Vol 37
May 2021
CLean
Border Community Alliance's mission is dedicated to bridging the border and fostering community through education, collaboration and cultural exchange. 
Taking the Next Step: An E.D. for BCA


This week, the Board of Directors of the Border Community Alliance met, finalizing plans to recruit a full-time Executive Director for the nonprofit, with a goal of having the new person in place later in the summer. 

BCA has never had a paid, full-time E.D. Relying instead on volunteers and staff teams since its founding in 2013, significant opportunities have been missed, including foundation and grant funding. A single voice is needed to articulate BCA’s vision and values and to respond quickly to emerging issues. With the pandemic beginning to fade, BCA’s programming is likely to increase as we re-open our tour program and continue to offer high-quality remote learning. We are moving into a “both/and” world as the appetite for virtual forums and classes has been created and the desire for in-person gatherings returns. 

In making this decision, the Board identified that while it may seem like a very difficult time to make this transition, in some ways it’s an excellent time to do so. We anticipate a pool of recent graduates, not able to find the kind of positions they want because of the pandemic, and other highly qualified persons, sidelined because of the same. The Board of Directors is committed to Taking the Next Step” and they invite you to join them. Specifically, the Board is asking you to (a) spread the word about this position to anyone you think might be qualified; and (b) make a donation to BCA to help fund this bold step. Donations can be made now through our website Donate or by mailing a check to the BCA, PO Box 1863, Tubac, AZ. 85646. A copy of the job description is available on the website; applications and resumes may be sent to [email protected].

Jerry Haas,
Senior Advisor

BCA Board of Directors
Cecilia Quade, President
Phil LaVoi, Vice-president
John James, Treasurer
Susan Scott, Secretary
Larry Mello
Dan Anderson
Jan Saunders
Evan Kory
Jim Hoff
Jose Lopez
Sara Martin
An Update from DEIJUVEN Youth Center - Nogales, Sonora, Mexico / Fabrics Donation
Many of you who joined us on past Nogales Cross Border Tours will remember DEIJUVEN, the community center where BYTE (Border Youth Tennis Exchange) and the Centro Guadalupano sewing workshop hold their educational and sports programming. DEIJUVEN continues
to serve the community through the pandemic and here is a wonderful picture of where a recent social investment of fabric went to making these outfits to help Padre Panchito with mass by handing out sweets to the congregation.

You can make a difference and help DEIJUVEN via BCA's Mexico Pass Through program here: www.bordercommunityalliance.com/donate
On April 6, 2021, as an extra incentive for our supporters, BCA randomly selected one Arizona Gives Day donor to receive two tickets to the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Tour. The winner was:
Jennifer Jenkins

Congratulations!
BCA featured in Santa Cruz County School Superintendent's Office Educational Forum
Thank you very much to the SCC School Superintendent Office of Alfredo I. Velásquez and We Love Nogales for the opportunity to share about nonprofit Border Community Alliance and the work we are acomplishing in the region to bridge the border and foster community through education, collaboration & cultural exchange. BCA board member Evan Kory and BCA Program Director Alex La Pierre took part in this broadcast.
Recently, Magda Mankel, BCA’s Education & Research Specialist on April 22 successfully defended her dissertation entitled: “Walking the Migrant Trail: Mobilizing Cultural Heritage & Commemorating Clandestine Migration.” She will be graduating with her doctorate degree in anthropology from the University of Maryland, College Park in August.

We could not be more proud of you Magda and we are very lucky to have you as a part of the BCA team!

¡Felicidades!
Get to know the diversity and distinctiveness of nature, history and culture in our region's Santa Cruz River watershed!

Join us on this nonprofit day tour where we will explain and interpret the cultural, historical and natural significance of the Santa Cruz Valley to the public by way of a special itinerary of site visits. Acknowledging our unique local heritage resources in the Sonoran Desert, this day trip will weave together a colorful tapestry around the themes of culture, nature and history in Tucson and Santa Cruz County. 

  • Lunch and access to various site visits included. 
  • Pandemic protocols will be in place for this tour, including required mask, social distancing and use of guests own vehicle for transportation from site to site. 
  • Limited to 12 guests.

Detailed itinerary information and map will be provided a week prior to the date of the tour via email with registration. For questions, please write [email protected]
This is the LAST TOUR of the Spring season! Limited Space - register today.
May Borderlands Forum Virtual Programming

We invite you to register, participate and make a donation towards the nonprofit to support our cultural programming!

If you need help registering for this event or if you've never done an online class before and want a little coaching, please call Suzy at
520-398-3229
Challenges & Opportunities:
Education, Migration and Future Prospects for Maya Ixil Youth in Rural Guatemala
by Catriona Spaven-Donn

Over the past 16 years, the women & locally-led non-profit, Limitless Horizons Ixil (LHI), has made it possible for 200 girls to attend school in the rural Ixil Region of Guatemala. LHI is providing vital services for Indigenous youth, who are impacted by the gendered socio-economic and cultural barriers to continue their education as well as the social pressure to emigrate to the USA. Catriona Spaven-Donn, LHI's former International Coordinator who was living & working in the Ixil Region throughout 2019-2020, will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for youth in the region. She will discuss LHI's new school, currently being built in partnership with the Building Goodness Foundation, as well as some of the root causes of migration and what this means for Maya Ixil girls and young people in their daily lives and future prospects. 

Virtual Presentation / Q&A Session on
(With RSVP, link to Zoom meeting provided via email the day prior to the event) 
The First Filibusters: American & French Incursions in Sonora
by Alex La Pierre

Filibuster is a term that evokes political theatrics in the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C. However, this presentation seeks to change that narrow perception behind the meaning of the word by illuminating a little known time period during the mid-nineteenth century when Sonora was the target for incursions by foreign and often stateless mercenaries due to the northwestern Mexican state's mineral rich reputation and precarious situation. These incursions made by individuals of French and American extraction who were known to Mexico as the filibusteros and left lasting impacts on the heritage of the state of Sonora.  

Virtual Presentation / Q&A Session on
(With RSVP, link to Zoom meeting provided via email the day prior to the event) 
Executive Director Job listing

Position Summary:
Border Community Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultivation of cross-border awareness and positive international relations. Located in Tubac, Arizona, our mission is “Bridging the border and fostering community through education, collaboration and cultural exchange”.

We are seeking a dynamic individual to provide leadership and guidance to the organization as we continue to grow and expand. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization. Works with the Board of Directors and staff to fulfill the organization mission. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing and community outreach. Develops and secures resources sufficient to ensure the fiscal health of BCA.

Qualifications:
Five or more years senior nonprofit management experience. Experience and skill in working with a board of directors. High level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to effectively communicate BCA’s mission to donors, volunteers and overall community. Demonstrated ability to manage and collaborate with staff creating a culture and maintaining a climate that attracts, keeps and motivates a diverse staff. A history of generating new revenue streams and improving financial results. Strong financial management skills including budget preparation, analysis and reporting. Strong written and oral communication skills including public speaking ability. Bachelor’s degree. Strong preference for bilingual Spanish/English.

Please provide your letter of interest, resume and contact information for three references to: [email protected]
Interview by Dar Goatley


Jim Hoff is a BCA Board Member and the Coordinator of the BCA Spanish Language Courses, Let’s Speak Spanish! Jim created this innovative Spanish language program to meet a need and interest in learning Spanish. The classes teach not only the Spanish language, but help participants learn about the Mexican culture, as well.

How were you initially involved with BCA?
I joined some BCA tours and attended BCA Forums. I could see that BCA was performing an important function by helping people understand the unique nature of our area - one that is both precious and precarious.

What role do you think that BCA performs in Southern Arizona?
I believe that the educational efforts of BCA helps those who are moving here from other parts of the country and who are not acquainted with the rich culture that surrounds them.

Helping Americans to understand the value of maintaining the border culture is one of the biggest accomplishments of BCA. The borderland social structure, cultural practices and ecology all need to be preserved. There are hundreds of years of unique and rich culture.

BCA continues to expand support for non-profit social service agencies in Mexico. One of the biggest weaknesses of the social structure in Mexico is the lack of a formidable presence of charitable organizations. They primarily have the government and the family with nothing in between to help their people. I believe that we can help Mexico realize the value of volunteer organizations in helping the people of Mexico.

How does BCA reflect your humanitarian values?
As I travelled for business throughout my career, I became increasingly aware of the many cultures in our world. As someone who grew-up in the Midwest, it opened my eyes. I started to see the richness of different cultures and realized that it was important to understand and respect our differences.

What have you enjoyed most in your involvement with BCA?
I have really enjoyed developing “partners” in Sonora and for those partners to realize that BCA respects them and their culture. I am proud to say that “I am with BCA” and that they will understand who I am because of my association with BCA.

How would you like to see BCA move into the future?
I would like to see BCA perceived as much more than a non-profit tour business. While that is an inspiring entry for many people to learn about the borderlands, BCA has a much greater purpose. I want to see BCA have a role in reinvigorating the entire Frontier Community. There is massive potential for economic development from Tucson to Hermosillo, Mexico, including high tech and environmental (green) technology. Such direction could help drive sustainability practices and optimize economic growth.

The city of Nogales, Arizona, for example, has experienced huge economic challenges. BCA could be a leader in helping this community with its rich culture and history.

I believe that BCA should always maintain a focus on seniors. They have more time to invest, more discretionary money, and are ready to experience new things. They are well-positioned to both benefit from and contribute to the BCA mission.

Office Hours:

Office open by appointment only until further notice.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1863
Tubac, AZ 85646

Physical Address (no mail):
I-19 2221 E. Frontage Rd.
Bldg F Suite 201-202
Tubac, AZ 85646
Office
Membership/Events: 520-398-3229