Press releases

2019/10/28 Project: “Transformation to an Open Public Administration in Belize”Country: Belize – Duration: 13-17 months The Trust for the Americas, a non-profit organization affiliated to the Organization of American States (OAS) that promotes partnerships for social and economic inclusion of vulnerable communities in Latin America and the Caribbean, is seeking to fill two part-time consultancy positions for the local implementation of the project “Transformation to an Open Public Administration in Belize”, funded by the US Embassy in Belmopan.  Project Objectives: 1. Broaden knowledge and build capacities of government and non-government actors to co-create and initiate more transparent and efficient public service delivery.2. Unleash critically needed collaboration between Civil Society and Government to Improve Transparency and Open Government3. Empower communities through Innovation to promote solutions that generate livelihood opportunities and good governance Job contexthe concept of an Open Government requires multi-sector involvement in the co-creation and coimplementation of policies, plans, and services. In many cases, this type of collaboration between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and governments is not regularly exercised or embraced. A transformative process needs reformers in civil society and in government to work together under Open Government principles: Transparency (providing citizens with meaningful information), Participation (empowering citizen voice in policymaking) and Collaboration (solving problems with citizens and respond to their needs, including marginalized communities). Collaboration is key for incorporating different end-user views in the policy-making processes or government service design.  Establishing an open government ecosystem is critical to improving public safety and governance in Belize. Building pro-transparency coalitions among civil society and local governments, including active participation from vulnerable groups, is key to combating criminal activity and increasing the effectiveness and resilience of public institutions. Purpose of the JobThe local team will be comprised of two members, to complement and back-up each other in different tasks related to the project implementation. The consultants will plan, and conduct project activities, develop and nourish relationships with stakeholders (civil society organizations, academia, partners, private sector, donors and government entities), and facilitate the implementation of the program at a national level.  The consultants will report to the project team of The Trust and the OAS, based in Washington DC. Both positions will have to work closely with other staff of The Trust and the OAS. We are looking for one proactive candidate to fulfill operations and reporting tasks, and a public relations candidate to support operations, maintain key communications, and facilitate coalition-building processes withrelevant stakeholders.  General ResponsibilitiesFollow closely and informed the project’s management team in DC about developments in the country on open government, digital government, and open data. Map and identify potential partners in Belize that may contribute to project activities and outcomes achievement.Produce a detailed assessment of the national political and public administration scenario, as well as of civil society groups and experts working on Open Government/Transparency/Access to Information topics.Establish an on-going relationship with donor, local partners (government and civil society) and project team in Washington DC, through emails, telephone calls, videoconference, meetings and presentations.Build relationships with networks, civil society activists and organizations and donor agencies in order to translate and transform innovative ideas and solutions into sustainable programs and projects.Support the design and development of action plans promoting meaningful citizens’ engagement to the project.Support the production of project documents (agendas, concept notes, social media content), reports, communication material, and media products for project implementation.Manage and update databases and the Trust Information System (TIS) to record metrics and participants of project activities, as well as other relevant information, according to the grant needs and M&E requirements.Preparing internal monthly reports and support the development of quarterly reports to donor and Board of Directors.Monitor and keep record of expenditures on project activities.Identify potentially interested funders and partners for future interventions or expanding the project in Belize.Provide support on developing training curricula, and delivery of training for civil society and government leaders, together with Trust and OAS teams, partners and other relevant stakeholders.Support in the development of terms of reference for contracts with local partners.Support with logistics for events of the project (arrangements with local vendors)Oversee the implementation of activities of the project and make suggestion to improve the effectiveness of the project.Social media management support.  Profile – Knowledge and experience in Open Government and working with civil society sectors and government institutions is necessary. Ability to encourage, facilitate, and coach multi-stakeholder dialogues, research, interviews, and institutional analysis across non-profit, public, and private sectors.Specific experience working on public policy issues and development of action plans related to governance, transparency, accountability, or public participation more broadly.Experience in organizing and contributing to events; including communications and media skills.Proven relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop trust from involved parties (civil society groups. Academia, private sector, governments, media outlets).An understanding of how civil society groups and government entities in Belize operate, including knowledge of relevant legislation around E-Government and Access to Information.A network of contacts and potential funders to scale up the project.Experience in project management and coordination.Deadline oriented but also able to respond quickly to changing priorities.   Level and job skills Bachelors required in public policy, political sciences, international relations, or a related discipline.Strong influencing and negotiating skills;Excellent working knowledge of English. Spanish is a plus.Ability to manage several strands of work at the same time;Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal;A demonstrated high level of drive whether working as an individual or as part of a team. Conditions. Preferred start date is November 15, 2019. Compensation commensurate with experience. Please submit a current resume as an attachment to RIriani@oas.org Please use “Belize Open Government” in the subject line.  Belize

2019/10/24 Edwin de los Santos, president of the AES Dominican Foundation, indicated the importance of our social projects containing the sustainability factor as a way of generating employment conditions and contributing to human development in the communities where AES has a presence. Dominican Republic – The AES Dominican Foundation and The Trust for the Americas, an entity affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS), will develop the Project “Empowering Innovative Entrepreneurship” for the creation and strengthening of entrepreneurship for local development in the municipalities of Boca Chica, Guayacanes and Quisqueya. The initiative will allow the training of 30 entrepreneurs in each of the selected municipalities, taking into account those who have a specific business idea or have an ongoing entrepreneurship and wish to strengthen it. This project arises as part of the diagnosis of needs carried out in September by The Trust for the Americas and is part of the hemispheric program POETA (Program of Economic Opportunities through Technology in the Americas) with presence in 21 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, which seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship as a tool that contributes to the socio-economic development of municipalities in the Dominican Republic, in a sustainable manner. The Project “Strengthening Innovative Entrepreneurship” will have five main activities with the entrepreneurs participating in it: i) Face-to-face training of 15 hours in the development of Business Models in CANVAS methodology, Innovative Leadership and Communication Skills to make a successful Pitch, ii) Virtual advice by specialized mentors, iii) Entrepreneurship Fair, iv) Pitch Tank of the entrepreneurships before an interdisciplinary jury, v) Award with financial resources to the most prominent business models for their sustainability and impact on the community. Edwin de los Santos, president of the Dominican AES Foundation, indicated the importance of social projects containing the sustainability factor as a way to generate employment conditions and contribute to human development in the communities where AES has a presence. The trainings will be provided by Luz Marina Correa, Project Manager of The Trust for the Americas and will be free of charge for the participants. In this regard, Correa said that “the goal is to provide the necessary tools for potential entrepreneurs that promote the creation of new businesses or strengthen existing businesses as a way of positively influencing and leaving installed skills and abilities to develop their maximum potential and contribute to economic and social development in a personal, familiar way and in the communities they inhabit. ” About the Dominican AES Foundation  The Dominican AES Foundation is the entity of Corporate Social Responsibility of the AES Group in the country, and since its creation in 2007, it has materialized important projects in the areas of Education, such as sponsorship of more than 10,000 students of basic schools in Haina, Boca Chica, and Los Mina, as well as in the areas of Health, with the strategic alliance with the Dominican Rehabilitation Association (ADR) whose result of this alliance is more than one million people served. Simultaneously we maintain a recycling program with a long-term intervention in the communities near our three production plants, to create a change in the lifestyle of young people and adults in favor of the culture of the 3Rs for the good of the environment. About AES Corporation: It is a Fortune 200 global energy company. It provides affordable and sustainable energy to 15 countries through a diverse portfolio of distribution businesses, as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. About The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada. For more information: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter: @Trust4Americas      República Dominicana Guayacanes Conucos Bocachica Bancos de arena y la Malena Quisqueya

2019/10/09 Under the POETA YouthSpark Project, local partners in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico will meet to share experiences, challenges and best practices in their efforts to prepare young people for their labor inclusion in the twentieth century economy. Santiago, Chile (07/10/2019) – As part of the POETA (Partnership for Economic Opportunities through Technology in the Americas) YouthSpark Project, The Trust for the Americas — an organization affiliated with the Organization of American States — Microsoft, and Innovacien will host the second POETA YouthSpark Regional Meeting to discuss the challenges and good practices carried out by Local Partners in each country in the educational training of young people — particularly women — as well as in the creation of work spaces for these young people. We focused on the four main strategies that The Trust for the Americas leads in the execution of the Project: Economic Opportunities (labor, education, volunteering and entrepreneurship), the strategy of Integral Training, Sustainability, and Communication and Visibility. Likewise, we will open spaces to discuss the challenges that the public and private sectors face in their work of bringing young people closer to technology through computer science. From 9:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening, work sessions will be held that will be attended by international experts who, through their inspiring talks, will address these issues.  The event, held in Santiago, Chile, will be attended by the Pontifical Bolivarian University, Montería – UPB section, which, through its Marie Poussepin Social Center, has been an ally of The Trust since 2007 and since 2018 has served as an Implementing Partner of the POETA YouthSpark Project. Likewise, Brazil will have the presence of the Organization Social Works Jerônimo Candinho (OSJC) — located in Brasilia, Federal District — that provides educational, professional and assistance services to vulnerable communities, allowing for the learning and training of people at all stages of life. Representing Mexico, the Proacceso Foundation — a non-profit organization whose mission is to contribute to the economic and social development of people in vulnerable communities, promoting skills and competencies through the positive impact of technology — will be present. From Argentina, we will have the assistance and participation of CILSA —an NGO for Inclusion — an organization established over 52 years ago in Argentina that promotes the full inclusion of people with disabilities and in situations of social vulnerability. It should be noted that CILSA currently has 7 community technology centers, in the cities of Santa Fe, Rosario, Córdoba, Mar del Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires and Mendoza, whose objectives are to promote access and training in use of Information and Communication Technologies, and the preparation for the socio-economic inclusion of populations in situations of social vulnerability. Lace Education Foundation, a company accredited to the Ministry of Education of Chile, through the Registry of Educational Technical Assistance (ATE), specializes in the Design of Educational Improvement Plans, in Advising Teachers in their Professional Evaluations, as well as in the development of high quality materials tested by colleges of excellence such as Colegio Santo Domingo, Preuniversitario Cumbres, Colegio Mayor, Colegio Santa Victoria, among others. Finally, we will be accompanied by Innovacien, a non-profit organization that fosters creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in the school system, seeking to develop new learning models that allow young people to become protagonists within the global society of knowledge. Innovacien, in addition to being one of the day’s hosts, will open its doors to the POETA YouthSpark’s local partners who visit Chile to visit its Training Center located in Santiago. POETA YouthSpark seeks to empower, through technology, young people in vulnerable situations in Latin America and the Caribbean in order to facilitate opportunities for education, entrepreneurship and employment through comprehensive training in digital literacy and computer science. Furthermore, POETA YouthSpark promotes the access and use of technology among young people aged 16-29 to equip them with skills that 21st century labor markets demand. The event will be attended by Jorge Cella, Philanthropy Director of Microsoft Latin America; Constanza García, Microsoft Chile Philanthropy Coordinator; María Liliana Mor, Program Director of The Trust for the Americas; Pierina Nepote, Project Manager; and Manuel Matiz, Communications Coordinator of The Trust for the Americas. WHAT:        2nd POETA YouthSpark Regional Meeting WHEN:        Wednesday, October 16, 2019 WHO:          Microsoft                     The Trust for the Americas                     Innovacien About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit entity affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). Established in 1997 to promote public-private partnerships, The Trust has implemented projects in 24 countries and has worked with more than 1,000 organizations in the region. Our initiatives seek to promote educational and economic opportunities, as well as the responsibility and transparency of government. Our unique alliance with the OAS allows us to have access to decision makers within the region. This fundamental partnership is the basis through which we create strong networks in all member states and the private sector. Through the development of our region, The Trust continues to contribute to overcoming challenges through strategic alliances that promote cooperation for sustainable results. The Trust for the Americas is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.    Visit: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas About Microsoft Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @Microsoft) drives digital transformation in the era of the smart cloud and the smart edge. Its mission is to allow all people and companies on the planet to achieve more. About Innovation ONG Innovacien is a non-profit organization that fosters creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in the school system, seeking to develop from practice the new learning models that will allow students to become protagonists of the global knowledge society. To promote the reflexive and creative use of new information and communication technologies (ICT), Innovacien conducts training and support for teachers and students in the generation and development of innovative projects that cover the content of the national curriculum. Through different programs and initiatives Innovacien works to reduce the digital divide and segregation to democratize opportunities within the framework of the information society. Chile Flyer

2019/10/07 The distinction was received during the Transforming Lives event in the framework of the Paziempre initiative in Bogotá. Bogotá, Colombia (07/10/2019) – The Trust for the Americas received recognition for its outstanding work as an ally in the international cooperation agreement called Peace Laboratories Project. This initiative, implemented in 2018 together with the High Council for the Rights of Victims, Peace and Reconciliation of the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá; Its purpose was to promote creative processes for reconciliation, as well as to strengthen and develop capacities for the construction of peace in the territories of Bogotá prioritized for intervention within the framework of the district’s peace strategy. The event took place in the Renaissance park last Friday, October 4. “Transforming Lives PAZIempre”, was called the meeting where more than 1,000 victims of the armed conflict were recognized, who thanks to the support of the District and international cooperation alliances have contributed to training, support for entrepreneurship and labor intermediation. In this meeting, the victims shared their experiences and presented their entrepreneurships, the result of their participation in the strategy. “We admire the victims because they are moving forward. In spite of all the suffering they have faced, not only poverty, but violence and having to go to a new place to look for opportunities. Here in Bogotá we support that courage and effort, they are an example for Colombians”, said Mayor Peñalosa in the framework of recognition. “The role of the private sector has been fundamental for the realization of the various processes with the victims, promoting the strengthening of their capacities, the realization of their initiatives, and the sustainability over time of the individual and collective entrepreneurships” said Gustavo. Quintero, High Counselor for the Rights of Victims. Among the recognized entrepreneurships, the beneficiaries of the PAZiempre fairs stood out, who seek to give support to the victims of conflict so that they feel that Bogotá is their home. The Mayor’s Office of Bogotá recognized Organizations that, with their initiatives, have contributed to the construction of peace in the country, among which The Trust for the Americas stood out, for the implementation of their project “Democratization of Innovation for Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Local Territories of the City of Bogotá ”, within the framework of the“ Peace Laboratories ”and“ Peacebuilding Locations ”initiatives. Manuel Matiz, Communications Coordinator of The Trust for the Americas, thanked the recognition and highlighted “In order to contribute to the construction of peace in the country, The Trust for the Americas implemented its methodology DIA – Democratization of Innovation in the Americas – , validated in several countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in six Bogota towns that consolidated environments of memory, peace and reconciliation thanks to the innovative potential of its inhabitants ”. The Trust for the Americas continues to work with young people in the country to contribute to the construction of Peace through its Innovation for Peace Laboratory, located at the National University of Colombia. WHAT: Recognizing “Transforming Lives PAZIempre”, WHEN: Friday, October 4, 2019. WHERE: Renaissance Park, Bogota Colombia. WHO:  Mayor’s Office of Bogotá             High Counseling for the Rights of Victims, Peace and Reconciliation             The Trust for the Americas About The Trust for the Americas:  The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada. For more information: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter: @Trust4Americas      Colombia

2019/09/20 Panamá dictó recientemente su política nacional sobre transparencia y acceso a la información. Si bien este es un hito importante, empoderar a la sociedad civil para usar y crear valor a partir de esos datos y capacitar a los funcionarios del gobierno para implementar estándares internacionales de datos abiertos y mejores prácticas será un punto clave a la hora de ponerla en práctica.  Para enfrentar este desafío, priorizar la demanda y mejorar el uso de los datos, un mayor número de representantes de diferentes sectores -incluidas las empresas privadas, las asociaciones comerciales, los medios de comunicación, las instituciones académicas y otros grupos de la sociedad civil- deben participar del proceso de forma activa.  Los objetivos de este proyecto, implementado por The Trust for the Americas en colaboración con el Departamento para la Gestión Pública Efectiva de la OEA, y en coordinación con las autoridades nacionales de Panamá, son:  El tercer objetivo busca apoyar con donativos de hasta U$D4500 a organizaciones de sociedad civil para la realización de proyectos-iniciativas en conjunto con una autoridad pública que busquen promover los principios de gobierno abierto y que sean parte de sus procesos de incidencia.   Características del fondo de financiamiento a proyectos de Gobierno Abierto   El fondo de financiamiento no reembolsable tiene por objetivo auspiciar la participación de la sociedad civil en la implementación de proyectos específicos bajo los principios del gobierno abierto (transparencia, colaboración y participación ciudadana), que mejoren los servicios públicos.   Acorde a la tendencia mundial, se pretende impulsar iniciativas vinculadas al fomento de la colaboración entre sociedad civil y el gobierno para proveer soluciones innovadoras y de alto impacto a necesidades identificadas en conjunto, que demuestren concretamente los beneficios y oportunidades que representa la apertura gubernamental y el uso de datos públicos.   Por lo anterior, los proyectos a financiar serán de organizaciones panameñas (medios de comunicación, organizaciones y colectivos sin fines de lucro, sector académico y sector empresarial) que presenten propuestas en alianza con algún ente de gobierno.   Con este fondo se financiará un total de hasta 10 proyectos y se invertirá un monto total de hasta U$D 45,000.    Únicamente se financiará un proyecto por organización y el monto del donativo será de hasta U$D 4500 (esto incluirá el compromiso de cada organización de usar parte de esos recursos en actividades de socialización, consulta y validación del proyecto con sus comunidades). Los fondos serán desembolsados directamente a la organización ganadora, 50% a la firma del convenio y 50% contra la entrega del reporte de gestión de medio término. El plazo previsto de ejecución de los proyectos financiados por el fondo será de 6 meses. La organización deberá presentar un reporte de medio término y un reporte final de ejecución técnica y financiera del proyecto.    Requisitos básicos de elegibilidad   Las propuestas de proyectos deben ser remitidas por organizaciones sociales legalmente constituidas (no gubernamentales), como por ejemplo:   Los proyectos deben tener relación con los principios-valores de gobierno abierto que son:   Procedimiento de aplicación   Los siguientes serán los requisitos para presentar propuestas:   Luego de completar el formulario online con la descripción completa de la iniciativa propuesta, los documentos de soporte deben ser enviados al correo electrónico del coordinador del proyecto, Sr. Hamzah Haji – Hhaji@trust-oea.org Fechas de la convocatoria   La convocatoria a proyectos seguirá la siguiente calendarización:    Lunes  30 de septiembre Apertura de la convocatoria de financiamiento a proyectos.  Viernes  08  de  noviembre Cierre de la convocatoria.  Semana  11  de  noviembre Evaluación de propuestas por el Comité de Selección.  Semana 11 de noviembre Envío de preguntas a los postulantes, petición de aclaraciones. Viernes  15 de  noviembre Fecha límite para recibir propuestas revisadas. Viernes 22 de noviembre Anuncio de las propuestas seleccionadas a través de un comunicado de prensa y correos electrónicos.   Semana 25-29 de noviembre Firma de convenios de donación y desembolso del primer tracto del fondo.  Lunes 2  de  diciembre Fecha de inicio de implementación de los proyectos.   Final de febrero  2020 Reunión de seguimiento con las organizaciones receptoras de los donativos. Entrega de reportes de medio término. Final de abril  2020 Reunión de seguimiento con las organizaciones receptoras de los donativos.   Final de mayo  2020 Entrega de reportes finales de ejecución y evento de presentación de resultados de los proyectos.  El Comité de Evaluación se reunirá en la semana del  4-8 de noviembre  para seleccionar los 10 mejores proyectos que se presentaron a la convocatoria.  Comité de evaluación   El Comité estará integrado por:   Todas las propuestas y los perfiles serán evaluados por cada uno de los miembros del Comité de manera individual, y luego presentados en una evaluación grupal. Los criterios de selección y puntajes de las propuestas serán en base a las condiciones de la presente convocatoria. Privará el principio de consenso en la selección de las propuestas.   Criterios  de  evaluación   Ver documentos de referencia aquí   Ver preguntas frecuentes aquí  Panamá Cronograma de implementación (only spanish) Presupuesto (only spanish) Modelo carta de apoyo (only spanish) Documentos de referencia (only spanish) Preguntas frecuentes  (only spanish)

2019/09/17 República Dominicana (20/09/2019)— En el marco del proyecto POETA YouthSpark, el próximo viernes 20 de septiembre se realizará una jornada de Aprendizaje e Intercambio de ideas, denominada “Tecnología para un mejor futuro”. Esta actividad, es dirigida y patrocinada por Microsoft República Dominicana y se realizará en el Palacio Bellas Artes, en Bonao. La jornada, está dirigida especialmente a la población de Bonao entre 16 a 29 años y docentes, que trabajen con población joven.  Asimismo, se espera contar con la presencia y participación del Gobierno Local, sector público, privado y academia. El objetivo de esta actividad es ofrecer a jóvenes la oportunidad de construir ideas de última generación, lo que demanda el trabajo del futuro, utilizando las TIC como herramientas de productividad y programación. El conversatorio, estará a cargo de Mabel Gerónimo, Arquitecta de soluciones en la Nube para Microsoft donde se discutirá el rol de la tecnología para crear más y mejores oportunidades para los jóvenes de República Dominicana.  “En Microsoft nuestra misión es empoderar a cada persona y a cada organización en el mundo a lograr más. Y estamos especialmente comprometidos con la juventud, creando programas diseñados para capacitarlos y motivarlos a cambiar su mundo. Con estos programas ofrecemos acceso a una gran cantidad de herramientas y recursos para ayudar a los jóvenes a alcanzar su máximo potencial. Nos complace mucho estar compartiendo con los jóvenes de la ciudad de Bonao y contar con el apoyo y compromiso de organizaciones como Adasec y The Trust for the Americas, para poder inspirar a cada uno de estos jóvenes no sólo a que logren más, sino a que trasciendan haciéndolo.” Mencionó Yoheli Joaquín, Gerente de Mercadeo y Filantropía, Microsoft Caribe. La Asociación de Ayuda Social, Ecológica y Cultural de República Dominicana – ADASEC, le apuesta al desarrollo soportado en las tecnologías y las ciencias de la computación. Desde el Estado y los sectores privados, públicos y académicos, se llevan a cabo programas y proyectos para crear oportunidades que permitan integrar a la población en general, especialmente los jóvenes entre 16 y 29 años. La sociedad civil y organizaciones sin fines de lucro, con patrocinio local e internacional, también hacen su aporte para expandir las oportunidades y logros hacia segmentos de la población con menos oportunidades de acceso a los recursos y contenidos tecnológicos. Una de esas iniciativas en este momento, es el proyecto POETA YouthSpark, patrocinado por Microsoft Filantropía, desarrollado por The Trust for the Americas e implementado por ADASEC.  El Proyecto POETA YouthSpark, busca empoderar, a través de la tecnología, a jóvenes en situación de vulnerabilidad en América Latina y el Caribe con el fin de facilitar oportunidades de educación, emprendimiento y empleo mediante capacitaciones integrales en alfabetización digital y ciencias de la computación. Así mismo, busca promover el acceso y uso de la tecnología entre jóvenes de 16 – 29 años para equiparlos con habilidades que el mundo laboral del siglo XXI demanda. Este Proyecto se desarrolla en República Dominicana, desde el año 2017 en alianza con ADASEC, que como socio local de The Trust, tiene la responsabilidad de capacitar a jóvenes en condición de vulnerabilidad, para que aprendan a programar y se incluyan en el mundo laboral, en las esferas de desarrollo más solicitadas actualmente. Por su parte, Juana Isabel Guerrero, Coordinadora del Proyecto en ADASEC mencionó “Desde ADASEC nos sentimos muy honrados de poder trabajar estas iniciativas en la Rep. Dom., aliados con organizaciones como The Trust for the Americas para propiciar oportunidades de capacitación en ciencias de la computación a nuestros jóvenes en localidades con escasa posibilidad de estos beneficios. Igualmente, reconocemos el compromiso de Microsoft con el desarrollo de jóvenes en todo el mundo, usando las ciencias de la computación pera mejorar su condición de vida. Sobre Microsoft: Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @Microsoft) impulsa la transformación digital en la era de la nube inteligente y el borde inteligente. Su misión es permitir lograr más a todas las personas y empresas del planeta. Sobre ADASEC: La Asociación de Ayuda Social, Ecológica y Cultural, INC. (ADASEC) es una institución dominicana sin fines de lucro con más de 30 años realizando acciones para el desarrollo sostenible de la República Dominicana.  Tiene presencia en 12 localidades a nivel nacional y durante su trayectoria a impactado  importantemente en las áreas Social, Ecológica, Cultura y Formación Humana. ADASEC promueve la educación integral del ser humano que genere ciudadanos consientes y responsables consigo mismos, con el medioambiente y con la sociedad en general y para ello desarrollo un amplio programa de formación en valores y para la paz durante todo el año en 11 de sus filiales en igual número de provincias, incluida Monseñor Nouel. Sobre The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 24 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno. Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles. TheTrust for the Americas es una organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c) (3).    Visite: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas República Dominicana

2019/09/12 The Organization of American States (OAS) and the Trust for the Americas (TRUST) are implementing “A New Path: Promoting a Healthy Environment and Productive Alternatives for Juvenile Remandees and Offenders in Jamaica” with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project seeks to improve the lives of youth in conflict with the law. A priority of “A New Path” is to offer support for youth to address their emotional, social, educational, and economic challenges. It works with key areas that can enable the successful economic and social integration of youth, having assisted more than 2,400 youth in Jamaica since 2015. One of the key priorities of A New Path is to promote economic opportunities for the releasees over 16 years old, considering the lack of a licit means of income is one of the most important factors associated with criminal recidivism. To achieve the economic empowerment of the releasees from the four juvenile facilities in Jamaica, South Camp, Metcalfe, Rio Cobre, and Hill Top, A New Path has implemented a series of activities to foster job opportunities and entrepreneurship. The latter has been quite successful to overcome the stigmatization of this population. More than 300 releasees have participated in these entrepreneurship activities; 133 received extensive training in entrepreneurship during a one-week residency program, 62 of which were awarded micro-grants to start their own business. On the other hand, 28 youth and their families were trained in agriculture and awarded seed capital to implement their micro-farms. Since 2015, over JA$36milion has been invested in these initiatives, half of these resources were directly reverted to the 90 business established by the youth that are helping with the economic growth of disadvantaged communities in Jamaica. OAS and the TRUST have partnered with Jamaican organizations to deliver these activities. The Institute of Law and Economics and the Jamaica Agricultural Society have been fundamental to provide extensive training to the youth and assist them in establishing their ventures. Training includes the development of the business plan, financial forecasting, marketing (including market segmentation, branding, labeling), and life skills and their importance in the business environment. Jamaica

2019/08/27 Abrelatam y Condatos 2019 reúnen a sociedad civil, sector privado, academia y gobiernos en la comunidad de datos abiertos y tecnología cívica. Washington, D.C. (26 de agosto de 2019) — The Trust for the Americas participa por segundo año consecutivo en la semana internacional de datos abiertos, donde concurren las más importantes conferencias regionales de datos abiertos, Abrelatam y Condatos del 27 al 30 de agosto de 2019.  La agenda estará cargada de actividades que procuran avanzar la agenda de datos abiertos de la región, empezando con una sesión de trabajo para definir la teoría de cambio del Programa Interamericano de Datos Abiertos (PIDA) en la cual participaran organizaciones líderes como HIVOS Latam, ILDA, Open Data Charter, CAF, Open Contracting Partnership, Open Government Partnership y Global Integrity. Este año, The Trust for the Americas en alianza con el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) y el apoyo de EDES Business School, la Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL) y CIFAL Quito/Miami-UNITAR, organiza un taller denominado “Datos Abiertos y Emprendimientos: de casos prácticos a una hoja de ruta” el evento, se realizará, en el Centro de Convenciones Eugenio Espejo en Quito, Ecuador el 28 de agosto de 2019. El taller busca, desde una perspectiva práctica, sugerir y realizar acciones en común entre el sector público, privado y social, que permita avanzar la agenda de datos abiertos desde el sector emprendedor. En seguimiento a la Declaración de Lima y alineado con el Programa Interamericano de Datos Abiertos (PIDA), se busca potenciar el valor que el sector privado y el ecosistema emprendedor representan en el proceso de reutilización de datos públicos, generando mayor desarrollo económico y social en las comunidades. Dicho espacio, contará con casos prácticos implementados en gobiernos sub-nacionales como la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y buscará, fomentar el intercambio y el diálogo técnico entre actores relevantes como lo son organizaciones internacionales, gobiernos, sector privado, y la sociedad civil de la región, con la finalidad de establecer una hoja de ruta que facilite el fortalecimiento del ecosistema emprendedor para el uso y aprovechamiento de los datos abiertos. Entre los panelistas contaremos con Camilo Pinzón, decano de la EDES Business School, Alfonso Abdo, Director Ejecutivo del Programa SIN FRONTERAS, Aura Cifuentes, coordinadora del Equipo de Innovación Pública (EiP) del Departamento Nacional de Planeación de Colombia (DNP) y Martín Alalú, Gerente Operativo de Gobierno Abierto en el Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Como producto final del evento, Rodirgo Iriani, Gerente de Proyectos de The Trust for the Americas mencionó “se construirá una hoja de ruta que sirva como insumo de implementación piloto en algún gobierno local de la región, con la finalidad de generar aprendizajes y colaboraciones con el sector privado y emprendedor para el aprovechamiento de los datos abiertos. La idea es potenciar el uso de datos abiertos para la mejora de negocios, el desarrollo de nuevos bienes y servicios, la generación de más emprendimientos o de acciones de responsabilidad social empresarial”.  Hacia el final de la semana, The Trust for the Americas estará participando en el panel “El poder de los datos a nivel local” presentando el caso de éxito del proyecto “Del Gobierno Abierto al Estado Abierto en Costa Rica” implementado junto con el Departamento de Gestión Publica Efectiva de la OEA y auspiciado por la Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Costa Rica, compartiendo el método de trabajo de los municipios para incorporar a la sociedad civil en el proceso de co-creación de las políticas públicas.  Sobre The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 24 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno.Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles. TheTrust for the Americas es una organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c) (3).    Visite: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas Ecuador Handout (Only spanish)

2019/08/20 El proyecto Ruta Munis Abiertas reúne 30 municipalidades de Costa Rica comprometidas con avanzar la agenda de gobierno abierto para el periodo 2019-2021. Washington, D.C. (31 de julio de 2019) — The Trust for the Americas en alianza con Gobierno Abierto Costa Rica, y el CICAP (Centro de Investigación y Capacitación en Administración Pública de la Universidad de Costa Rica) organizaron el encuentro nacional de municipios abiertos, como actividad de cierre del ¨Proyecto De un Gobierno Abierto a un Estado Abierto¨ en Costa Rica. El proyecto de manera general, se propuso proveer oportunidades a los gobiernos municipales y a la sociedad civil para que en conjunto creen espacios de discusión y deliberación de acciones e iniciativas que impulsen los pilares de un Gobierno Abierto. Estas oportunidades incluyeron sesiones de entrenamiento, sesiones de asistencia técnica con expertos locales e internacionales y la financiación de doce iniciativas innovadoras para el mejoramiento de servicios municipales. El programa del encuentro incluyó dos días de capacitaciones. El primer día el trabajo estuvo centrado en proveer una perspectiva de los inicios y evolución de los conceptos de Estado Abierto en Costa Rica en el marco de la Alianza para un gobierno Abierto, y el intercambio de experiencias municipales comprometidas con practicas deGobierno Abierto.  Durante el segundo día, se trabajó en la capacitación y adopción de estándares de co-creación y participación local. En este evento de cierre se logra sumar la colaboración de 15 municipalidades, que trabajaron junto a The Trust for the Americas para mejorar sus capacidades en transparencia, acceso a información, datos abierto participación ciudadana y rendición de cuentas. En este nuevo proceso se comprometen a desarrollar e implementar acciones que fomenten un Gobierno Municipal Abierto tomando en cuenta la participación colaborativa de todos los actores sociales. Las 15 municipalidades que se suman a la estrategia de Gobierno Abierto son: Abangares, Bagaces, Cañas, Esparza, Hojancha, Grecia, Jiménez, Orotina, Osa, Pococí, Quepos, San Mateo, San Ramón, Turrialba y Guácimo. Mientras que las municipalidades de La Unión, Acosta, San José, Santa Ana, Montes de Oca, Moravia, Curridabat, Naranjo, Cartago, Heredia, Barva, Santo Domingo, San Isidro y Belén ya formaban parte de la estrategia de Estado Abierto. Rodrigo Iriani, gerente de proyecto de The Trust for the Americas comenta sobre las alianzas que se han construido alrededor del proyecto  ¨Con la finalidad de dar continuidad y trazabilidad al proyecto, se trabaja en alianza con el Ministerio de Comunicación y el Centro de Investigación y Capacitación en Administración Pública (CICAP) de la Universidad de Costa Rica, para construir los próximos pasos de la Ruta Munis Abiertas. Una estrategia que acompañará a los gobiernos locales en la consolidación de planes de acción en materia de Gobierno Abierto. Esta iniciativa forma parte de los esfuerzos para avanzar la agenda del IV Plan de Acción Nacional de Estado Abierto, correspondiente al período de 2019-2021. El proyecto desarrolla actualmente un instrumento para la estandarización de procesos en la aplicación de Gobierno Abierto en municipalidades que servirá como una guía de trabajo para otras instituciones públicas y gobiernos locales que deseen sumarse a la iniciativa de Gobierno Abierto. Sobre The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas es una entidad sin fines de lucro afiliada a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Establecida en 1997 para promover alianzas público-privadas, The Trust ha implementado proyectos en 24 países y ha trabajado con más de 1,000 organizaciones en la región. Nuestras iniciativas buscan promover oportunidades educativas y económicas, así como la responsabilidad y transparencia del gobierno. Nuestra alianza única con la OEA nos permite tener acceso a los tomadores de decisiones dentro de la región. Esta asociación fundamental es la base a través de la cual creamos redes sólidas en todos los estados miembros y el sector privado. A través del desarrollo de nuestra región, The Trust continúa contribuyendo a superar los desafíos a través de alianzas estratégicas que promueven la cooperación para resultados sostenibles. TheTrust for the Americas es una organización sin fines de lucro 501 (c) (3).  Visite: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter:   @Trust4Americas Costa Rica

Since 2016, the DIA Urban Lab – Democratizing Innovation in the Americas – has benefited over 1,350 youth and provided grants to 88 innovative projects and groundbreaking ventures in Jamaica. Kingston, Jamaica (04/09/2019) — From July 20 to 22, the DIA Urban Lab for Youth Innovation Project held an Innovation Camp and Pitch Tank competition, where youth from diverse parishes attended public speaking, branding, canvas, and financial literacy workshops to refine presentation skills prior to pitching their ideas to a panel of judges. 20 innovators received seed funding to launch their ventures. Miguel Francis, DIA Participant said, “DIA Camp is a tremendous opportunity for all those innovators who want to take their projects to a next level. I received training, attended the bootcamp, and won at the pitch competition. Many young people think innovation is a sophisticated word and are afraid to explore entrepreneurship, but our job market demands to think outside the box, network as much as we can, and think how to compete internationally. Having a laser cutter and 3D printer at the Urban Lab makes my life easier.” Launched in 2016 with support from Founding Donor Citi Foundation and USAID through A New Path Project, DIA Jamaica is an initiative created by The Trust for the Americas, an affiliate of the Organization of American States, to empower a new generation of young entrepreneurs and innovators, who will act as agents of change in their communities. DIA Jamaica is part of Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress global initiative to prepare young people with the career readiness tools and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s economy. Pathway to Progress is comprised of programs, research, and partnerships like the one with Trust of the Americas, which help youth build an entrepreneurial mindset and acquire leadership. In addition, The Trust for the Americas held a brainstorming session last Wednesday to design and launch a mentorship component with members of the PSOJ-Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica. PSOJ CEO Makeba Bennett said, “The PSOJ remains firm in the belief that investment in human capital is critical if we’re to realize true sustainable development, and so we’re pleased to support the DIA Jamaica and the work they are doing to help develop young entrepreneurs. Our members share the vision and have willingly come onboard to give their time and expertise to mentor the next generation of business leaders.” The DIA Urban Lab has awarded 88 seed funding opportunities and benefited over 1,350 young people through innovation training and access to state-of-the-arts technology. DIA is also present in Belize, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama. About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada. For more information: www.trustfortheamericas.org Facebook: The Trust for the Americas  Twitter: @Trust4Americas      About the Organization of American States: The OAS has 34 member states and it is the world’s oldest regional organization. The Organization uses a four-pronged approach to effectively implement its essential purposes, based on its main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development. In Jamaica, the General Secretariat of the OAS, through is Department of Public Security, is implementing the project “A New Path”, which seeks to improve the lives of at-risk youth and youth in conflict with the law. A priority of “A New Path” is to offer support for youth to address their emotional, social, educational, and economic challenges.  It works with key areas that can enable the successful economic and social integration of the youth. For more information: www.oas.org Twitter: @OEA_Seguridad About The Citi Foundation: The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com. About ILE The Institute of Law & Economics (ILE), is a private non-profit organization based in Kingston, Jamaica, established in 1998 to foster collaboration, innovation, research/consultancy, public education and discussion between the legal and economic professions, with a view to promoting a multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable development locally, and in the Caribbean Region. ILE has been working towards this through stimulating public discussions, high level training and debate in an objective, non-partisan and democratic manner, with a view to empowering our citizens while influencing national and regional policies that affect our lives. Jamaica