About Us

The Nicaragua Project is an effort by the nonprofit [501 (c) (3)] Capital to Bridge the Divide to develop sustainable economic development in Nicaragua. Our vision is to provide access to medical care, shelter, clothing, food, and education in developing countries, such as Nicaragua, in a sustainable way, while giving the opportunity for local people to be involved in providing voluntary assistance to those communities. At the same time, we will be educating the local community in the United States about issues involving impoverishment and global capital distribution, the plight of people in developing communities, and about the alleviation of poverty in those communities.

Our current goal is to create a Cultural Exchange Center and Eco-hotel in Nicaragua, which will be an example of social justice and peace in action. It will be a financially sound & sustainable, source of income for its employees; a source of funding for local community needs, and an active center of cultural exchange. As such, it will provide a place to share & learn. Among other activities, it will include an immersion Spanish language program, and provide English language lessons for people of all ages.

Mission Statement

Bridge the divide between wealthy and developing countries by providing capital, employment, and opportunities for cultural exchange.

Goals

  1. Use and create capital to work for social justice in developing countries
  2. Establish local business(es) that contribute to the community and provide economic growth
    b. Develop a non-profit organization in the U.S. (with a Nicaraguan advisory group) to provide initial governance
    c. Profit will be reinvested in the focus country.
  3. Contribute to economic & social justice through local efforts in the developing countries.
  4. Build & operate hotel/hostel/timeshare in Nicaragua
    b. Provide employment opportunities, including those for women seeking independence from domestic violence
  5. Provide opportunities for cultural exchange/dialogue
  6. Offer a cultural immersion experience with potential educational component
    b. Develop university links to Nicaragua for foreign exchange
    c. Develop local cultural center
  7. Build & maintain environmentally friendly structures
  8. Evaluate model for replication in future in other areas / countries

Board Members

U.S. Executive Board, Capital to Bridge the Divide

Lorrie Douglas, President
Marshall Thomsen, Vice President
Alicia Botti, Secretary/Treasurer
Scott Elliott
Charo Ledon, Communication Liaison
Fran Mayes
Joe Summers