A culture of volunteerism is emerging in the Americas, and we seek to further deepen its value with our pioneering initiative called New Heights in Volunteerism. This unprecedented effort provides nonprofit organizations with special technology that matches energetic volunteers with real community needs in more than 30 countries.

The 70 Partners of the Americas chapters throughout Latin America and the Caribbean will facilitate the launch of hundreds of local websites where volunteer organizations will be able to post their needs and volunteers will be able to find those volunteer opportunities and connect with the relevant organization. And to reach out to those with little or no exposure to the Internet, the same volunteer opportunities offered online will also be advertised offline.

The fundraising phase of New Heights in Volunteerism will climax in January, 2006 with a climb up Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas. At 22,834ft / 6,960m the trek represents a significant challenge, similar to those faced by nonprofit organizations.This climb will not only raise the funds for the project but help raise awareness of volunteerism in general. As sponsorship funds are received, MyVolunteerPage.com, SoyVoluntario.com and EuSouVoluntario.com will launch in communities where Partners of the Americas chapters are located. After the Aconcagua climb, Partners chapters will launch or assist in launching this volunteer opportunities website in every community with a population of 5,000 or greater in Latin America and the Caribbean.