Friends of the Dominican Republic

FDR was created to be a network, incubator, and clearing house for ideas and resources that support the work of Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic. Much of what we do is focused on bringing people together to meet and form networks and on communicating information that is of interest to our membership and that supports these goals. As a result of the interest and involvement of our members, FDR has been able to focus on a number of significant short and long term efforts, including:

1. FDR is one of the organizers of the Reunions held every 5 years in Santo Domingo, along with Fondo Quisqueya and PC DR. This is a great way to catch up with your service group, get a refresher on Peace Corps and the DR today, party, and visit your work site. The reunions bring together hundreds of RPCVs plus the current volunteers and staff for seminars and fiestas. The first Santo Domingo Reunion was held in 1987 through the outstanding efforts of Mila Brooks, the Director, PC DR. The positive energy of the first reunion ultimately led to the formation of Fondo Quisqueya and FDR.

Please note that the next Reunion is in 2012, so now is the time to be making long range plans. See details of the February 2007 45th Anniversary Reunion here.....

When Peace Corps, NPCA, or other organizations hold major national or regional functions, FDR will have a social gathering in conjunction with the function. The Andy Hernandez Foundation holds a yearly reunion in the Southwest which is a great gathering for all DR RPCVs to meet and exchange ideas.

2. FDR's intent is to be a hub of communication, news and networking for the DR PC community by:

Managing this FDR website to as a source for timely announcements, articles, reports, photos, chats, and a repository of information about groups of DR RPCV's.
Publishing a monthly Cyber News as an E-magazine to bring you current news, reports, and articles. We hope it will grow to be a mini Gringo Grita. If you don't receive it, please contact the Membership Director to provide your current E-mail address.
We also send a yearly printed Newsletter/Report by pony express primarily to keep in contact with the those members that do not yet have internet service and e-mail. You can read the latest issue of the Newsletter/Report here.....

3. The long term commitment of FDR to development in the DR is through two funds.

The Program Development Fund (PDF) is quite versatile. It has provided equipment for the PC DR office and Volunteers which they cannot get through their normal resources. It has assisted in funding various training programs for Dominicans. The aim is to provide for cross-sectoral usage or impact to get the most bang for the buck. Check details and reports on past involvement here.....

The Community Challenge Fund (CCF) provides matching funds for community supported infrastructure such as water systems working with PC DR Volunteers. Check details and reports on projects here.....

In the past, we have also supported other worthy projects as they arise. For instance we are involved with communication and publicity to revitalize the CREAR Agricultural School in Río Limpio with the hopes that it can grow to be a stronger cross-border agency to reverse the terrible deforestation, erosion, and poor agricultural practices there. Check details and reports on CREAR here.....