-By Steve Sweeny
The first year of anyone’s life is always exciting. For most of us, we spent it laughing, exploring, and possibly learning to walk or talk. Now consider this— securing a thirty thousand square foot venue, reaching a capacity to employ over 30 local workers, establishing international partnerships with volunteers and clubs, creating more than 40 outreach programs and raising upwards of US$15,000 in donations before the age of one. Sound impressive? That’s exactly what Zak Paster, founder of Comunidade em Acao (Community in Action), and his team of coordinators have done. And it’s just the beginning.
Located in the Brazilian metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, Comunidade em Acao is a nonprofit organization created with the idea of equipping local residents with the skills and training necessary to become productive members in their communities. Situated in the heart of one of the largest and poorest neighborhoods in the city, Comunidade em Acao offers literacy, vocational and cultural classes to those in dire need. To date, this NGO has collaborated with more than 300 people to provide various outreach programs.
With the organization growing five-fold over the past year, and monthly enrollment rates increasing exponentially, more resources will be necessary. To accommodate the residents, Comunidade em Acao has started a franchise. This grassroots NGO will now be able to offer more classes for favela inhabitants because more space is available. Activities ranging from theater classes to literacy to capoeira (Brazilian martial arts) will now be available.
The franchise is being created with the help of a local politician in the community, Sr. da Silva. Mr. Silva is the owner of a 30,000 sq. foot abandoned factory. He is running for public office in 2008. The project run by Community in Action is a crucial focus point in his platform because he would like to offer more social programs in the slum. If elected, he will be able to reach out to even more residents in a positive way.
He has chosen to use the entire administrative structure from Community in Action to launch this project. His staff agreed that the strategic planning, methodology and administration from CIA would provide a solid base to create a far reaching concept of direct community involvement on a larger scale, neighborhood by neighborhood. They acknowledged the phenomenal success rate thus far and made an offer that couldn’t be refused. It is a fantastic opportunity not only to aid more people, but also to broaden the network. Local volunteers will gain valuable leadership skills, residents will have new employment opportunities available and other NGOs will be able to manifest new partnerships that blossom from this franchise.
Zak Paster has worked tirelessly to ensure the demands of the project are being met. He also recognizes that Comunidade em Acao would not be possible without the support of countless private donors from across the United States. Other organizations like Rotary and Optimist Clubs and the Return Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin have also provided resources. With the continued support of everyone, along with the efforts of local Brazilians, we can all feel good the next time we blow out those birthday candles.