Americas but also directly supporting U.S. businesses and contributing to global supply chain resilience.

 

Our work addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world. We: 

  • Tackle the root causes of illegal migration by fostering economic opportunity and educational access. 
  • Reduce vulnerability to natural disasters that destabilize regions and contribute to illegal migration and insecurity. 
  • Combat human trafficking by strengthening legal systems and providing communities with sustainable alternatives. 
  • Support communities in times of crisis, delivering humanitarian assistance from the people of the United States to those most in need.

 

These efforts are not just about helping others—they are critical to stabilizing regions that, if left unsupported, could contribute to broader insecurity that directly affects the U.S. and, indeed, the entire hemisphere.

 

At this pivotal moment, we urge the Partners of the Americas community to be vocal. Engage with your communities, stakeholders, and government representatives. Share your stories, your experiences, and the profound impact of our work. Let them know how vital Partners’ mission is—not just to the communities we serve abroad, but to the national interests of the United States. Our team will be sending out more information about how you can get involved in sharing the Partners’ story and the importance of U.S. leadership in international development later this week.

 

While we face challenges today, I am confident in the future of Partners of the Americas. Our organization’s foundation is strong, our mission is more relevant than ever, and our community is passionate and resilient. We remain steadfast in our belief that the United States will continue to lead the world in development and humanitarian assistance, guided by the values of collaboration, democracy, and shared prosperity.

 

Thank you for your unwavering support, commitment, and advocacy. Together, we will continue to build a brighter, more prosperous future for the Americas and the world.

 

With gratitude and optimism,

 

John McPhail

President & CEO

Partners of the Americas


]]> Wed, 5 Feb 2025 14:24:00 GMT Meet the New Board Members! https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=691991 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=691991

A Warm Welcome to the Newly Elected Board Members!

Our Board of Directors unites leaders from the Partners network and international development community to guide our policies, programs, and strategy.

 

 

Nicolás Arízaga (Nico) is a consultant, researcher, educator, and international development professional CEO of Political & Legal Translation Ltd. and Tech Policy Strategy, LLC. Nico is pursuing a dual master's in public policy and international business, specializing in digital globalization at the University of Colorado Denver. He brings extensive experience in intercultural communication, fundraising, and policy analysis. His research at the University of Colorado Denver Center for Policy and Democracy focuses on technology policy, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, narrative policy framework, and public trust. At the same time, his work as a registered Spanish Court Interpreter for the Wyoming Supreme Court demonstrates his commitment to advancing language access, rights, justice, and political and cultural communication.

As International Board Director of Partners of the Americas (2025-2027), Nico leverages his academic background from the University of Wyoming (BA & MA in Political Science) and Universidad del Azuay (BA in International Studies) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. His expertise in discourse analysis and political translation is recognized through his conference presentations for the American Translators Association (ATA) and his leadership roles in professional organizations. Nicolás's Nicolás'sn to fostering international understanding has earned him multiple distinctions, including the Partners of the Americas Emerging Leader and Life Changer Awards (2018) and a U.S. Department of State Youth Ambassador selection (2010).

 

Patricia Ferguson is a seasoned higher education professional with over 35 years of experience in public service. She specializes in supporting and empowering diverse and underserved communities through strategic planning, enrollment management, and policy development. Patricia holds a Master of Education in Adult Education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pan American University. Her leadership and dedication have been recognized with awards such as the Alamo Colleges Leadership for Success and the NAFSA Academy for International Education.

Throughout her career, Patricia has excelled in various roles, including Coordinator of Recruitment-International Student Services at Alamo Colleges District and Outreach Coordinator at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Her innovative mindset and critical thinking skills have been instrumental in developing programs that promote multicultural values and create inclusive environments. Patricia's bilingual communication skills and experience as a certified workshop presenter further enhance her ability to connect with and support diverse populations, making her an invaluable asset to the board.

 

Kevin Virgilio Morales Chamorro is the founder and CEO of MedETechNi, a medical technology company specializing in UVC radiation therapy integrated with AI and IoT for infection prevention and wound care. Kevin holds a Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery from Universidad Católica Redemptoris Mater and is pursuing a Master's in Biomedical Innovation and Development at Georgia Tech. His groundbreaking work has significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections and hospital costs, earning him numerous accolades, including the MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 LATAM, the National Innovation Award from CONICYT Nicaragua, and the prestigious Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship.

Kevin's passion for developing sustainable technologies and conducting scientific research is reflected in his extensive leadership experience. He has served as President of the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society at IEEE and as a Research Mentor at the Scientific Caribbean Foundation Inc. Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit and global recognition, combined with his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, make him a valuable addition to the Partners of the Americas Board of Directors.

 

 

Meet the International Board of Directors

]]> Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:28:00 GMT Happy Holidays 2024! https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=689975 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=689975

Dear Member Community, 

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your dedication, resilience, and the impact you create. This year has been particularly meaningful as we celebrated the 60th anniversary of Partners of the Americas, a milestone that reflects six decades of collaboration, growth, and shared commitment to fostering positive change across the Americas.

Your contributions—whether through your Chapters, projects, or individual efforts—have been the backbone of our mission to bridge communities and cultivate a world where opportunity and understanding flourish. Together, we’ve reached some incredible milestones in 2024, including:

These achievements, among many others, showcase the passion and dedication that drive our member community and reflect the strength of our shared vision.

Looking forward, we are excited about the journey ahead. In 2025, we aim to deepen our support for Chapters, expand individual membership benefits, and enhance our resources and platforms to connect, learn, and engage. We will be building on our strengths to create even more opportunities for collaboration, capacity-building, and leadership development within our community.

As the new year approaches, let us all take pride in what we’ve achieved together and look forward with optimism. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our mission and your role in making Partners of the Americas a beacon of hope, collaboration, and impact.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a fulfilling year ahead. Here’s to a prosperous 2025, filled with opportunity, growth, and shared success.

Warmly,

Your Partners of the Americas Team

]]> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 20:30:00 GMT Upcoming Change to Individual Membership https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=676730 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=676730 Partners of the Americas has been committed to fostering partnerships, volunteerism, and locally led development across the Americas. Our mission has thrived because of the unwavering support and dedication of our member community.

Over the years, our organization has grown, allowing us to engage with more individuals and communities throughout the Americas, fostering deeper connections and creating lasting impact. To continue delivering on our mission effectively, we must adapt to the evolving needs and demands of our network.

Considering this, the International Board of Directors has approved introducing new individual membership dues beginning October 1, 2024. While this may represent a change from our previous model, we want to assure our member community that this decision was not made lightly and is rooted in our commitment to transparency and sustainability.

Changes Starting October 1, 2024

This adjustment will introduce a variation between regular rates and countries eligible for reduced fees. We are pleased to offer this and provide more equitable access to our members.

Under this new fee structure, there will be a slight increase in membership dues each year until 2026.

Standard Premium Membership

 

For Residents of Countries Eligible for Reduced Fees

We encourage you to either become a member or renew your membership at the current rates (before October 1, 2024).

Partners of the Americas has always been a community of dedicated individuals working towards a common goal. By introducing these new individual membership dues, we believe we are taking a step forward in strengthening our collective impact and ensuring our organization's sustainability for years to come.

We understand that introducing membership dues may raise questions or concerns. We want to reassure you that we have taken great care to keep these dues as affordable as possible while ensuring they meet our financial needs.

 

If you have any questions or feedback regarding this change, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at membership@partners.net. We value your input and are here to address any concerns you may have.

We remain deeply committed to providing accessible opportunities for everyone who shares our vision for a better, more interconnected Americas. If you have financial constraints that prevent you from paying dues, please reach out to us so we can explore alternative options to ensure your continued participation.

Thank you for your commitment to Partners of the Americas. We look forward to your continued engagement and the positive impact we will create together.

 

For further information, please click here.

]]> Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:00:00 GMT National Volunteer Week 2024: Thanking our volunteers and getting involved! https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=669337 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=669337

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week! 🎉

We at Partners of the Americas want to thank our volunteers this National Volunteer Week, and we would also like to invite you to join us in celebrating your impact and commitment!

Here’s how to join the celebration:

 

Submit your service hours.
If you’re already volunteering with us, thank you! Make sure that you record the amount of volunteering hours you’ve completed by submitting a PartnersCounts form.


Learn about our volunteers’ impact.
We’re proud of the great things our volunteers have accomplished in their communities and across borders! Explore the Chapter list and visit their social media pages to see the latest updates from our network.

You can also read member stories and projects:
• Exhange Host: Richard Douglass
• Subawardee: Odo Achievement Center
• Student Initiatives: 100K Exchange Students video blog

Share your volunteer experience.
For 60 years, Partners of the Americas’ volunteers have been essential contributors to decades of positive impact. Let us know what your history is by submitting your stories and pictures about connecting, serving, and changing lives.

 
Sign up to volunteer.
Did you know we have a new page dedicated to volunteer opportunities available at Partners? Check out the featured openings below, or visit the page here to learn how you can get more involved.

 

Featured Volunteer Opportunities

 

Impact Storyteller

🗣️

Share your story or other volunteers' to recognize the community's work.

Language Reviewer

🌐

Improve translations of Partners' website pages or documents.

Webinar Presenter

💻

Present to the community and share knowledge, stories, or best practices.



View more Volunteer Opportunities

]]> Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:00:00 GMT Member Newsletter Name Contest: Shape the Future of Partners' Communication! https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=668155 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=668155
Important Dates

Submission Form Closes  
Saturday, April 6

Voting Ends  
Sunday, April 28

Winner & New Name Announced  
Saturday, May 18


Partners of the Americas is happy to launch our Name the Newsletter Contest! Showcase your creativity and play an important role in shaping the future of our community's communication. The winning name will not only become an integral part of our community but also earn you recognition in our next newsletter and a discount on a future What Works Conference registration.


What names are preferred?

  • Submit names related to our mission and values, emphasizing locally led development, volunteerism, and partnerships.
  • Keep it short! The name should ideally be two-to-three words to fit in an email subject.
  • Ensure uniqueness. We want a title that resonates with Partners of the Americas and is easily identifiable.
  • Considering our linguistic diversity, the name should be suitable for our Member Newsletter distributed in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
  • Check out past editions of the Member Newsletter for inspiration.

How and when will the winner be chosen?

After the submission deadline on April 6, voting will commence shortly afterward. Members can cast their votes for their preferred name until April 28. The winning submitter will be contacted directly and will be recognized in the newly named Member Newsletter on May 18, unless they prefer to remain anonymous.


Guidelines

  • Each individual can submit up to three name ideas.
  • While organizations and higher education institutions cannot submit, individual members associated with them are welcome to participate.
  • Submissions must be appropriate and reflect our community and brand values.
  • Names must be able to receive approval by leadership to be considered.
  • By submitting your ideas, you grant Partners of the Americas permission to use your suggested names for communication purposes.
  • The event registration discount is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for a cash prize.

 

Submit your name ideas here

Good luck, we can't wait to hear your creative ideas!

]]> Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:00:00 GMT A Better Browsing Experience for You: Navigation menu updates on the Member Website! https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=667473 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=667473 Partners of the Americas has implemented changes to our menu navigation system to improve your experience on our membership website and online community, PartnersConnect. We value your time and have carefully crafted these updates so that you can find information quicker and easier.


Simplified Menu Structure & Clearer Categorization

We have reorganized our menu to provide a more user-friendly navigation experience. Now, you can effortlessly locate what you're interested in because the content is grouped into distinct categories, making it simpler for you to find the information relevant to your interests within our community.


Member Website

Updated Member Website menu. Items are:  Membership, Resources & Events, Chapters, Volunteer, Updates.

 

Explore the Member Website

 

PartnersConnect

 

Updated PartnersConnect menu. Items are:  My Feed, My Profile, Member Directory, Messages, Connections, Chapters & Communities, Resources & Events, Chapters, Volunteer, Updates.

 

Log into PartnersConnect

 

Accessibility across Language Barriers

We are committed to providing you with a user-friendly and informative online community that supports our shared mission and goals. Did you know that the text on our Member Website is available in multiple languages?

 

To change your language:

  1. Navigate to the lefthand side of the bottom of any page on the Member Website.
  2. Hover your mouse over the “English” option.
  3. A menu of the languages should appear.
  4. Select your preference by clicking on it.
Languages Available:
English, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish.

 

Example of Translated Member Website

Member website menu in Spanish. Items are:  Membresía, Recursos y Eventos, Capítulos, Voluntariado, Actualizaciones.

 

While this language feature is not currently available within the PartnersConnect community, we encourage members to post and converse in the language they are most comfortable using.


Community Feedback

We're constantly improving translations on the website. If you find any mistakes in your language, please let us know how we can make them better. Your feedback is important and could help inform future updates.

Feel free to share your thoughts about the updated menus or language translation by contacting us here.

Keep an eye out for announcements as we work to serve you better with more enhancements in the future!
]]> Thu, 14 Mar 2024 21:12:00 GMT Partners of the Americas Foundation Opens Proposal Cycle for Grants https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=657512 https://members.partners.net/news/news.asp?id=657512

The Partners of the Americas Foundation is pleased to announce the commencement of the open proposal cycle for its grant program. The Foundation invites proposals from eligible individuals, organizations, and Chapters within the Partners of the Americas member community that align with its mission of fostering collaboration and sustainable development across the Americas.

There are two grants accepting proposals:

  • Pixote Literacy Fund
  • Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund

Application Process:

  1. Interested applicants can access the grant guidelines and application form on the Partners of the Americas Foundation website: https://members.partners.net/page/foundation-grants
  2. Completed proposals must be submitted by 29 February 2024.

The Partners of the Americas Foundation is committed to creating lasting, positive change throughout the Americas, and it starts with ideas and proposals from the member community.

If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact our team at membership@partners.net.

]]> Thu, 9 Nov 2023 18:48:00 GMT