Csa overview

Community Service Alliance

Changing lives, transforming communities.

Why participate in international

programs in the D.R.? Integrate academic study with substantive volunteer service, creating a

powerful dynamic between direct cultural exposure and academic learning.

Gives student a fuller understanding of social issues in our globalized world.

Gives students in social service and other disciplines a better understanding of cultures that are migrating to North American (growing Latino population).

Proximity of D.R. to North America

Low security risks for groups.

Variety of possibilities for service learning.

About CSA

Community Service Alliance (CSA) is a

secular non-profit organization based in

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Vision: Contribute to the positive

development of communities in the

Dominican Republic, while facilitating the

personal transformation of international

participants.

Programs & Services Academic Service Learning

Focusing on a specific subject area (Education, Public Health, Social Work, Spanish and Culture)

Blend formal learning with hands on work in local communities

Volunteer Service trips

-Alternative spring break trips

Spanish Immersion

-Spanish immersion (1:1)

-Group Spanish classes

Consulting/community projects

-Training/capacity building

-Program Evaluation

-Support for community projects

CSA Partners Universities

International Organizations-United Nations-Partners in Health

Other organizations & churches

Planning the Program Joint program design with University contact to design personalized programs to

meet students’ specific interests and guarantee academic competencies are accomplished.

CSA works with communities to ensure that service learning projects are helpful and appropriate for both students and community.

CSA’s multicultural, qualified staff accompanies in each stage of the planning process.

CSA Current Local Projects

Province CSA Partner Description

Elias Pina Partners in Health -HIV/AIDS prevention and care for those living in cross-

border communities

Hato Mayor Juana Saltitopa

Women’s Group

Building capacity of the women’s group:

*Construction of a community center

*Training

*Development of small businesses to generate income

Neyba PDA World Vision -Health education projects (nutrition education, repair of

homes, reserach, medical outreach, aid to health

facilities)

San Juan Clinica Cristiana -Public health education

-Medical outreaches

Puerto Plata Catholic church-

Fathers/Claret

-Improvement of educational infraestructure

-Facilitation of children’s summer camps

-Training of youth and teachers

CSA accomplishments

Building of two schools in rural Puerto Plata.

Building a house for a family whose home was destroyed by a hurricane.

Survey conducted in Neyba with World Vision in Malnutrition and public health programs

Help building organic compost bins for coffee farmers & reforestation project in nursery in Villa Nizao.

CSA accomplishments

Medical outreaches that each reach over 1000 people in 5 days.

Construction of school/community center in Hato Mayor.

Construction of 80 latrines in the batey of Lecheria and Puerto Plata.

Construction of Tuberculosis clinic in the batey of Palave

Conducting leadership training of peer educators in public health.

Previous University Projects

Daemen College: Public Health focus/15 health studies undergrads facilitated a week-long health training with 50 women in Hato Mayor, January 2009.


Colgate University: Undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines work with youth to develop drug prevention plans, paint murals and conduct nutrition workshops for mothers.


Virginia Commonwealth University: Social work students support a local preschool program after participating in a week of language and cultural studies.

CSA Elements of Success Blending of academic study and service project.

Service project designed to forge personal relationships between students and communities.

Win-win relationship: student resources meet REAL needs in the local communities.

CSA provides continuity to projects--- each short term support contributes to a long-term goal.