On June 15, 2023, Partners of the Americas and Fundación Carvajal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Cali, Colombia. The MOU will unite institutional efforts to overcome poverty in vulnerable populations in Latin America and the Caribbean by designing and implementing evidence-based strategies, to be planned at scale and developed by both or one of the parties.

In June, Partners President & CEO John McPhail met with our Colombia Country Director Pascale Wagner, our Juntos Aprendemos project, and the USAID/Colombia's Mission Director Anupama Rajaraman to discuss strengthening partnerships in the country. He also signed two Memoranda of Understanding with La Unidad de Pensiones y Parafiscales and Ports Superintendency to promote the fulfillment of labor rights in the port sector of Colombia.

"The Cacao for Peace program supported by USAID and USDA is making a critical difference in the development of the cacao sector in Colombia and we are very proud to contribute to this program through the collaborative 100K Strong initiative. The 100K grants awarded today will support nine innovative and inclusive research programs between the U.S. and Colombia, enabling approximately 70 students and 30 faculty researchers to strengthen cacao-related research in Colombia" - John McPhail, Partners President & CEO, said at the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Winners' Announcement on May 31, 2023.

On June 6 and 7, 2023, USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) volunteers, local host organizations, country staff, and private sector partners came together from across the Americas in Washington, D.C. F2F's eight implementing partners, including Partners of the Americas, discussed achievements, lessons learned, and best practices in F2F programming. We celebrated the 2022-2023 Volunteers of the Year and highlighted F2F's impact on improving the livelihoods of farmers, governments, non-governmental organizations, and agri-businesses.

This month, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)-funded Palma Futuro project commemorated the World Day Against Child Labor by partnering with the Colombian Network Against Child Labor on their special newsletter. Additionally, the project shared with its stakeholders the video, “Do You Know What Child Labor Is?” and highlighted an art festival planned by the project’s Community Circles to raise awareness of child labor and its consequences. USDOL recently granted Palma Futuro a 13-month project extension to enhance the sustainability of the project’s efforts, consolidate its work carried out in Colombia, strengthen the project’s strategy and implementation in Ecuador, replicate successful project strategies in Peru, and share best practices with the global palm oil industry. The project will also focus on promoting inclusion, gender equity, and the amplification of workers’ voices. 

On May 31, 2023, our 100,000 Strong in the Americas program announced nine new grant-winning teams between higher education institutions in the U.S. and Colombia, creating access to education, innovation, and workforce development in the cacao sector, thanks to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, USAID, and the U.S. Department of State. In June, the program opened registration for a capacity-building workshop at the Conference of the Americas on International Education on November 8, 2023, which will discuss effective practices for expanding international student mobility and competing successfully for 100K grant resources.

In June, our Juntos Aprendemos project participated in the regional forum, "Education Beyond Borders: Regional Solidarity Towards the Right to Education," engaging in three discussions on key issues regarding education and migrant children. The project team emphasized the importance of sound data for public policy improvements, highlighted the project's role in enhancing socio-emotional skills for migrant student integration, and emphasized the need for education access and school certificates for migrant students. These discussions showcased the significant impact of Juntos Aprendemos on the education ecosystem in Colombia.

On June 29, 2023, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee held the event, "Celebrating What Freedom Means to You” to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, National Immigrant Heritage Month, Loving Day, and Juneteenth. They invited home and field staff members who identify as one or many of the celebrated communities to share what freedom means to them in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

On June 27, 2023, Partners' Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Innovation, Juliana Araujo, presented at the Coalition for Racial & Ethnic Equity in Development (CREED)'s learning event to discuss how CREED members have worked to ensure that their organizations' cultures have emphasized equity, inclusion, and an appreciation for diversity. DEI leaders from three CREED member organizations — ACDI-VOCA, FHI 360, and WI-HER — discussed insights and effective practices to instill the values of a DEI organizational culture.

On June 8, 2023, our Vice President of Human Resources, Natalie Abegesah, moderated CREED's event, "Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Early to Mid-Career." She engaged with Aaron Williams and Taylor Jack, authors of The Young Black Leader's Guide to a Successful Career in International Affairs: What the Giants Want You to Know to explore relevant lessons from the book for mid-career professionals, such as knowing when to fight, managing the performance review process, and preparing for leadership roles.

As a benefit to all of our Chapter members across the Americas, members can book professional meeting spaces for free at our Washington, D.C. Home Office. All of our conference and meeting rooms are perfect for trainings, meetings, and events. Our newly renovated spaces are equipped with medium-to-large tables, comfortable seats, high-quality video-conferencing technology, wireless internet, and well-stocked coffee and tea stations. Individual members can also use one of our “hot desks,” which are individual offices with chairs and monitors that connect to your laptop. When Chapters visit D.C., they will have a place to convene and change lives. Please email membership@partners.net or click here for more information.