This is an overview of a non profit international development organization whose vision and approaches resonate with me as someone who is engaged in fieldwork in Colombia.

1. Overview of ACDI/VOCA
Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in
Overseas Cooperative Assistance
Source: http://acdivoca.org/

2. Who are they? A nonprofit that means business
ACDI/VOCA envisions a world in which everyone is empowered to
build healthy families, resilient communities, and flourishing
societies. Since 1963, we have partnered with public and private
actors to find sustainable solutions that enable people to
productively engage in local and global markets.
From the beginning, we have been guided by cooperative
principles that prioritize voluntary engagement, economic
participation, and shared responsibility and learning. We apply
sound business practices in our approach and create synergies by
partnering with the commercial sector. Our local, tailored
solutions facilitate connections that expand access to
opportunities and strengthen markets. We maximize the effective
use of resources to achieve lasting results.
With a range of multidisciplinary tools and expert staff, we
leverage our innovation and learning from more than 50 years’
experience. Working people-to-people, our network of technical
volunteers share their expertise and skills. We deliver strategies
that equip and empower individuals and communities.
Vision
A world in which people are empowered to succeed in the global economy.
Mission
To promote economic opportunities for cooperatives, enterprises, and
communities through the innovative application of sound business practice.
ACDI/VOCA Values
ACDI/VOCA strives to promote positive economic and social change
worldwide. It is distinguished by commitment to its overseas beneficiaries,
wise stewardship of development resources, and a knowledgeable,
experienced, diverse, and effective team.
Source: http://acdivoca.org/who-we-are/vision-mission-values

3. Where do they work? All over the World!Source: http://acdivoca.org/sites/default/files/attach/brochures-factsheets/ACDI-VOCA-WhereWeWork-Dec-2015-low-res.pdf

4. Including COLOMBIA:

5. “
”
Afro-descendants in the region systematically inhabit the
poorest areas with the most precarious infrastructure and
are more exposed to crime and violence. Furthermore
Afro-descendants encounter serious obstacles regarding
access to health and education services, as well as in
obtaining housing and employment.
—InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights
Source: http://acdivoca.org/our-approach-focus

6. COLOMBIA – Afro-Colombian and Indigenous
Program
Improving the Social Status, Increasing Incomes of
Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Peoples
Ethnic minority populations are among the most
marginalized groups in Colombia and suffer from
challenges including exclusion, inequality, poverty,
discrimination, and displacement, among others. To
address these issues, USAID created the five-year
Afro-Colombian and Indigenous Program (ACIP).
Implemented by ACDI/VOCA, it is the first stand-
alone program designed with the sole purpose of
improving the lives of Afro-Colombian and indigenous
persons. ACIP’s strategic approach is centered on
building the human and institutional capacity of
ethnic minorities and their communities, state
institutions, and private sector organizations.

7. OBJECTIVES
• Strengthen the capacity of key state institutions to develop and
implement pro-minority public policies, use their resources
effectively, and improve their minority information systems
• Enhance the advocacy and governance capacities of ethnic
organizations
• Increase minority populations' access to economic opportunities
• Increase the quantity and quality of positive messaging regarding
ethnic minority issues

8. Activities and Approaches
• Partner with various Government of Colombia institutions, including
INCODER, the Colombian Institute of Rural Development, the Ministry of
Labor, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Social Prosperity,
and other national, municipal and local governments to build their
capacity and promote economic security and land titling for Afro-
Colombian and indigenous communities
• Link with key cultural institutions and local organizations to develop and
disseminate improved positive messages related to ethnic diversity,
including with the support of news media outlets
• Partner with over 100 private sector companies to enhance the skills of
Afro-Colombian and indigenous youth and increase their employability
• Implement a grant fund to support activities in three geographic regions:
Pacific, Caribbean, and Central

9. Anticipated/Achieved Project Results
• Built the capacity of over 1,200 state officials in 53 government entities, improving their capacity to
service ethnic minority communities
• Facilitated and supported 30 municipality and departmental development plans with investments devoted
to ethnic minority populations
• Trained 16,056 community leaders in topics such as finance and administration, ethnic rights, and free,
prior, and informed consultation
• Improved the capacity of 155 ethnic organizations to dialogue with the state and to exercise autonomy,
self-governance, and territorial management
• Facilitated the collective titling of 3,494 hectares benefiting 3,425 Afro-Colombian families
• Provided technical and legal assistance to communities in completing and submitting eight additional land
formalization cases to INCODER benefiting nearly 3,000 new indigenous and Afro-Colombian families of the
Sierra Nevada, Guajira, and Cartagena
• Implemented workforce development training for 6,558 Afro-Colombian and indigenous youth who will
receive guaranteed job placement for successful completion
• Benefited 9,278 rural households with productive and economic security projects
• Supported 83 positive messaging initiatives, increasing awareness and understanding of diversity, ethnic
rights, and cultural heritage through nearly 2,000 media publications