"Training Hispanic Latin American & other Leaders in Washington, DC" "Training Empowering World's Agents of Change" "Empowering Hispanics, Latin Americans & Others since 1991"

AGF's Board of Directors                 

                                                                                                                                                    "Some people may not want to lead others.     
                                                                                                                                                       If you decide not to lead, then you have to
                                                                                                                                                       follow the lead of others" Victor Pinzon
Members of Americas Global Foundation (AGF)
Bruce Schoengood
Anne Freeman
Victor Pinzon
Ed Weil Reyes
Louis Barcelo
Olallo Rubio Gandara
Carlos Villanueva
Dr. Norman Wear

TO:    POTENTIAL MEMBERS OF the Americas Global Foundation BOARD OF DIRECTORS

On behalf of Americas Global Foundation and as President/ Founder, I am happy to inform you that after careful study and consideration we have selected you -a successful Hispanic businessman with a sense of giving back to Hispanics in the U.S. and Latin America. Thus, I am delighted to invite you to join our prestigious Americas Global Foundation (AGF) as a distinguished member of its Board of Directors.

AGF, founded in 1991, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan, think-tank, NGO organization based in Washington, DC whose mission is the empowerment of historically excluded Hispanics and others in the U.S., Latin America and beyond.  AGF has acquired a keen knowledge of the Washington process and protocol, receiving significant recognition, though its relationships continue growing and strengthening in the U.S. Congress, White House and elsewhere.  AGF has researched and thoroughly understand the sensibilities, idiosyncrasies and the substantial value of our rich diversity.  Most importantly, AGF has developed exceptional programs and events directed to break down the barriers that keep us from achieving the great and valuable results as we help people everywhere.  For details please visit: www.theamericas.org

We are restructuring AGF, particularly its Board of Directors, to effectively take advantage of AGF’s exceptional earned position, access and recognition within Washington, DC, around the country, Latin America and beyond.  We are living times of great changes and challenges that offer a synergy of opportunities for those actively associated with AGF, particularly the members of its Board of Directors. The combined and team efforts will result in valuable rewards, benefits and satisfaction as we implement our mission, programs and special events.

As a member of AGF’s Board of Directors we encourage you to lend your ideas, energy and provide your financial support as AGF prepares for the next decade of excellence.  Included are some of the guidelines.

 I request the opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience to personally present to you our invitation, the guidelines, requirements, benefits, rewards and to answer any question you may have.

Sincerely,


Victor Pinzon
President/ Founder
 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND CONSIDERATION
               
Your decision to accept our invitation to become a member of Americas Global Foundation (AGF) Board of Directors will give you valuable opportunities to contribute and give back to our communities in the U.S., Latin America and elsewhere under the umbrella of a certified 501(c)(3) unique nonprofit organization, founded in 1991.  The following are some AGF’s valuable characteristics:

1. AGF is a unique organization with a local, national, Hemispheric and global mission and vision; all-inclusive
2. AGF owns a unique, valuable, identifiable name and valuable image and goodwill built through the investment of significant resources to date
3. AGF has paid the price through hard work, sacrifice, investment of vast resources since 1991
4. AGF has conceptualized, planned, and has being implementing much to achieve its envious position it enjoys today
5. AGF, because of the intensive efforts, has a wide recognition and support of top senior officials in Washington, DC, through the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain.
6. AGF is at the brink of achieving significant valuable results with local, national and Hemispheric impact as we help people everywhere.
7. All of the above represents a synergy of valuable personal and business opportunities, particularly to you and all AGF’s members of the Board of Directors.
8. Your membership fees would go to help cover the operational expenses to implement the various AGF's exceptional programs and events.  Said programs and events have been designed to be financially self-sustaining as we empower Hispanics and others in the U.S., Latin America and elsewhere.

As a new member of AGF’s Board of Directors you are expected to agree and abide by the following precepts:
1. Donate (invest) a minimum of $12,000- $20,000 per year to AGF
2. Help to raise funds annually for AGF, a minimum amount of $20,000 per year from different sources
3. Be an Ambassador of AGF everyday, anywhere, proud, and with great professional quality
4. Carry yourself with the outmost, exemplary personal, professional behavior
5. You may not commit AGF to any activity that will place AGF in a liability, beyond your normal duties as Board of Director member.
6.  You may not misrepresent AGF
7.  You may not impair AGF’s invaluable reputation and image
8.  You may not engage in any conflict of interests
 

Although our mission and work is and will be the empowerment of our people, in the process of accomplishing our mission the following are some of the benefits that AGF may be able to offer to its Board of Directors members for their donations and active involvement.

1. AGF will give you a tax deduction certificate in the amount of the annual donations you give to AGF
2. AGF will recognize you and your name as a member of the Board of Directors in:
        AGF’s published materials, such as:
            a. AGF’s Letterhead, within the Board of Directors section
            b. AGF’s website: www.theamericas.org
            c. AGF’s press release, immediately upon becoming a member
            d. AGF’s other media vehicles
            e. AGF’s appropriate programs, projects and events
3. AGF may help you expand your business or profession, by letter, telephone, and personal appeals. AGF may perform all of this effort in a transparent and professional manner.  Additionally, AGF requests that you donate to AGF a nominal amount of the funds or resources you receive as a result of AGF’s efforts to get business or contracts for you or your company. The amount you donate to AGF out of said realized businesses is above and beyond your annual Board of Director’s membership fees.
4.  AGF may offer you valuable communication to senior officials in different areas on certain specific needs you may have, such as with:
    a. Some Presidents and other senior officials in Latin American countries
    b. Some US and other government senior officials   
    c. Some CEO’s and other senior executives of major companies
5. AGF may offer you a synergy of opportunities as Board member within our growing, dynamic national, hemispheric and global network that may provide you benefits and satisfaction to you, your family, your business or profession and to your community.
6. AGF may invite you to be a panelist in certain forums or seminars that will give you exposure and open opportunities.
7. AGF may invite you and all the other AGF’s Board of Directors members to participate in unique Special Events to highlight your and their businesses or professional related activities.
8. AGF may invite you to consider joining in certain business opportunities uncovered or specifically planned by Victor Pinzon or others, such as: Internet and high-tech related, real estate, and other national and international opportunities.
9. AGF may offer to assist you in facilitating your estate planning, including helping you with the possibility of IPO launching your company.
10. AGF may invite you to be an active player with some of our growing number of strategic partners within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and elsewhere.
11. AGF may invite you to be a panelist or be interviewed in its TV program Hemispheric Forum.
12. AGF may offer you the opportunity to achieve and receive invaluable personal satisfaction as a major actor and doer in helping to provide opportunities, benefits, and satisfaction to many others throughout the Americas; contributing to their educational, economical and political empowerment. In summary, you will be involved through AGF to teach many throughout the Americas how to fish! How to be the best they can be!

Notes:
1.  We will proceed in all our efforts under the guidance of legal counsel to avoid any improper action or perception. We suggest that you consult with your legal counsel as well.
2.  AGF’s great and exciting future is the result of the history, dedicated work, intellectual property, proposals, initiatives and accomplishments, ambitious unique projects and programs, the continuous ongoing efforts, vision, dreams, creativity, ingenuity, investment, and personal sacrifice of its Founder, Victor Pinzon, and his Marketing, Public Relations, Government Affairs, Business Consultant firm, ALTEX.  ALTEX helped create, give life and has nurtured AGF for over the last 12 years.
Additionally, you get a totally and fully committed, highly motivated workhorse and soldier, a dreamer and doer, activist, widely recognized with invaluable and extensive expertise and knowledge.

Unlimited Potential!
Americas Global Foundation invites you to join us in the implementation of the unique, creative and innovative strategic plan, to achieve the mission, goals and with that the benefits we need and deserve. Join us in strategic partnership and cooperation with the growing "critical mass" of those who believe and agree with our vision and dream of the exciting opportunities and a world that we can help to shape and direct.
But, let's start working, on making the potential a reality, today!

The following are some of the assets and opportunities that AGF offers to you:

    1. Americas Global Foundation a prestigious name, easily and highly recognized
    2. Valuable, growing recognition and solid support from U.S. Congress members and personalities
    3. Valuable access to the U.S. Congress, The White House, Federal Agencies, Ambassadors, senior officials, executives and others in Washington, DC after 6 years of intensive investment efforts,  as well as around Latin America since 1991.
    4. Numerous exceptional empowering programs and events designed to be financially self-sufficient with local, national, hemispheric and global impact, such as:

        a. “Empowerment -Agents of Change” Internship & Leadership Development (AILD)                
        b. Speakers Series at Capitol Hill        
        c. Hemispheric Forum TV program (HFTV)
        d. AmericasRep program
        e. Americas Entrepreneurs HF Series
        f. Conventions & Events Planning and Management
        g. La Casa de las Americas in Washington (LACAW)   
        h. Americas Computer Literacy to Work (ACOLTWORK)       
        i. Americas Heritage Festival (AHEFE)                
        j. Hemispheric Congress of Tourism (HECOTUR)
        k. Mission Trips, Youth, Environment, Security, Advocacy
          
    5. Millions of $dollars funding potential, starting with $2 million ear-mark funding several U.S.       Congress members are supporting for approval during 2003
    6. Only Hispanic NGO organization, based in Washington, DC with a local, national, hemispheric and global outlook and impact
    7. Only Hispanic NGO organization, based in Washington, DC open to and with representatives from each and all 21 countries of Hispanic origin
    8. Only Hispanic NGO organization actively working to establish strategic alliances with other ethnic
            groups, starting with African Americas, Asians, Jews, Anglosaxons, Arabs, etc.
    9. Website: www.theamericas.org
    10. Its own TV program
 

 AGF New Board of Director Members

After the selected person has accepted to become a Board member of Americas Global Foundation and has made his/ her contribution, the President/ Founder, Victor Pinzon, Chairman and other Board members will be delighted to do the following:

    Issue a press release of appointment and acceptance
    Organize a reception on Capitol Hill or convenient location (subject to contribution level)
    Recognize the new Board member and post his/ her photo and bio on AGF’s website
    Establish a link from AGF to the new Board member’s website
    Invite the new Board member to attend meetings with U.S. Congress members and other officials
    Assist the new Board members to achieve some of his/ her goals
    Assist the new Board member to seek or expand his/her business or professional revenues
    Invite the new Board member to join AGF’s growing global network, which will provide a synergy of
        valuable, enjoyable, rewarding opportunities.
    Invite the new Board member to an interview in its Hemispheric Forum TV program


Americas Global Foundation Board of Directors
Guidelines     

AGF Board members are expected to actively perform fundraising, add their experience, assets, centers of influence necessary to implement AGF’s mission.
AGF seeks Board members who represent all sorts of different interests.
AGF may have Board members who benefit from the services that AGF offers as well as service providers, lawyers, bankers, educators, policy, makers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, etc.


Expectations of AGF Board Members
    1. AGF Board members should understand clearly what they will be asked and what they
            will be expected to do
    2. Prospective Board members must understand what the role involves, how much time it
           requires, what the financial considerations are -how much he/she is supposed to contribute
           annually, and how much he/ she is expected to raise.
    3. The length of commitment AGF expects from them


Expectations when recruiting a new AGF Board member
    1. AGF expects you to be a financially giving member of the Board
    2. AGF expects you to fundraise
    3. AGF expects you to attend meetings
    4. AGF expects to participate in at least one Committee function

It is important that each and all AGF's Board members contribute annually to AGF, among other reasons so
we can say that “at AGF we have a 100 percent giving Board.”

Board members may wear different hats.  Identify the qualities AGF needs: links to major givers, money management skills, strategic planners.

AGF Board Meetings Characteristics
Who runs the Board meetings?  The Chairman or Co-Chairman/ Founder

1. Set Agenda.    Focused and goal oriented
                Circulate Agenda before the Board meeting
                Be ready with ideas, suggestions to keep meeting dynamic
2. Be creative, innovative.    May hold meetings via phone, videoconferencing, online
                Invite guest speakers, consultants, members, others
3. Invite CEOs of competing NGOs to share ideas with Board
4. Ask tough questions.    What is not working? Why?
                What is being done to correct or improve situation?
                Open up to hearings or debates
5. Brainstorming period.    Provide 15 minutes to brainstorm on specific issues or areas
                Choose the brainstorm topic and include it in the Agenda
                Encourage Board members thinking process and inspiration. Enjoy it!


Board - Vehicle to Move Forward
Is AGF on track for the realization of its mission and vision?
    1. Board should oversee strategic planning, set goals, draft objectives and develop action items             
        that move AGF in the right direction
    2. Raising funds for AGF -the most important duty. Board must make sure that AGF has the available resources for carrying out its mission
    3 Making individual contributions. It is critical that each Board member make their donation to AGF.
              Some feel that the donations of their time and efforts should count as their “donation.”
              However, many foundations, as well as high-level donors and others want to see, before they
             give, that AGF has “100 percent participation” of its Board, meaning that all AGF Board
             members contribute financially to AGF.
    4. Assist the Chairman/ President Founder ex-officio, to implement the mission, vision, programs,
            accounting
    5. Set up system of accountability and test AGF’s credibility and accountability, involving financial
            audits and on-site visits.
    6. Approve AGF’s Fundraising Plan



Mobilizing AGF's Board for Fundraising
    1. Provide training about what fundraising is and why it is a novel endeavor
    2. Show Board members in a real way how funds impact lives AGF serves
    3. Have Board members role play with each other in fundraising situations
    4. Allow Board members to work in fundraising support -helping with mailings, phone calls,
        fundraising events, etc.
    5. Team up a reluctant Board member with an experienced fundraising Board member
    6. Make sure that every AGF Board member gives to AGF before they begin to fundraise
    7. Bring a third party to help resolve fundraising challenges
    8 Establish a Development Committee responsible for establishing and overseeing the
        fundraising plan


Recruiting AGF Board Members
Who are best Board members? People who cares. A Board member who is impacted by the issues that AGF advocates or people it touches by the services it offers makes a great ally
Board members who adds the richness of experience, the expertise of their professions, financial, social and strategic resources that benefits AGF, the Board and the community served by AGF.


Profile of Ideal AGF Board Member
Although Board member’s financial resources is critical, Board's service is not only for the wealthy. Some Board members can give AGF access to donors with resources.
A healthy Board needs diversity, including some people who receives the services AGF offers.
Are all members volunteers? Yes. However, AGF is flexible to compensate Board members' meeting time when budget allows for it as an added incentive.


Where to Look for Qualified AGF Board Members
    1. Businesses and entities that reach out to and serve AGF’s constituencies
    2. Stakeholders in AGF itself, such as clients who receive services from AGF or family members of clients
    3. Board members of other NGO in DC, around the country, Latin America or beyond who may
            have an affinity for AGF’s mission
    4. Annual Reports from organizations with complimentary mission to AGF


The Best Board members will have
    1. A passion for AGF
    2. The expertise or insight needed on AGF’s Board
    3. Some experience in fundraising
    4. Willing to commit their time and to work helping implementing AGF’s mission


AGF’s Board Committees

AGF's Board is organized in Committee structure to divide up responsibilities to make more effective use of Board members’ already-limited time.
The Executive Committee may meet quarterly throughout the year. Other committees, organized to fulfill different parts of AGF responsibilities, meet in the interim as needed or as scheduled to accomplish specific goals

Committee                                 Description and Responsibilities
Executive Committee                  Comprised of Board officers and the Chairs of AGF Committees and CEO
Development Committee              Establishes, leads, and evaluates AGF fundraising efforts
Finance Committee                     Responsible for AGF’s financial commitments and investments
Governance Committee                Oversees the way in which AGF is run, evaluated and supported
Nominating Committee                 Identify, recruit and nominate Board members and officers
Programs Committee                   Oversees AGF’s programs
Public Relations Committee         Acts to continue building AGF’s identity everywhere through Public Relations


Building a Successful AGF Board
Making sure AGF has the right people in the right roles on its Board
    1. Age and sex mix of AGF’s Board should reflect AGF’s constituency
    2. Most Board members should be deeply involved in AGF’s mission
    3. Most Board members should approach AGF’s Board service from a business perspective
    4. Have a written job description for AGF’s Board members
    5. Have a committee structure to give prospective members a range of options for involvement


Options for Prospective AGF Board Members
The relationship between Board members and AGF must benefit both. The Board member must catch the passion, be willing to give and act.
Good fit is very important. Persons who have the talent, resources and time to invest in AGF needs make happy effective Board members.
People who feel coerced into taking a role or sign up for the wrong slot may be less than satisfied with their role and, ultimately, with AGF.

AGF offers Board members a range of options, including to gracefully decline a role, but still keep him/ her involved in AGF’s cause, such as:
Honorary Member             Contribute effort and or funds at high level and recognize for their ongoing involvement
Advisory Member            Serve to advise the Board in specific areas related to AGF’s mission
Executive Member           Member of the Board


Board Retreat
A retreat, whether a day or a weekend, gives the Board and key staff members time to reflect, get
perspective on what they are doing and hopefully energize AGF to accomplish the needed results.

    1. Announce date of Board retreat weeks in advance for Board members to fit it in their calendars
        and prepare mentally for the meeting
    2. Hire a qualified outside person to facilitate the meeting. Facilitator may be from an organization
        whose mission is to provide just such support to NGOs. Good interpersonal and communication
        skills are a must
    3. Results from retreat should be specific, such as objectives, action plans, and assignments.
        Renewed vigor and unified vision. A bigger and brighter spark.

Formula and Tools
SWOT =  Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Trends are evaluating tools that help brainstorming about the various current AGF’s assets and liabilities. It give us the information we need to develop an informed and effective strategic plan


What Does Not Work with Board Members
1. No micromanagement
2. Ineffective meetings
3. Members not showing

Some of the Benefits AGF will provide

AGF is a valuable vehicle to get exposure to meet with top senior, public and private sectors, decision makers for developing, securing, and speeding up business and or any other type of opportunities. That is, a synergy of opportunities to obtain substantial rewards or benefits, based upon the active involvement of the individual member.

Multiple opportunities at
    Receptions
    Conferences
    Specific meetings or events, organized specifically to help secure a particular result
    Individual, unique meetings attending with Victor Pinzon or other top AGF representative
    Business mission trips
    Press Conferences


    Tax deductible membership
   Hemispheric Forum TV interview
    AGF specific personal recognitions
        Specific receptions or other events
        AGF’s letterhead
        Media



The following are some of Americas Global Foundation’s Accomplishments to date:

Implementing "Empowerment -Agents of Change" Internship and Leadership Development program
Seeking and securing 10 Ambassadors, 8 US Congressmen and 1 US Senator to join us as Honorary Founding Members of La Casa de las Americas in Washington
Organizing the regular Speaker Conferences in Capitol Hill and National Press Club
Producing Hemispheric Forum TV program, now in Washington, DC. Started it in Miami
Organized a conference with the Commercial Attaches of Latin America, Caribbean, Spain and Portugal
Established “La Casa de las Americas” Gift Fund at the Smithsonian Institution
Developed and operating our website: www.theamericas.org
Developed The Latin Quarter News
Established strategic alliances with various organizations, such as: Smithsonian Institution, Assembly of Petworth, GSEA, United Way, Combined Federal Campaign, Faith Productions,
Developed and working on the projects of La Casa de las Americas in Washington, Miami and Orlando
Recommending Hispanics and other deserving professionals to the White House and other entities
Accepted as a beneficiary Community Organization by the Government’s Combined Federal Campaign in 1998 and 1999
Assisting Hispanics in some of their major needs: Discrimination and other rights violations, Immigration issues
Designed and developing various programs to benefit our community. We are ready to start implementation as soon as we secure implementation matching funds. Some of those programs are:
    Americas Computer Literacy Training to Work
    Youth Multimedia, TV and Video Training Center
    English Proficiency Training to Work
    Acculturation of Hispanics into “mainstream” America
    Businesses Incubator Center
Invited to join ICANN
Invited to join the Board of Directors of the Assembly of Petworth of Washington, DC
Accepted as a beneficiary of United Way
Accepted as a member of Gifts In Kind
Organized the Hemispheric Congress of Tourism, HECOTUR, in Miami
Organized the Latin American Presidential Candidates Conference in Miami
Organized Americas Global Presidential Inaugural Gala in Washington, DC