Introduction

The Oklahoma-Mexico Chapter of the Partners of the Americas was organized in 1965 becoming the 7^th  chapter to affiliate with the National Partners of the Alliance.  Our first president, William G. Chambers (Life Insurance Agent) was elected at the first meeting, December 20^th, 1965, following the signing of the Articles of Incorporation as a charitable non-profit organization in the State of Oklahoma.

From just six members in 1965, our Chapter has grown to 74 members and 3 corporate memberships, representing a state-wide group of business owners, doctors, dentists, lawyers, educators, nurses, civil service officials, professors, administrators, legislators and retirees.

Since our Oklahoma Chapter has been actively involved since 1965, hundreds of successful projects have been completed with a number of the operations still functioning in our Mexican Partnerships.  Currently, we are partners with 5 Mexican Partnerships:  Chihuahua, Colima, Jalisco, Puebla and Sonora.

 Current Activities

X-Ray and Mammography Equipment

To date, the Oklahoma Chapter has acquired at least one X-ray machine with mammography capabilities along with 12 lead aprons and other protective devices.  This X-ray equipment will be delivered to Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico, to the Women's Clinic.  Dr. Roberto Magana, MD, is a radiologist and will train the Clinic's staff on proper usage and safety procedures.  A preventive medicine awareness program will be coupled with the opening of this Cancer Detection and Prevention Clinic.

Wheelchairs

43 wheelchairs and assistive devices were distributed throughout Sonora, Mexico, as part of the "Bring Smiles to the Faces of Sonora" small grant project funded by the Partners of the Americas.  A total of 300 wheelchairs and assistive devices will be distributed throughout Sonora in 1999, in cooperation with Wheels for the World and Hope Haven Ministries.

Thomas Brown, son of Tom Brown - Liaison Officer for Sonora Partners, is in training at Wheels for the World - Hope Haven Ministries.  When he completes the 6 week training course, Thomas will return to Oklahoma City, pick up a donated bus, fill it with wheelchairs and parts, equip it as a remanufacturing mobile center and travel to Caborca, Sonora, Mexico.  There, along with the Mayor, will teach handicapped persons how to remanufacture wheelchairs in the new Vocational Rehab facility.  Thomas Brown will also be transporting 18 new wheelchairs plus X-ray equipment to Magdalena. 

Democratic Initiative

On May 21 - 30, 1999, Rosalie Brown will be presenting the League of Women Voters intervention and training model at 3 scheduled sessions as part of the Democratic Initiative Project through the Puebla Partners.

Orphanage

 In Colima, a joint effort is underway to support an orphanage in the City of Colima.  Funding is being provided by the Norman, Oklahoma Rotary Club.  Sister Cities (Norman, OK) is working with the Lions Club to increase the support of the joint effort.  The Oklahoma Partners are pursuing the possibility of providing medical & dental services to the orphanage. 

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Puebla and Jalisco Partners have expressed strong support for the development of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) model for Latin America.  The Oklahoma Chapter has prepared a position paper/proposal, demonstrating its capacity and membership capability to develop, train, implement, evaluate and administer such a long range project which can have a major impact on the Mexican Economy, especially as it removes the major legal blockages and commercial law-suits which have kept Mexico from realizing the benefits from NAFTA.

Other

 Other projects include youth exchange and conservation corps camps for environmental experiences and community services, professor/ university exchanges and seminar teaching of medical and dental students in Mexico, desalination processes using surplus government equipment, gas refrigerators for remote areas, establishment of safe havens for indigent people seeking medical help, training of first responders using CPR with Resusci-Annie and Baby models, donated by the Oklahoma Partners.

Other ongoing programs include a food and clothing bank for low income people, cultural arts exchange including Kodak 70 Aas in Mexico on permanent display in the Norman Public Library, dance troupe exchanges, Goat Raising Project in Puebla in conjunction with Langston University's world premier goat production center, city planning and traffic control in cooperation with the cities of Oklahoma City and Edmond, handicapped access to public facilities in cooperation with the Mayor's Committee on Disabilities and Oklahoma State Office of Handicapped Concerns.

Current Status

In December 1998, Dr. John N. Hatfield was elected President.  In January 1999, President Hatfield established the following committees and identified chairpersons along with committee members.  The following is a list of the functional committee and their 1999 goals: 

• Membership:  To increase paid voting membership to 100 along with 25 business members.

 
• Goals and Projects Committee:  To review proposed projects and submit prioritized list to Executive Committee for recommended funding.

 
• Audit/Finance Committee: To audit the treasurer's records annually and to quarterly review expenditures according to priorities set by the Board of Directors.

 
• Constitution & Bylaws Committee: To review the Bylaws and recommend changes to improve operations and procedures.

 
• Disaster Relief/Emergency Preparedness Committee: To establish procedures and programs for training hazardous material handlers, EMT's and for procurement storage and delivery of equipment and medical supplies.  To plan and coordinate any disaster relief project in cooperation with the Liaison Officers.

 
• Publicity and Public Relations Committee: To increase communications and awareness with other community and international organizations and individuals for purpose of increasing membership and developing partnering relationships for joint projects.

 
• High Level of Visibility Committee:  To design a systematic plan to increase the Chapter's throughout Oklahoma, including needed resources.

 
• Cultural Exchange Committee:  To identify funding sources, design a plan to implement cultural exchanges, including coordination of activities with the Liaison Officers.

 
• Democratic Initiative Committee:  To provide assistance to the Puebla Partners in conducting the D.I. seminars in cooperation with the Oklahoma League of Women Voters.

 
• Handicapped Access Committee:  To identify the need, set priorities, acquire surplus equipment and supplies.

 
• Economic Development/Fund Raising Committee: To design a strategic plan to raise a minimum of $25,000 to cover proposed operating cost.

 
• Recruitment of Key Business and Government Leaders Committee: To identify key leaders; design a plan for contacting the, prepare a contact list of names, address, e-mail, etc.

 
• Spanish-English Language Committee:  To provide translation services for communications and documents.

 
• Leadership Development Committee:  To design and implement an orientation program for future chapter leaders; to assist in the Revitalization Project once funded, enabling the Chapter to be more focused on its mission.

 
• University Linkage Committee:  To review current linkage agreements and identify other institutional linkages.

 
• Convention/Public Relations Committee:  To establish a process whereby the Chapter can be recognized at various civic affairs; to establish a Speakers' Bureau for Chapter members to present information about the Oklahoma Chapter, seeking partnering opportunities.