History of ACTS

An all-volunteer organization

ACTS is a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3), non-sectarian organization. Hundreds of volunteers have contributed thousands of hours since 1986. Members of the Steering Committee are appointed and serve at least three years. Several have served decades and we’re proudly intergenerational with members from their 20s to their 80s.  ACTS is governed and sustained by volunteers who travel at their own expense, to work onsite for 1-2 weeks in Honduras several times a year. These days, the internet makes communication with community leaders simple, when there is electricity.

The beginnings

Our history began in 1986, during a time of war and turmoil in Central America. The first volunteers called themselves Americans Caring Teaching and Sharing (ACTS) were organized by the Franconia Congregational Church in New Hampshire. Their goal was peace and justice through community development and sharing information about their faith. They focused on El Rosario located in the Locomapa region of Yoro, a department in northwestern Honduras. (Note, there are multiple El Rosarios in Honduras.) After a few years, the faith-based volunteer group moved on to another part of Honduras with the new name Honduras Hope. ACTS became wholly non-sectarian and recommitted to community development in El Rosario and surrounding farming communities.

Broad community development

ACTS’ focus is community development, which we define as helping people to make their own communities stronger. This includes health care, education, agricultural practices, coping with climate change, teen leadership development, economic diversification, expanded opportunities in education, water systems, and sanitation. Most recently, we partnered with a Honduran university to create their first ever telecenter – in El Rosario where the first cohort is studying for their associate’s degrees in a variety of majors. Every area of interest and project involves local people working with ACTS members. 

Residents identify priorities, lead projects, and organize work crews from the communities. Among others, we responded to requests for dental care, a library, latrines, and rehabilitation of a community water system. ACTS is known for its ability to pivot and respond quickly to fraught situations caused by weather disasters including hurricanes and public health emergencies such as the pandemic.

ACTS provides a diversity of skills, guidance, material resources, and some professional-level hands on involvement. The result has been a remarkably sustainable example of community development.

Our funding and partners

When we need help, we reach out to partners who bring expertise, opportunities, funding, or needed materials. Whenever possible, we partner with Honduran organizations to leverage in-country expertise and opportunities. And when they need help, we respond quickly.

In the U.S., thanks to the Zondervan Foundation, the Dr. Margo Krasnoff Fund, QUEL Imaging, Women’s Fellowship of Lyme Congregational Church, Hanover Rotary Club, The Geisel School of Medicine Media & Health Behavior Lab, Finger Lakes Independence Center, SMUGMUG, Johnny’s Seeds, James Pace Clayton Foundation, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Norwich Nursery School, GC America, and Henry Schein Cares.

 In Honduras, thanks to the core committees in El Rosario including Health & Development, Junta de Agua, the Clinic Committee, and the Committee of Farmers. From throughout Honduras, we thank Agua Pura para el Mundo, Corporativo Molineros, Ibrahim Musleh and Almacén El Estudiante, Medicine for all People/ MAP, Laser Vision Clinic and Foundation, Restoring Vision, Universidad Tecnologica de Honduras, Mayor of Yoro Diana Urbina, Project PESCA, the Yoro Hospital, and Universidad Católica de Honduras, Campus San Pedro y San Pablo.