The Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States
Serving our Community for 29 Years!
Christmas Portuguese Activity Book

PALCUS has designed a Christmas Edition of an activity book for children and seniors. It's packed with word searches, coloring and other activities all centered around Portugal! This is the perfect way to have kids and seniors alike keep busy while celebrating the holidays!
It's available for purchase on Amazon and shipping is free when you purchase 2 or more books! 


December 2020
LUSUS Newsletter
The Online Newsletter of PALCUS

In this issue...

PALCUS News
  • PALCUS Launches Portuguese Inspired Note cards
  • PALCUS Giving Tuesday Scholarship Fundraiser
  • Holiday Discount Codes
  • Applications Open for Fellowship with Universidade Catolica
  • PALCUS Member Spotlight: Article written by PALCUS Member, Dr. Carlos Pavao
  • Host a Virtual Mixer with PALCUS!
  • Portuguese Activity Books
  • #SupportPortugueseBusiness Campaign
  • #PortugueseHeroes Campaign
  • #SupportOurElders Campaign 

Embassy Row
  • Embassy of Portugal in Washington DC: Voto Antecipado
  • Embaixada dos EUA em Portugal: BridgeUSA

Gateway Featured Business
  • Amorim Cork America
 
Community News:
  • Me & Mom in Azores
  • Webinar "Investimento da Diáspora", 10 e 11 dezembro
  • FLAD launches open call for translation of books PT/USA and USA/PT
Sponsored Content
PALCUS NEWS
PALCUS Launches Portuguese Inspired Note cards
Visit the PALCUS online store to purchase these notecards as well as a variety of other Portuguese themed items! https://www.palcus.org/shop
PALCUS Giving Tuesday Scholarship Fundraiser
This year, PALCUS is raising funds for our scholarship program. Every year, PALCUS awards scholarships to students of Portuguese descent enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in the United States. These scholarships are a valuable community based resource for many students who use them for tuition, books and fees associated with obtaining their degrees of higher learning.

We have set a fundraising goal of $5,000 which will provide scholarships for 5 students in 2021. Please consider donating towards this cause. All donations are tax-deductible.

Holiday Discount Codes
SHOP PORTUGUESE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!

PALCUS has reached out to our network to provide you, our members and supporters with exclusive holiday discounts for your online shopping! All discounts are also available on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org/offers

Happy shopping! 
ROOSTER CAMISA
Home of Portuguese Inspired Products
Our friends at Rooster Camisa are offering PALCUS members and friends a 20% discount with minimum $25 purchase.
Use the code PALCUS20 at:

Valid until 12/31
CABAZES DE NATAL from Sagres Vacations
Contact Sagres Vacations directly at 877-412-4394 or shop online at:
Use code PALCUS20 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to PALCUS.

Order before December 4th to ensure delivery

Free deliver in the Azores and mainland Portugal.
AZULEYCHA
Alzuleycha is giving PALCUS members and friends a 20% discount with code PALCUS at:

Valid until 12/31
Susana Cor de Rosa Books
$1 from every book sold will be donated to the PALCUS Scholarship fund
O PREGO
O Prego is offering 10% off at their online store with code PALCUS10: www.opregosd.com
Free contactless delivery in (LA, Orange County, San Diego) and surrounding areas.

*Discount does not apply to Holiday Gift Baskets

Valid until 12/31
G9 CHOCOLATES
G9 Chocolates is offering a 10% discount with code PALCUS at their store: http://www.g9chocolates.com/ or go directly to this link:

Valid until 12/31
ECOCORK HANDBAGS
Get 15% off at EcoCork when using coupon code PALCUS2020

Valid until 12/31
mais fica
MAIS FICA WINERY
Mais Fica Winery is offering a 30% discount on all cases (12 bottles) of wine, including mixed cases and a 10% discount on 1-11 bottles.
Customers should call 530-344-0725 or email eileen@maisficawinery.com to place an order and mention PALCUS

Valid until 12/31
PORTUGALIA MARKETPLACE
Our friends at PortugaliaMarketplace are offering 25% off orders of $200 or more by using code PALCUS25.

Valid until 12/31
WANDERFUL
20% off annual membership to wanderful, a community of women travelers.
To redeem, use code PALCUS.


Valid until 12/31
PORTUTEES
Portutees is offering 20 % off when you use code PALCUS.

Valid until 12/10
SILVEIRA DESIGNS
Silveira designs is offering 15% off design services. Mention coupon code PALCUS15 when contacting.


Valid until 12/31
HOME WINE LAB
Home Wine lab is offering a 5% discount when using the code CHEERS.

Valid until 12/31
COELHO WINERY
Coelho Winery is offering a 15% discount and $15 flat rate shipping on orders of 6 or more bottles
Use code PALCUS at https://coelhowinery.com/

Valid until 12/31
Applications Open for Fellowship with Universidade Catolica

Apply Today for Full Scholarship with Universidade Catolica Portuguesa!

One PALCUS Member per Year to be Awarded Full Fellowship in Portugal

PALCUS is pleased to remind you about our partnership with Católica University in Portugal, where one of their Fellowships will be reserved for a PALCUS Member. The Fellowship covers an entire degree, either undergraduate or graduate, not just one year or one semester. This is an incredible opportunity for our youth and we are proud to collaborate with such a prestigious university.

Applications due: January 31, 2021

PALCUS Member Spotlight:
Article written by PALCUS Member, Dr. Carlos Pavao
I am a COVID survivor…. 

At the time this news article was written, the United States has identified over 11 million COVID cases, and just over 250,000 loved ones and friends have died. To date, the state of Georgia has identified over 400,000 cases, and approximately 9,000 people died due to COVID. Massachusetts has close to 200,000 COVID cases identified to date, and just over 10,000 people how died from COVID complications. Canada’s Manitoba province has so far identified close over 11,000 cases with 179 deaths due to COVID.
A logical question a person might ask is why some states have more cases and deaths than others. This is not an easy answer to address. Each state has different population sizes, and the proportion of those infected and deaths to the general population can vary based on the state population size. Georgia close to 11 million people, Massachusetts has close to 7 million, and Manitoba has 1.4 million habitants. By examining the population size, the state of Georgia has suffered more deaths and more people infected by COVID. 
More importantly, each state has state and local laws that differ in how public health and medical services are delivered. Some places provide better and have more health and medical services than others. Other issues to consider, states with more rural areas have a difficult time in providing health and medical services. Some rural hospitals are closing. Some states have more people visiting and traveling through than others.
The common area of agreement among public health experts is how state leaders approach a public health and medical crises like COVID. For example, the state of Massachusetts took the COVID crises as a serious public health crisis. March of this year, Massachusetts was proactive to limit the number of COVID cases by requiring people to wear masks, and to limit how the virus can transmit. Also, in March, Manitoba, like Massachusetts, was proactive in addressing the possible spread of COVID by declaring the Emergency Measures Act. Georgia, the home of the Centers for Disease Control, the governor was slow in responding to the COVID threat. In April, the Governor of Georgia, was surprised that masks can work to prevent the spread of COVID. In May, the state of Georgia was accused and documented errors of misreporting the number of COVID cases and deaths. The state of Georgia has even sued Atlanta and other cities in Georgia to prevent a mask mandate. To this day, one can travel one hour outside of Atlanta and will see many people not wearing masks.
Why should we wear masks? Masks not only helps to protect you but also helps to protect others. On October 3rd, I tested positive for COVID. I was in shock. I do COVID public health research. I have been interviewed by newspapers on the dangers of COVID. I was ashamed that I tested positive. How can this happen? Then I realized that my story should serve as a warning to all. If I can get it, then the virus does not care who you are or what you do. 
I always wear my mask and clean my hands. I rarely leave the house. I stay away from places where I see allot of people. The month of October I spent recovering from COVID. COVID is nothing like the flu. The headaches, body pains, loss of appetite, loss of memory, and loss of smell and taste was not the flu I have ever had. I still get tired when I do too much. I asked myself how did I contract COVID? The answer is from people not wearing masks. I was in a Walmart and took the evaluator from the parking lot to the store, and several people walked in the elevator not wearing masks. I just froze and hoped for the best.
Why should we wear a mask? When you hear of a friend who was on a ventilator for 5 weeks and died because of COVID. He is not much older than me. When you watch the news and hear of a 20 year old died from COVID complications. There are too many stories of loved ones who have died. We all now should know of someone who has died from COVID.   
COVID is real. COVID can not only hurt you, but your loved ones. I will not see my family for the holidays. I want to see them next year… and I hope you also have the same desire to see your family next year.  
If readers would like a particular public health topic to be addressed in the next article, please email Dr. Pavão at cpavao@gsu.edu
Portuguese Activity Book

PALCUS has designed an activity book for children and seniors. It's packed with word searches, coloring and other activities all centered around Portugal! This is the perfect way to have kids and seniors alike keep busy while celebrating their Portuguese Pride!
It's available for purchase on Amazon and shipping is free when you purchase 2 or more books! 

New Christmas Edition now available!
Host a Virtual Mixer with PALCUS!

Our co-hosted mixer with PFSA was a lot of fun and created new connections across the states. Co-host a mixer with us! It's free and a great way to reach new audiences"
#SupportPortugueseBusiness Campaign

Restaurants selling takeout or gift certificates?
Online stores selling merchandise or gift certificates?
Artists selling prints or artwork online?
Musicians holding livestream concerts?
Any Portuguese business that is open and selling a product or service during this time of lockdown, please email your details to us at palcus@palcus.org and we will share with our nationwide community! We have to help each other get through this, and we WILL get through this! #SupportPortugueseBusiness
#PortugueseHeroes Campaign

PALCUS recognizes all Portuguese Americans working on the front lines, in many different essential service roles. We can't do this without you! Thank you! Obrigado! You are our #PortugueseHeroes!
If you know a #PortugueseHero send us a private message or email palcus@palcus.org
#SupportOurEldersCampaign

We have partnered with several Portuguese-American organizations who are already doing amazing work to help our elders, and we want to support these efforts. Below are several ways you can help, including:

  • Sending cards and messages of support
  • Sponsoring a meal (or meals) for the elderly
  • Donating a device to enable video chats
  • Delivering activity sheets to the elderly
Join us and help support these organizations who are supporting our elders!! 


PALCUS was able to donate $3,000, split equally between the 4 participating organizations.
Thank you to everyone that contributed!!
EMBASSY ROW
A eleição do próximo Presidente da República foi marcada para o dia 24 de janeiro de 2021.
No estrangeiro, a votação presencial decorre nas assembleias de voto constituídas junto dos postos consulares, durante os dias 23 e 24 de janeiro de 2021.
Participe!
Mais informações podem ser consultadas no Portal do Eleitor em: https://www.portaldoeleitor.pt/.../Presidenciais-2021.aspx
BridgeUSA é o programa de intercâmbio gerido pelo Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) do Departamento de Estado. Conheçam os programas em https://j1visa.state.gov/.
GATEWAY FEATURED BUSINESS
Amorim Cork America
 
Founded in 1870 by the Amorim family, the company has grown to become the largest producer of natural cork wine cork closures in the world.
With over 5.2 billion corks sold annually in more than 37 countries, Amorim corks are the gold standard for quality and performance. The company maintains absolute control over every aspect of manufacturing through vertical integration.
Amorim Cork America is the North American sales and distribution center located in Napa, California. We provide top notch solutions that guarantee a customized approach tailored to each client’s needs.

To learn more about Amorim Cork America visit their Website or Facebook Page.
  
To look for more Portuguese businesses and organizations throughout the US (or add your own), please visit the Gateway online.

COMMUNITY NEWS
ME & MOM IN AZORES

WIN A FANTASTIC JOURNEY TO THE AZORES  

AEAzores is promoting the Me & Mom in Azores project, which allows the collection of oral memories of Azorean emigrant women in the USA and Bermuda, allowing children / grandchildren to participate, qualifying to win a trip with accommodation and a car to the Azorean island of origin of the winning emigrant. Participation is free and very simple. 

Webinar "Investimento da Diáspora", 10 e 11 dezembro

Realiza-se nos dias 10 e 11 de dezembro de 2020, das 16:00 às 19:00 (hora de Lisboa), o Webinar “INVESTIMENTO DA DIÁSPORA”” .
Esta é uma iniciativa da Secretaria de Estado das Comunidades Portuguesas em parceria com a Secretaria de Estado da Valorização do Interior, no âmbito do Programa Nacional de Apoio ao Investimento da Diáspora (PNAID). Pretende divulgar oportunidades e redes, apoios e benefícios na promoção do investimento da diáspora, bem como a apresentação de projetos, iniciativas e ideias de negócios de investidores da diáspora.

INSCRIÇÕES ABERTAS
A conferência é aberta a todos os interessados (via Microsoft Teams) e as inscrições podem ser feitas através do formulário:
FLAD launches open call for translation of books PT/USA and USA/PT

FLAD launches an open call to support the translation of books (fiction and non-fiction), from Portuguese to English and from English to Portuguese.
At a particularly challenging time, we want to help promote the spread of Portuguese authors in the US and support Portuguese publishers to issue literary works by American authors in Portugal.
Applications until December 31st.
Forming New Networks

As a result of the success of our recent webinars, there has been significant interest in forming different networking groups under the PALCUS umbrella. Some of these first networking groups will focus on:

- Portuguese Women
- Portuguese Youth
- Portuguese LGBTQ+
- Portuguese in Education 
- Portuguese in Healthcare

Are you interested in being a part of these groups, and especially helping to form these groups? What other topics or industries for which you would like to see a networking group? Please contact us at palcus@palcus.org with your input. Thank you!
TELL US YOUR NEWS!!
 
We would love to hear what you have been up to. Events, Promotions, Graduations, Awards, Lectures or News the community should know about.  Send us an email to be featured in our newsletter: palcus@palcus.org
JOIN PALCUS
Are you a PALCUS member yet?  
We are stronger together!
If you agree with the work undertaken by PALCUS to build the social, cultural and political capital of our community, then please join us and become a member today!

Strong membership participation means a stronger voice in the national Portuguese-American agenda. In order to advance Portuguese language education, increase presence in the congressional caucuses, and provide economic opportunities, the collective voice of thousands is needed!  

In addition, PALCUS is a member-driven non-profit organization that depends on membership dues and fundraising events to fund its operations. Members of the all-volunteer board of directors donate their time and personal funds for travel, lodging and tickets to attend networking events and planning sessions so our administrative costs are relatively low but nonetheless critical to doing business on a daily basis.

There are membership categories to suit every budget and level of interest. Please click on our membership webpage and join our voice today!


 Questions? Contact Graci for more information! 

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We can't do what we do without your support!
Newsletter Archive

Read past issues of the LUSUS Newsletter at https://www.palcus.org/newsletter
Jobs for Portuguese Speakers

If you want to put your Portuguese language skills to use in your next job, there are many opportunities out there! Visit the Jobs for Portuguese Speakers Facebook page to see some job openings.
PALCUS Mission

In order to create a singular voice to advocate for the Portuguese-American and Luso-American communities at large, the Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States Inc. (PALCUS) was founded in 1991 as a non-partisan, non-profit, organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. 
 
The PALCUS mission is to address domestic and international concerns of the Portuguese-American Community.
 
The Council conducts an expanding program of educational and public affairs activities on issues of interest to the Portuguese-American community and of salience to the Luso-American Relationship.
 
PALCUS is committed to serving the community through increasingly active government relations efforts, the promotion of a greater awareness of ethnic accomplishments and encouraging stronger ties between Portugal and the United States. In this role PALCUS advances the community professionally, politically and culturally while working to ensure that issues directly affecting our community are addressed through our network of government and community leaders.

PALCUS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization under the IRS tax code and incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. Donations are tax deductible to extent allowed by law and will be acknowledged.
PALCUS has earned the 2019 Gold GuideStarUSA Nonprofit Profile Seal of Transparency. Visit our profile HERE
Contact Information

Website: www.palcus.org
Phone: 202-466-4664

9255 Center St., Suite 404
Manassas, VA 20110