Who are we?

The Colorado Chapter of Partners of the Americas (CO PoA) is an international development 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with international offices in Washington, D.C., and local offices in Greeley. CO PoA has a history of education and cultural exchanges, including environment, dance, music, English teachers, and youth programs.

“Let us once again transform the American continent into a vast crucible of revolutionary ideas and efforts, a tribute to the power of the creative energies of free men and women, an example to all the world that liberty and progress walk hand-in-hand.” – President John F. Kennedy, Latin American Diplomatic Corp. Reception Speech, March 13, 1961.

Our Mission

Our mission is to connect the heart of the Rockies to the pulse of the Americas by reaching across cultures. Through every project, exchange, and friendship, we are crafting a network of understanding and cooperation that spans continents, crosses cultures, and opens hearts. By creating partnerships, Colorado's spirit meets the vibrant soul of the Americas in ways that transform lives, strengthen communities, and turn borders into bridges.

Our Vision

Our vision is to forge lasting connections between Colorado and partner regions in the Americas, creating transformative exchanges that enrich lives and strengthen communities through cultural understanding, shared knowledge, and sustainable development.

Our Core Values

1. Partnership

   We believe in the transformative power of equal partnership and mutual respect. We connect people across the Americas to build relationships that transcend borders and foster lasting, positive impact.

2. Cultural Exchange

   We celebrate and promote the rich diversity of cultures across the Americas, creating immersive exchanges that deepen cross-cultural understanding, foster appreciation, and strengthen the ties that unite us.

3. Education

   We champion educational initiatives that empower individuals and communities. We facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, enriching Colorado and our partner regions.

4. Sustainable Development

   We are committed to supporting sustainable development projects that meet local needs, promote environmental stewardship, and build resilience for future generations.

5. Volunteerism

   We are driven by the spirit of volunteerism, believing in the power of individuals to make a meaningful difference. Through shared dedication and service, our volunteers create lasting change, build bridges of empathy, and inspire a legacy of goodwill across the Americas.

Our History

Partners of the Americas was established in 1964 by President John F. Kennedy as part of the Alliance for Progress. Colorado made history with the former Minas Gerais Chapter as the first U.S.-Brazil partnership that year. The initiative aimed to unite volunteers from diverse backgrounds in partnerships between U.S. States and Latin American States or countries, fostering improved lives and stronger relationships throughout the hemisphere. The Colorado Chapter of Partners of the Americas began a unique partnership with the Minas Gerais Chapter, making it the first U.S.-Brazil partnership in the network. This partnership, rooted in a shared spirit of equity and community, has led to joint projects and exchanges. The phrase “The Heart of Brazil” or “Ele Coração do Brasil” encapsulates the legacies we aim to build through our mutual endeavors and valued members. Our partnership has been pivotal in addressing local needs and promoting cultural understanding, evolving as our network and partnerships expanded.

The Colorado Chapter has been involved in many impactful initiatives throughout its history. These include environmental conservation, healthcare, cultural, and educational collaborations such as the Teaching Readiness Improvement Pedagogy (TRIP) Program, exchange programs like the Youth Ambassadors Program, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Fellowship, and Professional Travel Grants sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Brazil's Iracambi Rainforest Research Center, and other community-based projects. Each of these initiatives has been a testament to the power of volunteer-driven, grassroots international cooperation.

2017, Colorado adopted a hybrid working collaboration model, welcoming people worldwide to its membership. In 2020, the Colorado Chapter opened its doors for cooperation with other Partners of the Americas chapters, student chapters, and affiliate organizations in Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, and the US. In 2020, CO PoA opened its doors for cooperation with other Partners of the Americas chapters, student chapters, and affiliate organizations in Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, and Peru. Also, many former University of Wyoming Student Chapter and Wyoming Chapter members joined the CO PoA family. In 2024, CO PoA signed an agreement with the Posner Center for International Development to have a collaboration space in the heart of Denver.

The Colorado Chapter's objective is to CONNECT with strategic partners. Since 1964, we have established a public presence for the organization, encouraging collaboration between and among current and prospective members. Our plan featured Committees for Creating Alliances and Strategic Communication. From Jan Brummond's photo note card project to Governor Hickenlooper's Proclamation of Brazil Day in Colorado on October 23, 2012, and hosting and envisioning Partners of the Americas’ first international 2013 WhatWorks Greeley Conference are images of our chapters’ potential development. Colorado's objective is to SERVE humanitarian needs. Our plan responds to rehabilitative needs and restoration needs. From preserving the planet for rainforest coffee farming to humanizing the climate for prisoners to planning strategies for the independence of the differently abled, our chapter responds to humanitarian needs. Colorado's objective to CHANGE LIVES promotes the community’s transformation by discovering and enacting ways to help members reach the total capacity of their creative potential. We change lives through sports and literacy programs, arts and music, and social justice legacy.