Kennedy, 1963 call for a people-to-people initiative that would allow private citizens to work together for the good of the Americas. Jim Boren, stationed in Perú, translated Kennedy’s challenge in 1964 to Partners of the Alliance. Agency for International Development, the Alliance shortly after shifted to the private sector and changed its name to Partners of the Americas. Partners of the Americas is one of the largest volunteer networks in the Western Hemisphere. It is an international, grassroots network that connects volunteers, institutions and communities to serve and change lives. With over 100 volunteer chapters linked in sustainable partnership, Partners builds mutual understanding between diverse cultures and builds the capacity of civil society to contribute to the social and economic development of the region. The Belize Michigan Partners Chapter resulted after a 1965 visit by Warren Huff, a Michigan State University Trustee, Tom Brennan, of the Kellogg Foundation, Win Schuler, Restauranteur and Modesta Gamble were to fulfill a State Department request for assistance in determining agricultural, medical and business needs in British Honduras . When the team returned to Michigan, a small group was formed to determine projects. This was the birth of the Michigan Partners. The Belize-Michigan Partners was formed in 1966. Each decade has seen a different focus of the partnership.
1960s Partners of the Americas comes into existence; Belize (British Honduras) – Michigan Partners Chapter established; books and band instrument donations; scholarships to Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University.
1970s The Michigan Partners hosted a Belize Musicians Tour of 18 young Belizean musicians who presented 2 weeks of intensive musical appearances, including Mass in Blues at Lansing's St. Mary's Cathedral
1980s Women’s groups organized under Women's Development Department; sewing classes, nutrition & food preservation training through the Michigan Extension Service, development of a multicultural cookbook, school bus donation to the Stella Marris School; computers and teaching supplies donation; marketing cooperative with cultural doll, quilting and appliqué; teacher exchange with Stockbridge schools; Michigan Caribbean Trade initiative conducted with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce through USAID.
1990s Ambulance and medical equipment and supplies donated to Dangriga Hospital; natural resources camp and seeds project began; Jan Watkins began active involvement in Belize coordinating home healthcare, eldercare and emergency medical intervention; history of Michigan Partners Chapter developed and disseminated; community health workers trained in all 6 districts; paramedic and emergency room training; dental assistance program in cooperation; documentary filming in Belize (Restoration of Mayan ruins, Subsistence farming, The Partners Seed Project/Home Gardening, Eco-tourism, Water Treatment in Belize, Local Artisans); number of books produced (Felicia Nunez - Garifuna cultural cooking and historical stories; Mary Clarine Castillo - poetry written in both Garifuna and English; Christina Flores' - cookbook); 35- foot trailer with an X-Ray machine, a mammography unit and a generator donated.
2000s Michigan youth groups summer interaction in Belize; Michigan church adopts Menzies’ Children’s Home; Michigan Church supports congregant in Catholic missionary work in Belize; Partners 2006 International Convention hosted in Belize; Moringa Tree project implemented; small business support to individuals and families.
2010s Professional fellowship in Michigan; Youth Ambassador (YA) program
1 Latest update March 2012
2 Info sourced from http://www.partners.net/partners
