Frequently asked questions about getting involved with ACTS
Important to know – generally, we offer advice and consultation to Honduran leaders. This involves working to understand the local situations and considering options to get ahead of problems or mitigate current concerns. Because our scope is broad, from education to agriculture to health, we need an equally broad set of experts in our group. Generally, we offer advice and consultation to Honduran leaders. This involves working to understand the local situations and considering options to get ahead of problems or mitigate current concerns.
NOTE We do not do “mission trips” putting our hands on tools to accomplish a specific task with a brigade of visiting volunteers.
Q. What about joining ACTS?
A. The ACTS Steering Committee is a group of 15-20 that manages the organization. Other people join our efforts to help on projects. We have specific needs for people with expertise in these areas:
Education: classroom teaching, early childhood education, literacy, teaching ESL, teaching science and math at all levels, school libraries
Communication and technology: social media, rural internet options in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), teaching agriculture, cataloging photos for our archive
Infrastructure: Construction trades, civil engineering, public water systems, waste management, latrines, unpaved road construction and maintenance
Administrative and research skills: Legal issues for NGOs operating in foreign countries, fundraising, grant writing, community based participatory research, program management, planning community events for fundraising
Economic development: small manufacturing start-ups, micro banking, forestry, coffee growing and sales
Agriculture: regenerative agriculture, teaching agriculture
Health: pediatrics, clinical medicine in LMICs, dentistry in LMICs
Q. Can I donate?
A. That’s a great idea! Click here to donate.
Q. What does ACTS do when a group is in Honduras?
A. Here’s what we do in Honduras – We have lots of meetings with local committees and other partnering agencies; visit projects underway and families with special needs; usually attend a special event such as graduation; and make site visits to see problems that have been identified as possible future projects. In the medical and dental clinics, we consult on difficult cases and teach the clinicians techniques to improve their capabilities. In all, it’s a mix of cheerleading for Honduran leadership and work well done, and problem-solving to resolve new situations ranging from drought or hurricanes to recruiting new students for the Colegio.
Here’s what we don’t do in Honduras – We don’t do what Hondurans can do and that means we don’t paint buildings, shovel ditches, work in the fields, etc.
Q. How do the travel groups come together?
A. ACTS Steering Committee members lead groups that coalesce around topic areas, work needed, and availability of the Steering Committee members. Our overall need is people who will sustain the organization over time so in general, the groups are made up of people who are already involved with ACTS. If you like the idea of getting involved, email us at info@actshonduras.org and we’ll get right back to you to talk about your interests.
Q. Does everyone on the Steering Committee GO Honduras?
A. No, some people aren’t able because of work, family, or medical issues. But most of us try to get there once a year – and this is at our own expense. Usually, the total cost of a trip for one person is $1,000-$1,300 for a week with shared housing, food, rental truck, and airfare.