Committees
Projects and activities of our partnership are initiated by committees that embrace the mutual interests and needs of the partner states, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and Virginia, USA. Partners members serve as volunteers, sharing their time and talents and serving without financial compensation. The sharing of professional talents to promote social and economic development and the sharing of cultures are integral and rewarding dimensions of the partner's experience.
See our Events Calendar on the home page.
See our Events Calendar on the home page.
ArtOngoing artist exchanges over several years have brought numerous professionals to Virginia and Santa Catarina to carry out projects ranging from the development of themed civic murals to training in art therapy techniques.
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Culinary ArtsThis project gathered Brazilian and American recipes for a bilingual cookbook, and was printed for the Partnership's 50th Anniversary celebration in 2017.
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Emergency PreparednessThis committee is seeking representatives with specialized expertise for exchanges related to flooding and landslide hazards, roadway engineering for safer driving conditions, emergency services and notification, and other facets of emergency management.
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Character Counts!Focused primarily in public schools in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Character Counts! is a project to teach positive character traits while decreasing violence and other negative student behaviors.
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Pen PalThis program links students at St. Christopher's School in Richmond with counterpart students in Santa Catarina to promote cultural awareness and provide opportunities for language practice.
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MusicThis ongoing project promotes exchanges of choirs, orchestras, and individual musicians for performance tours and specialized training opportunities. Recent exchanges featured handbell choirs, pianists, and university choral ensembles on tours throughout each state.
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Natural ResourcesThis committee is developing institutional linkages for exchanges between representatives of each state in the areas of aquaculture, forestry and water quality protection.
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Rural Economic DevelopmentPrevious exchanges have brought Santa Catarina state officials and wine researchers to Virginia to explore state and local efforts in rural economic development. Future opportunities may involve representatives with Heartwood, Virginia Tech, and other institutions.
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TourismThis committee promotes exchanges to share best practices in each state's tourism sector. Future exchanges will showcase competitor collaboration and marketing strategies, urban forestry, bilateral Oktoberfest events, and interpretive techniques at parks and cultural sites.
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University Linkages Partners members are developing agricultural exchanges focused on food production between Virginia Tech, the University of Santa Catarina, and Unisul.
The committee is also exploring the potential for a training program for children with autism, based on a model at Old Dominion University. There is potential for collaboration with the Federal University of Santa Catarina. |
Dental HealthPast exchanges have brought dental health professionals to Virginia to visit the Virginia Dental Association and witness the Mission of Mercy multi-day free dental clinic; exchange participants later initiated a similar effort in underserved parts of Santa Catarina.
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Legislative FellowsThis program matches civil society and government professionals with host institutions to exchange knowledge and build skills in various areas. Recent exchanges through our partnership have focused on disability services and training.
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