Official launch of America Solidaria in the United States
Program office in Washington, D.C. opens today
- The initiative began in Chile in 2002 and now operates in 13 countries in the Americas, benefiting more than 33,000 people each year. America Solidaria involves 200 projects and the contributions of almost 460 volunteer professionals who serve the continent.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A ceremony at the Embassy of Chile in Washington, D.C. marked the start of America Solidaria's activities in the United States, officially launching the North American chapter of this initiative founded in Chile. America Solidaria also has offices in Colombia, Haiti, Peru and Uruguay.
The launch of the U.S. office coincides with the arrival of the first three volunteer professionals from Latin America, who will spend one year working in an unprecedented program with Atlas Corps, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization. The projects are being operated jointly with the Latin American Youth Center. In addition, this year the first five North American volunteers were selected to work on projects to overcome poverty through education, health care and family-based economic development in different locations throughout the Americas.
Since its creation in 2002, America Solidaria has become the leading volunteer initiative on the continent and serves as a concrete example of integration among countries in the region. Through its activities in 13 countries, the program has helped expand Chile's efforts to build inclusive relationships based on an understanding of the importance of international cooperation and equitable development. America Solidaria benefits more than 33,000 people per year, through 200 projects that involve almost 460 volunteer professionals.
Among those attending the launch event for the U.S. office were Chile's Ambassador to the United States, Juan Gabriel Valdes; the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza; the Co-chairs of the America Solidaria Board of Directors, Rodrigo Jordan and Alex Foxley; the Executive Chairman of America Solidaria, Benito Baranda; the organization's executive team and volunteers in the U.S.; and representatives of the program's partners.
The initiative is sponsored by the Embassy of Chile in the United States, LAN, the Ena Craig de Luksic Foundation, Colunga Foundation, Banco CMR y Seguros Falabella, Vina Santa Rita and Fundacion Imagen de Chile.
For more information, contact Sebastian Villarreal, Executive Director of America Solidaria United States at +1 202 257 3199 or by email at [email protected]
SOURCE America Solidaria
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