PALCUS 2012 Year-In-Review

Working Today for Our Community's Tomorrow

The Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States

Established 1991

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LUSUS
The Online Newsletter of PALCUS

PALCUS 2012 Year in Review

Thanks to you support and that of so many proud Portuguese Americans from coast to coast, PALCUS has concluded another successful year in service to the community.

Here are some highlights of our activities and accomplishments in 2012.

Education Programs

Government Relations

Community Relations

Our Members Make it Possible

International Relations

Join Us TODAY!

Education: Portuguese Language Learning and Career Development
Author Rose King presents her book, "A Cow for the Holy Spirit" First PALCUS Scholarship recipient, Dennis de Almeida.		Adoption of the Espirito Santo School of Fall River, MA continued with donations of materials and assistance in teacher training sessions in the teaching of the Portuguese language. Sponsored in part visit of Rose King, author of "A Cow for the Holy Spirit" (left). Assisted Portuguese community in San Diego in establishing the Portuguese Language Academy operated by the California Historical Center for grades 7 -12 accredited by the University of California System. To date, 136 Internships for Portuguese-American college students placed in the U.S. Congress, Portuguese Consulates, and with Portuguese-American professionals and businesses. Established the PALCUS Mentorship Program providing young Portuguese Americans an opportunity to connect with Portuguese professionals while giving those professionals in turn an opportunity to give back to the community. Established the PALCUS National Scholarship Fund and awarded the first scholarship to Dennis De Almeida, Seton Hall University of Law (left) at the 16th Annual Leadership Awards Gala in Short Hills, New Jersey. Partnered with MultiWay, an organization that helps students achieve their goal of studying abroad. To learn more about PALCUS Education Programs, visit http://palcus.org/programs/education

International Relations
		Launched a letter-writing campaign to over 400 clubs and organizations preventing the closing of the U.S. Consulate in Ponta Delgada by the U.S. Department of State. Opposed the decision to move the processing of immigrant IV and diversity visas (DV) from the US Embassy in Lisbon to Paris. Partnered with Leadership Building Consulting for the third consecutive year to host an international delegation of entrepreneurs from Portugal, Brazil, Angola and Mozambique for a business networking event. Hosted farewell breakfast for President of the Autonomous Region of the Azores Carlos César and Mrs. César during Grandes Festas do Espirito Santo in Fall River, MA. Maintained communication with H.E. Nuno Brito, Ambassador of Portugal, staff of the Government of Portugal, Portuguese consulates, H.E. Alan Katz, Ambassador of U.S. to Portugal and the Portugal desk of the U.S. State Department regarding issues of concern to the Portuguese-American community.

Government Relations
		Added Representatives to the Portuguese American Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators to the Friends of Portugal in the U.S. Senate with bi-partisan support; Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) joined the Friends of Portugal in the Senate in March, 2012 Monitored Portugal's participation in the Visa Waiver Program with U.S. State Dept. Met with U.S. Senators and Congressmen on Capitol Hill and in the districts regarding Portuguese-American issues.

Community Relations
Judge Luis M. Matos with PALCUS Chairman Fernando Rosa at the RI State House in June, 2012.		Promoted the successful appointment of Luis M. Matos, the first native Portuguese sworn as Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. Supported the effort of the Cabrillo Shipbuilding Project in San Diego, CA. Participated in plans for the People's Museum Project in Washington, DC. Participated in 2012 Day of Portugal celebrations throughout the communities. Hosted mixers for young Portuguese American professionals in Washington, DC and California. Fostered community connections by partnering with organizations such as Leadership Business Consulting, PAPS, the Portuguese consulates, AICEP and the Portuguese Circle to name a few; Launched the improved Portuguese American Gateway, the online directory for Portuguese businesses, educational institutions, and organizations across the U.S. Honored 7 outstanding Portuguese American individuals and organizations at the 16th Annual Leadership Awards Gala in Short Hills, New Jersey: John G. Rebelo - Founder's Award, Banco Espirito Santo - Corporate Philanthropy Award, Al Dutra - Community Service Award, Sheriff Armando Fontoura - Public Service, Dr. António Simões - Education Award, Heavy and General Construction Laborers' Union Local #472 - Outstanding Organization Margo Petitti - Young Portuguese American "Promessa" Award Launched the facebook page "Jobs for Portuguese Speakers" at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jobs-for-Portuguese-Speakers/231635890254129

None of this would be possible without the support of our membership.

Why should YOU become a member? Here are some responses from our most faithful members:

"I belong because PALCUS cares about the education of Portuguese Americans."
"I joined PALCUS because Portuguese-Americans need a national voice and we must make it strong. Each new member is a step in that direction."
"To strengthen my Portuguese cultural bonds and knowledge. "
"It exposed me to the national community, which was a huge eye opener in terms of the challenges our community faces in different states."
"I belong to PALCUS because....it is important to teach our children where their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents came from so that they can be proud of their heritage and the sacrifices their family made for them for a better life."
"I am proud to be Portuguese. PALCUS promotes pride in our accomplishments."

How are my membership dues used? Your membership dues are the lifeblood of PALCUS.
PALCUS Administrative Assistant, Elisabete Martins (Photo courtesy of Henrique Mano at Luso-Americano)		1) They support the office staff, rent, and supplies crucial to maintaining daily and constant contact with every person who has a question, need or suggestion for PALCUS. Our Administrative Assistant, Elisabete Martins, is always ready to take your email or call. 2) They support communication with the community. Unlike some organizations where a paid membership and a password are required to access information, our website, the Portuguese American Gateway and our E-newsletter, the LUSUS, are free and open to the public. PALCUS published 21 issues of the LUSUS in 2012. Your dues help to keep critical information flowing free to the community. 3) They support programs. PALCUS strives to obtain sponsorships and restricted grants and donations wherever possible to fund internships, mentoring, Adopt-A-School Program, National Scholarship Program and other initiatives. Where those sources fall short, your membership dues bridge the gap. The members of the PALCUS Board of Directors donate their time on a volunteer basis and receive no compensation for their service.

Won't you join us? The following membership opportunities are available:

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Charter Membership: $500 per year

Open to any person of Portuguese heritage
Eligible to serve on Board of Directors
Eligible to serve on the Executive Committee
Vote on Board of Directors' Elections
Nominate Portuguese Americans for Leadership Awards
Attendance at General Membership Meetings

Associate Membership: $100 per year

Open to any person of Portuguese heritage
Vote on Board of Directors' Elections
Nominate Portuguese Americans for Leadership Awards
Attendance at General Membership Meetings

General Membership: $50 per year

Open to anyone interested in Luso-American issues
Attendance at General Membership Meetings

Young Portuguese American Membership: $25 per year

Open to any person of Portuguese heritage under the age of 27
Attendance at General Membership Meetings

INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Institutional Charter Membership: $500 per year

For businesses, associations, or organizations
Eligible to serve on Board of Directors
Eligible to serve on the Executive Committee
Vote on Board of Directors' Elections
Nominate Portuguese Americans for Leadership Awards
Attendance at General Membership Meetings

Institutional General Membership: $100 per year

For businesses, associations, or organizations
Vote on Board of Directors' Elections
Nominate Portuguese Americans for Leadership Awards
Attendance at General Membership Meetings

Already a member? You can help us in two ways:

1) Please consider upgrading your membership to the next level,

2) Please consider sending a donation - use the "Donate" button below to easily send a donation online with a debit or credit card!

To join, renew or upgrade you membership or to make a donation, please go to: http://palcus.org/join

OR send your check payable to PALCUS and mail to us with your name, address, phone and email address to: PALCUS, 9256 Center St., Ste. 404, Manassas, Va. 20110

Questions? Call Elisabete at (202) 466-4664 or email at palcus@palcus.org

Looking forward to hearing from you! Thank you as always for your support!

Contact Information

Email: palcus@palcus.org

Website: www.palcus.org

Phone: 202-466-4664

9255 Center St., Suite 404

Manassas, VA 20110

Follow PALCUS on Facebook, LinkedIn, YahooGroups and Twitter!

For daily news and infomation on events and all things Portuguese, subscribe to Angela's List on YahooGroups, officially sponsored by PALCUS.

Jobs for Portuguese Speakers

If you want to put your Portuguese language skills to use in your next job, there are many opportunities out there! Visit the Jobs for Portuguese Speakers Facebook page to see some job openings.

PALCUS Mission

In order to create a singular voice to advocate for the Portuguese American and Luso-American communities at large, the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States Inc. (PALCUS) was founded in 1991 as a 501 © 3 non partisan, non profit, organization headquartered in Washington D.C.

The PALCUS mission is to address domestic and international concerns of the Portuguese American Community.

The Council conducts an expanding program of educational and public affairs activities on issues of interest to the Portuguese American community and of salience to the Luso-American Relationship.

PALCUS is committed to serving the community through increasingly active government relations efforts, the promotion of a greater awareness of ethnic accomplishments and encouraging stronger ties between Portugal and the United States. In this role PALCUS advance the community professionally, politically and culturally while working to ensure that issues directly affecting our community are addressed through our network of government and community leaders.

PALCUS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia. Donations are tax deductible to extent allowed by law.