Americas for Conservation and the Arts Volunteer Opportunities in Puerto Rico Review

Summary

AFC+A’s mission is to leverage the arts and Latino American leadership for conservation gains. In particular, it seeks to involve immigrants and people of color in green causes. The organization assists farmers and other individuals in Puerto Rico in developing sustainable practices and green solutions to pressing needs.

Type of Volunteer Work

AFC+A deploys small teams of people in “solidarity brigades” that assist local farmers with hurricane clean-up, installing rainwater collection and irrigation systems, and organic farming practices. It also works with the US Forestry Service on reforestation, tree planting, and agroforestry initiatives. Volunteers have also removed and sorted contaminated soil, built paths, fences, and planters, established seed banks, created urban gardens, repaired and upgraded beehives, and painted murals.

Area and Scope of Operation

In Puerto Rico, AFC+A has worked in the San Juan barrios of Puerta de Tierra and La Perla, as well as in El Cotto and Toa Baja. Outside of Puerto Rico, the organization has worked in Mexico and in various places in the United States, often in Latinx communities.

Volunteer Support

No information is available online about AFC+A's level of volunteer support. 

Reputation

AFC+A was the 2016 City of Denver Office of Sustainability Community Builder Award Recipient. In 2017, it was one of a Mayor's Award for Cultural Excellence Imagine 2020 recipient. GuideStar rates it as a Platinum-level participant that demonstrates a commitment to transparency. It has no presence on Give.org, GreatNonprofits, or Charity Navigator. The organization has gross receipts of $223,000 and $44,000 in assets. It was granted tax-exempt status in 2013.