Cecilia Quade, President

Phil LaVoi, Vice-president

John James, Treasurer

Susan Scott, Secretary

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

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:

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 alex@bordercommunityalliance.org

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.

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: info@bordercommunityalliance.org

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.