History

Partners of the Americas was inaugurated in 1964 by President John F. Kennedy as part of the Alliance for Progress. The goal of the Alliance for Progress is to join volunteers from many walks of life in partnerships between US states and states/countries of Latin America, improving the lives and relationships of people across the hemisphere. Indiana and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, one of the first of now more than 60 partnerships, connects Hoosiers and Gauchos in volunteer action through professional, educational, and cultural programs. Volunteer travellers stay with families of the host country, sharing hands-on expertise and building goodwill for a peaceful global community. Partners of the Americas international office in Washington, DC provides central coordination among all the states.

We not only dream about a better world, we roll up our sleeves and make a difference. Our Partner state, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), has strong similarities and dramatic differences from Indiana that enrich our programs and exchanges. For over 40 years, our dynamic, volunteer-driven partnership has produced a wide range of programs and opportunities for Gaucho and Hoosier exchanges in the six program areas consonant with those identified by POA international: Youth Education & Leadership; Health & Medical; Arts & Culture; Social Services; Agriculture & Natural Resources; Justice & Civil Society.