Annual Report

Annual Report 07

07 Annual Report

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The Trust for the Americas

Mission Statement:

The Trust will become the pre-eminent capacity building organization for civil society in the Western Hemisphere by:

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• • • •

leveraging partnership with the OAS and Inter-American community; building a distinctive network of local organizations; creating relationships with the private sector; and transferring know-how and best practices across countries.

Vision Statement:

Working with civil society, the Trust for the Americas shall serve as a strategic partner to the OAS, its member states and the private sector, to empower people to share in the benefits of economic opportunity, social inclusion and good governance in the Americas.

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Chairman of the Board Introduction Executive Overview of Activities Map Program Updates/Success Stories Recognition of Partners Thank You Letter to Donors Board of Directors Financial Statement

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The Trust for the Americas

Chairman of the Board Introduction

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I am pleased to introduce the Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS). Since its creation in 1997, the Trust has significantly contributed to the development goals of the OAS, working closely with marginalized communities and strengthening democracy and transparency throughout the Americas.

The Trust is committed to the mission of empowering people to share in the benefits of democracy and economic opportunity.

To carry out this goal, the Trust focuses on capacity building and implements projects in the following areas: information communications technology for development, transparency and democratic governance and labor rights.

The Trust executes programs with support from over 100 public and private sector partners throughout the hemisphere. The OAS provides direct support from local governments which give the Trust’s programs important local support. Governments, including the U.S. and Canadian Governments, also provide support to the programs. The Trust is also supported by the private sector, both on a local and international level, which provides programs with important resources and supports our program staff, giving them the tools for better program management.

I invite you to look over the information in this annual report and urge you to consider becoming involved in our programs and support the goal of economic development and democracy in this hemisphere.

Sincerely, Hans Kohlsdorf President of the Board of Directors, Trust for the Americas President Mesoamerican Region, Siemens

Annual Report 07

Executive Overview of Activities 2007 has been an exiting and dynamic year for the Americas.

With four new programs this year, our organization is growing rapidly. We have expanded our geographic reach and are working with other marginalized populations in the hemisphere. A new program in the Eastern Caribbean provides technology and job skills training to youth at risk.

Also, we are now assisting in the peace process in Colombia with a job skills training program for those affected by the internal conflict.

The Partnership in Opportunities for Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA) program, which provides information and communication technologies and job skills training to marginalized populations, established 12 new centers in 2007. POETA continues to work closely with Microsoft to bridge the digital divide in the hemisphere, and the program is now recognized as an international best practice for ICT for development.

Our Regional Alliance program has significantly expanded its donor base and continues to promote transparency and freedom of expression throughout the hemisphere. In 2007, the program held several important regional meetings in Central America. The program is having a direct affect on the public policy in the region. For example, as a result of a meeting with the Alliance Advisory Committee, the Vice President of Guatemala launched a national transparency agency on to oversee access to information policies in Guatemala.

Our operations in Colombia have expanded further, with two new U.S. Government-funded programs promoting reconciliation and human rights. To accommodate this growth, we have established a Trust regional office in Bogota. With an on the ground, legal presence in Colombia, the Trust will be able to pursue important partnerships and continue expansion in the region.

The Trust also worked on the strategic positioning of the organization in 2007. Following the suggestion of our Board of Directors, we worked to more clearly define our organizational mission.

With the help of an external consultant, we have established a strategic plan to focus the Trust’s activities on capacity building. This new strategic focus will allow the Trust to be more competitive and concentrate programs in the areas where we have the greatest expertise.

I am proud to be a part of the Trust for the Americas as it emerges as an important player in development in Latin America and continues to promote the goals of development and democracy in the hemisphere by building human and organizational capacity in the hemisphere.

Linda Eddleman Executive Director, Trust for the Americas

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The Trust for the Americas

UNITED STATES

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MEXICO HONDURAS

MAP

GUATEMALA

Trust Program Locations

THE CARIBBEAN

NICARAGUA

EL SALVADOR VENEZUELA

COSTA RICA PANAMA

COLOMBIA

ECUADOR

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Regional Alliance for the Promotion of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression Location(s): Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, U.S.

PERU

Mi Llave Location(s): Colombia POETA Location(s): Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Venezuela POETA Youth Location(s): St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, USAID / APS - Reconciliation in Colombia Location(s): Colombia Mi Zona Location(s): Guatemala MSD – Human Rights Location(s): Colombia

CHILE ARGENTINA

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The Trust for the Americas

ALIANZA REGIONAL POR LA LIBERTAD DE EXPRESION E INFORMACION

The Regional Alliance for Freedom of Expression and Access to Information is an initiative which advocates for a culture of transparency in social leaders and citizens through the promotion and defense of the right of freedom of expression and universal access to public information.

The program currently operates in eleven countries in the Americas.

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In 2007, the Alliance held several meetings which increased its membership and strengthened the relationship among member organizations. On June 1, 2007, twenty organizations attended the Fourth Regional Meeting in Panama, held two days prior to the OAS General Assembly. To strengthen the relationship between the Alliance and the OAS, Alliance members participated in meeting with the OAS General Secretary and Foreign Ministers.

Additionally, in 2007, the Alliance provided technical assistance to Central American nonprofit organizations in Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Bringing seventeen experts from Mexico and South America to Central America, the Alliance helped to meet the critical technical demand of nonprofits in the region. This assistance has resulted in improvements in monitoring and regulation of projects designed by these Central American nonprofits.

Finally, in 2007, the Alliance strengthened its advocacy practice in Central American. Members of the Alliance participated in several strategic meetings with governmental officers in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala to promote the implementation or approval of Access to Information legislation in these countries. Also, members of the Alliance Advisory Committee conducted a meeting with the Vice President of Guatemala, Rafael Espada, to garner support for local NGOs advocating approval of the Access to Information Legislation.

As a direct result of this meeting, the Vice President launched a national agency on transparency to oversee access to information policies in Guatemala.

Annual Report 07

9 Emilio Ortega Coordinator of the Violeta Barrios de Chamorro Foundation, Regional Alliance Program Participant Nicaragua

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Meeting with these experts was an enormous benefit for us. It allowed us to listen to the suggestions of the experts who made significant contributions to the methodology and the indicators for monitoring drafted during the meeting. We not only received insightful commentary from the foreign experts, but we also were able to make suggestions to improve the Regional Alliance program as a whole.

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Success Story

The Trust for the Americas

The Mi Zona program was developed to promote ethics and values in Guatemala among populations exposed to gang activities.

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Funded by USAID, Mi Zona targeted children between the ages of six and fourteen, at the age when they are at highest risk for gang involvement and, therefore, most receptive to anti-corruption, anti–gang and drug prevention education. The program seeks to provide young people with tools to manage situations they can expect to face involving corruption, crime, drugs and gangs. The goal of Mi Zona is to teach these young people to safely and effectively say “no�. The Trust used a participative approach in executing this program, involving not only students but teachers and parents in open discussions about risk-taking behavior.

After a period of one year, the Mi Zona was completed in July of 2007. During the course of the program, a total of 304 children and 400 adults were trained. In addition, the program offered training to over 200 teachers, journalists and nonprofit organizations, hosting various regional meetings and capacity building activities.

Although we had hoped to extend the program over a longer period of time, the Mi Zona program will continue to be replicated on a smaller level by our outstanding local partner, Grupo Ceiba.

Annual Report 07

Elubia Marleny Velásquez González Outreach Coordinator and Former Gang Member, Mi Zona Program Guatemala

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Mi Zona changed my life. It gave me the tools to create a better environment for myself and the people I love. I have overcome a past of violence, drug addiction and gangs and currently volunteer to create a culture of peace in my country.”

“In our neighborhoods, violence rules and values have been gradually erased from daily life. The Mi Zona program has taught me to manage, understand and fully express my emotions. Now I am confident I can survive without anger and most of all without violence.”

“I thank Mi Zona for this transformation and am now deeply committed to communicating to children and teenagers that, if we try, it is possible to build a culture of peace.

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Success Story

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The Trust for the Americas

The Partnership in Opportunities for Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA) is a Microsoft sponsored initiative that provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth in Latin America and the Caribbean. POETA also seeks to empower local organizations by providing them with technical and administrative support.

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In 2007, the Trust obtained funds to open 12 additional POETA centers in 6 countries for a total of 39 centers in eleven countries in Latin America. One of the program’s highlights in 2007 was its expansion to the Dominican Republic, where the Trust opened 2 POETA centers, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady. All POETA centers are equipped with adaptive technology that enables people with disabilities to have access and benefit from the centers’ services. In addition, POETA centers are open to the community, creating inclusive spaces for interaction that lead to the social integration of people with disabilities. In 2007, more than 50,000 people with and without disabilities benefited from the POETA program.

The Trust believes in partnering with other organizations to enhance and expand POETA throughout the hemisphere. Organizations that joined the POETA network during this year include: Manpower, Mexicana and ParaLife. In addition, we are currently discussing partnership opportunities with NComputing to provide their new, multi-user technology in our centers. This would allow each center to connect multiple users to one PC, allowing program costs to be reallocated to create new centers. Also, we are exploring the possibility of a partnership with Rosetta Stone to provide language training software in our centers.

Annual Report 07

Pedro González Graduate of POETA Program, Tlanepantla, México

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I had great expectations for this program, and I was not disappointed. I was able to improve my situation by receiving a promotion at my job where I went from a position in maintenance of soccer fields to an operations assistant. I was able to make this career move and improve my economic situation because of the skills I acquired at the center.”

“I now know I am worthwhile human being and that my disability is not an obstacle that stands in the way of my future. I am confident I will be successful in my future, thanks to the skills I learned and the confidence I gained from POETA.

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Success Story

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The Trust for the Americas

The Mi Llave program provides training in basic computer and job readiness skills to demobilized combatants and members of the receiving communities in Colombia.

Mi Llave offers beneficiaries the opportunity to acquire ICT skills in a range of employable disciplines such as accounting, office administration, computer maintenance and repair, customer service, and web design and programming.

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Mi Llave promotes social inclusion and employment opportunities in Colombia in partnership with Microsoft. The program was established as a response to the current situation in the country and the needs of the population affected by the internal, armed conflict. In the month of September 2007, one center was established in the city of Valledupar, in conjunction with Fundación para el Desarrollo Intercultural (FDI), and another center was established in Montería, in conjunction with the la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. These local organizations help to provide the technology, job skills and conflict resolutions training which makes up the Mi Llave program. These centers benefit more than 3,500 persons per year.

During this period, the Trust partnered with the Alta Consejería para la Re-integración (ACR), a Colombian government agency in charge of the demobilization process.

ACR will provide the Trust with additional funds which will compliment Microsoft’s resources and allow the program to open additional Mi Llave centers in cities affected by the internal conflict.

Annual Report 07

15 Nasir Morales Mestra Graduate of Mi Llave Program and Mother of Demobilized Ex-Combatant Monteria, Colombia

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In the past, I did not have the opportunity to learn and to better myself. Now, with the Mi Llave program, this is my moment.”

“Mi Llave has completely changed my life. The greatest satisfaction the program has given me is a feeling of usefulness and independence and the power to help my son.

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Success Story

The Trust for the Americas

The success of POETA in Latin America enabled the Trust to leverage support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), CISCO Systems Inc., the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Microsoft to allow POETA’s expansion to the Eastern Caribbean.

This program is specifically targeted at youth at risk in the region. Cisco will give POETA Youth beneficiaries access to the CISCO Network Academy, a comprehensive e-learning educational program that provides students with the Internet technology skills essential to compete in the global economy.

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During 2007, several activities took place to commence POETA Youth in the six Eastern Caribbean countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The principal activity during the year was the selection of six local partner organizations to implement the program. These organizations vary in structure, location and expertise but all have years of experience in training and community service. Prior to the selection of these organizations, the Trust conducted an in-depth needs-assessment study.

The Trust held several capacity building initiatives for local partners to provide expertise in POETA management, implementation and knowledge sharing.

To establish the program, the Trust held several events which have increased awareness and support for the program among governments, the private sector and the general public. These events included a presentation of the POETA Youth program to the OAS Permanent Council at a Youth Symposium. This event created significant visibility for the program. Another important event featured the launch of the POETA Youth program in St. Vincent with a ribbon cutting ceremony and dinner at the Prime Minister’s residence in St Vincent. Several high-level representatives were present at the event, including the OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel Insulza as well as representatives from the local government and private sector.

As the POETA Youth program moves into 2008, the Trust hopes to actively engage the Eastern Caribbean’s Government and private sector to address the issues affecting at-risk youth and other marginalized communities in the region.

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Terry Potential POETA Youth Participant St. Lucia

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When they are 17 or 18 years old, youth no longer have school and have nothing to do. They wander the streets and when you wander the streets, things come with this, illegal things. There are a lot of people who die in the streets.”

“The education system here in this country is not useful at all. Because when you have an idea, it ends in an idea. But with a center like this, youth will have a future and will be able to do something better with their lives. They will be able to be someone in society and achieve things, legally.

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Success Story

The Trust for the Americas

Journalist Training Program The Program for the Excellence in Journalism promotes a professional, free and unbiased press by developing journalistic capacities among media practitioners in the region through the development and implementation of training workshops, experience exchanges and research projects.

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As a result, the Program aims at fostering transparency and accountability while strengthening democratic institutions.

In 2007, the Program was able to expand its donor base and secure funding from the Open Society Institute, National Endowment for Democracy, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Casals and Associates, and the US Department of State.

The Program delivered several workshops in Central America and the Dominican Republic. These workshops trained journalists in a wide array of issues such as investigative journalism, access to public information as well as transparency and accountability.

In addition the program is currently conducting a research on media ownership concentration in Central America.

Annual Report 07

19 Lugo Rafael Almonte Journalist for the Dominican Deaf Foundation

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I did not know anything about the existence of the Access to Public Information Law in my country and its relationship to investigative journalism. As a disabled citizen and journalist managing my own magazine for the Dominican Deaf Foundation, it is important for me to be aware of the new FOIA legislation as a mechanism to demand accurate answers from the government on social policies.

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Success Story

The Trust for the Americas

USAID / APS The “Arte, Cultura y a Entendernos” program is contributing to the peace process in Colombia by promoting reconciliation in Monteria and Valledupar and helping these communities to live together peacefully and improve their lives.

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Small communities in Colombia are especially affected by the internal conflict. As a consequence of years of violence, these communities have atmosphere of tension and strained relations between community members. Residents are prone to aggression and mistrust. To address this problem, the community called for an innovated strategy to promote reconciliation without directly mentioning peace, demobilization or the conflict itself which deters participation.

Our program was created as a response to these needs and has gradually gained the trust of the community. The program fosters communication and bonding between residents through activities involving art, culture, local dances and regional narratives. These activities foster communication and help residents regain personal identity and learn to interact with each other.

During 2008, we aim to give residents of Monteria and Valledupar the tools to translate their experiences with the program into real improvements for the community, including new projects. The goal is to foster this type of change by educating residents on the services provided by local public institutions and social organizations, giving them the tools and resources to promote social inclusion.

The “Arte, Cultura y a Entendernos” program fundamentally promotes change by giving persons affected by the internal conflict a renewed purpose, sense of self and community. Residents receive the tools to improve their communities without relying entirely on external aid.

Annual Report 07

Valvina Aguilar Colombian Reconciliation Program Participant Valledupar, Colombia

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I can’t ignore this country’s peace and reconciliation process or place these people outside the community. I want to help the peace process in some way. This program allows me to become involved and befriend ex-combatants and get to know them as people.

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Success Story

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The Trust for the Americas

MSD This program was established in November 2007 to strengthen human rights practices in Colombia.

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The program provides capacity building to local nonprofit organizations promoting human rights along the Pacific coast of Colombia.

We provide training in to project financing and writing proposals for donors. Also, this program trains local businesses on human rights issues, educating them on the importance of respecting and protecting human rights. Ultimately, this program seeks to promote reconciliation through greater respect for human rights in Colombia.

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The Trust for the Americas

Thank You to Our Donors

Private Sector Support:

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

ENSE Group CEMEX Chevron Chrysler LLC Cisco Systems, Inc. COPA Airlines Google Manatt, Phelp & Phillips, LLP Mexicana de Aviación Microsoft Corporation Mobile Texaco Open Society Institute Organización Ardila Lülle Postobon RCN Siemens TACA

International Nonprofit Support: • Telecentre.org

Special Government Support: • First Lady of the Dominican Republic • First Lady of Panama • First Lady of Ecuador

The Trust for the Americas is honored to say thank you to our donors. Our programs depend on the generosity of over one-hundred organizations ranging from international corporations to local nonprofits. We are grateful for the support which allows us to empower marginalized populations throughout the hemisphere.

Government and Multilateral Support: • • • • • • • • • •

ACR, High Commission of Reintegration Canadian International Development Agency International Development Research Centre Local Courthouse, Valledupar, Colombia Municipal Government of Cesar, Colombia M unicipal Governments of Valledupar, Cesar, Monteria and Cordoba, Colombia National Endowment for Democracy (NED) Organization of American States U nited States Agency for International Development (USAID) United States Department of State

Educational Institution Support: • • • •

Escuela Técnica María Auxiliadora - Venezuela Universidad de la Salle - Mexico Universidad Don Bosco – El Salvador U niversidad Pedagogica nacional Unidad 041 María Lavalle Urbina - Mexico

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Local Organization Support: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Asociación de Derechos Civiles - Argentina A sociación Panameña de Industrias de Buena Voluntad - Panama Batallon de Infanteria – Colombia Batallón de Sanidad - Colombia CENTIC CRI Comite Pro Ciegos y Sordos - Guatemala C entro de Capacitación para el Trabajo Industrial - CECATI No. 65 - Mexico C entro de Capacitación para el Trabajo Industrial - CECATI. No. 11 - Mexico C entro de Integración Libre y Solidario de Argentina CILSA - Argentina C IREC (Centro Integral de Rehabilitación de Colombia) - Colombia Comité por la Libre Expresión, C-Libre - Honduras C ommunity Resource Internet Centres / UNDP (CoRICS/UNDP) – Dominica Consejo Nacional de Periodismo, CNP - Panama Corporación Matamoros - Colombia Despacho de la Primera Dama – Dominican Republic F UNDABIEM (Fundación Pro Bienestar del Minusvalido) - Guatemala Fundación Caminemos Juntos - Panama Fundación Democracia sin Fronteras, FDsF - Honduras Fundacion Derechos del Niño - Ecuador F undación Institucionalidad y Justicia, FINJUS – Dominican Republic Fundación Mexicana de Aviación, I.A.P. - Mexico Fundación Par - Argentina Fundación para el Desarrollo Intercultural FDI - Colombia Fundación por el Debido Proceso Legal – United States Fundacion Prensa y Democracia - México Fundación Pro Acceso - Chile

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fundacion Teletón - Colombia F undación Teletón Pro-rehabilitación “Funter” – El Salvador F undación Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, FVBCH - Nicaragua Fundaeduca – El Salvador F UNDAPROCURA (Fundación Venezolana pro-cura de la parálisis) - Venezuela G ilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD) – Antigua & Barbuda Grupo Ceiba - Guatemala IMJ. Instituto De La Juventud Veracruzana - Mexico I MJ. Secretaria De La Juventud Del Estado De Colima - Mexico IMJU(Instituto Michoacano de la Juventud) - Mexico Instituto de la Juventud en Yucatán - Mexico I nstituto de Prensa y Libertad de Expresión, IPLEX – Costa Rica Instituto Mexicano de la Juventud (IMJ) - Mexico Instituto Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS - Peru Libertad de Información México, A.C., LIMAC - Mexico MAPP OEA - Colombia Mecvida ONG-Mejorando la Calidad de Vida - Peru N ational Centre for Technological Innovation (NCTI) – St. Vincent & the Grenadines National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) – St. Lucia New Life Organization (NEWLO) – Grenada ORT - Venezuela Participación Ciudadana, PC – Dominican Republic Periodistas de Provincia de Perú - Peru Probidad – El Salvador Project Strong – St. Kitts and Nevis Redsoc - Venezuela Somos Mas - Colombia Teleton - Honduras

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The Trust for the Americas

Board of Directors Private Sector

Hans Kohlsdorf, President of the Board President Mesoamerican Region, Siemens

José Miguel Insulza, Ex-Oficio Member Secretary General, OAS

Carlos Julio Ardila, Vice-President of the Board CEO, Organización Ardila Lülle

Ricardo Domínguez, Chief of Staff to the Secretary General, OAS

Susan Benson, Secretary Founder, the Trust for the Americas

Alfonso Quiñónez, Executive Secretary, Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI), OAS

Adam Blackwell, Treasurer Director, Office of Budgetary and Financial Services, OAS June Langston DeHart, Partner, Manatt, Phelp & Phillips, LLP

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OAS

Ali Moshiri, President Chevron Latin America Upstream Enrique Segura, Founding President of the Trust CEO, ENSE Group Javier Treviño, Vice President for Corporate Communications, CEMEX Stanley Motta, Chairman, COPA Airlines John Bozzella, Vice President External Affairs and Public Policy, Chrysler LLC Hernan Rincon, President Microsoft Latin America

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