Another great month for us, thank you to everyone involved! Here's a review of the latest happenings.
Youth Orchestra of Rio Grande do Sul performances and workshops left their mark in the Brazilian music scene in Indianapolis! What a wonderful experience for those talented musicians! Their engagement with local students, musicians and Professors certainly inspired them to pursue their passion. We will continue to work with them and with the people they’ve met here to encourage future opportunities.
Partners Feijoada 2024 Sold Out! Thanks to our members and friends, and a big shout out to our sponsors:
Hurst Beans and Fernando’s Mexican and Brazilian Cuisine
Last days of our Youth Ambassadors in Indiana! Arthur, Bento, Karina, Maria and Matheus are focusing on their studies and enjoying time with their families and friends before departing March 9th. We couldn’t be more proud of them for their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to the program.
A quick recap of what happened and an exciting overview of what is coming up!
Recap
The gauchos' visit to Indiana was a success! Porto Alegre DM Ricardo Gomes, Rodrigo Prestes and Vicente Perrone attended a meeting with deputies from the Department of Metropolitan Development and the Department of Community Development from Indianapolis. It was a moment of encounter for the enrichment of cultures, the exchange of knowledge and the creation of new partnerships!
In the photo above, from left to right: Rodrigo Prestes (legislative fellow from RS), Jim Ammeen (board member), DMD Deputy Director Megan Vukusich, Deputy Mayor Gomes, DMD Deputy Director Lourenzo Giple, Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas over Community Development, Vicente Perrone (4th District Director of Porto Alegre)
Exchange of legislative fellows shows new opportunities: Rodrigo Prestes had several new experiences on Hoosier territory, including meetings with senators, entrepreneurs, visits to technology and business companies and the Supreme Court! Get the details on Indiana Partners' Instagram.
Pictured aside, a visit to 16Tech with Experience manager Greer Crossley .
Youth Ambassadors have arrived to their destination! Follow their daily activities on Instagram.
In the photo, from left to rigth:
Karina Gediel Ferreira - Muncie - Burris Laboratory School
Maria Luiza Tessari- Indianapolis - Shortridge High School
Bento Cordeiro - Carmel - University High School
Arthur Müller Port - Indianapolis - Herron-Riverside High School
Matheus Posser- Carmel - University High School
Coming up
ORQUESTRA JOVEM DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL(OJRS)/YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL is confirmed to arrive in February for a 10 day visit!
Here is WHEN and WHERE you will have a chance to see the wonderful OJRS:
Wednesday, Feb 7th at 5:30 pm Christ Church Cathedral at Monument Circle.
Thursday, Feb 8th at noon Indiana Statehouse - informal concert.
Saturday, Feb 10th at 5:00 pm Partners of the Americas Concert at the Marian University Chapel.
Repertory includes classic Brazilian and American standards, as well as some local composers. Open to the public, bring your family and friends!
We are counting on the warm presence of each and every one of you to our Annual Feijoada! The link to buy tickets to Partners' Feijoada is available right here!
New year, new achievements!
By the end of 2023, our exchange participants were packing their bags to set off on a journey of learning and excitement!
By January, Youth Ambassadors arrive for what will be an unforgettable experience! For two months, they will attend high school classes and learn all about the Midwest culture. Meet our amazing Brazilian students by watching their videos HERE.
Stay tuned!
Meanwhile, Porto Alegre Deputy Mayor Ricardo Gomes will spend three days in Indianapolis with a full schedule that includes both public and private sectors. The major focus of the visit is economic development and urban renewal initiatives.
As well as him, Legislative fellow Rodrigo Prestes from Rio Grande do Sul arrives for a two week stay that will be centered on learning about Indiana state government, in addition to identifying opportunities for other exchange programs in law and agribusiness.
Thank you, partners!
Indiana Partners of the Americas would like to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful 2023 of engagement and support!
Here are some of the highlights of what we had accomplished TOGETHER:
⮚ Along with our traditional events, such as Feijoada and MOSTRA - BRAZILIAN FILM FESTIVAL, we were very proud to have our longtime board member Rick Bein meeting Rio Grande do Sul Partners President, and Partners International board member, Lucia Helena de araújo Lima in Antigua, Guatemala, for the What Works conference.
⮚ Our last Legislative fellow, Kyra Helming, traveled to Porto Alegre in November, and had a wonderful time, learning all about how the government works, as well as experiencing the amazing Gaucho culture and hospitality. Big shout out to the LF Committee in RS!
⮚ Five amazing Youth ambassadors were selected in Rio Grande do Sul and are getting ready to come to Indiana, staying with host families and attending classes at different high schools for two months, from mid-January to mid-March 2024.
⮚ Back in April, we were presented with the opportunity of bringing the Orquestra Jovem do Rio Grande do Sul(OJRS)/Youth Orchestra of Rio grande do Sul!
They are confirmed to arrive in February for a 10 day visit that will not only benefit those 25 talented musicians but also entertain and move the local Brazilian community as well as Hoosiers interested in diverse, quality musical performance.
Happy Holidays!
Annual meeting was a success!
During our Annual Meeting on October 25th, Indiana Partners of the Americas members elected a new President, Krista Ricci, and a new VP of Programs, John Taylor. Both Krista, a Senior Fiscal Analyst at Indiana State Senate, and John, a Land Manager for the Field Station and Environmental Educational Center at Ball State University , are longtime Partners members and are very committed to our organization. We wish them the best as they start their terms in January 2024. Congrats, Krista and John!
News from #LegislativeFellows
Meanwhile, our Legislative Fellow, Kyra Helming, is very busy in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, visiting with city and state level authorities, law professors and other organizations.
We appreciate all the work from RS Partners volunteers for putting together such a valuable itinerary for Kyra.
In the photo on the side, Kyra is presenting Indiana's 200th anniversary medal to the governor of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite. Along with the vice president of RS Partners, Sofia Lucca and other officials from Palacio Piratini
Partners of the Americas invites you: BRAZILIAN FILM FESTIVAL, Mostra XIV
When: Wednesday, Nov 15 at 6:00 pm
Where: IUPUI - Lilly Auditorium
Movie: “KOBRA - self-portrait”
We invite you, Partners volunteer or not, to join us at the Largest Brazilian Festival in the Midwest, which presents a range of unmissable socially conscious films.
WHAT WORKS 2023: Partners International Conference, Guatemala
Indiana Partners chapter was well represented by board member Rick Bein at another successful event in the beautiful historical city of Antigua. Lucia Helena de Araujo Lima, Partners International board member and President of RS chapter, also attended. She made a presentation on the theme of “Leading Locally-Led Impact”. What a great opportunity for them to work together, as well as to learn from other chapters leaders!
SAVE THE DATE! MOSTRA XIV: BRAZILIAN FILM FESTIVAL
When: Wednesday, Nov 15 at 6:00 pm
Where: IUPUI - Lilly Auditorium
Movie: “KOBRA - self-portrait”
You might be familiar with the huge and colorful street artworks by Brazilian muralist KOBRA, who has spread his talent to all continents. We hope you can join us as we learn more about his background, struggles and international success.
MOOD INDIGO: Bossa Nova at Butler University
Join us at this wonderful concert by The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, showcasing Brazilian artists Bruno Sandes and Daniel Duarte. The performance includes Bossa Nova music written by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, among other classics.
Check the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir's website for more details!
