Our blog is finally up and running, after a few months of gestation. It arrives together with the new version of our website. And it has the same purpose of helping to build a bridge between Brazil and Austin.
We are starting this new channel in solidarity with the entire Brazilian community here in these times of pandemic. In addition to the great difficulties of isolation and the dilemmas of going back to school, for example, we also know the worries of so many of you about your friends and family in Brazil and we join in the grief of those who have lost loved ones to the virus.
Living the day-to-day life of the CBA makes us feel both very young – we just turned two years old in August – and very experienced, having accumulated more than 20 years of Project Brazil achievements.
A wonderful early birthday present was the approval of our “501” qualification with the IRS. As a result, individuals and companies that make donations, contributions or sponsorships to the CBA will be able to deduct these amounts from their income tax returns.
We are thus a non-profit taking its first steps, seeking the path that will lead us to the realization of the great dream of having our own physical space. Where we can concentrate our courses, lectures and activities, and where Brazilians in Austin and the surrounding area will be permanently welcomed with a taste of Brazil.
In this blog, we want to talk about several things. To talk about our events (including behind the scenes) and other local initiatives that have yellow green in their blood; to highlight aspects of Brazilian culture that bring us closer to Austin; to get to know Brazilians who live here, work here, take care of their families, do business here; in short, to bring information that will help our Brazilians to live better on their little island of Brazil in the United States.
“(…) in search of the ‘new normal’ so that, within the new reality, we can continue firmly on the path of serving the Brazilians here in our region.”
Covid-19, of course, has also had an impact on us. Part of Project Brazil’s programs and classes had to be canceled. Events planned for these months, such as the Festa Junina, could not (and will not) take place. But we’re taking advantage of the “recess” to complete some of our “homework”, such as the 501’process; getting the new website up and running; exploring new methodologies for the schools; surveying Brazilian entrepreneurs in the region, just to name a few examples.
Thus, the CBA continues to search for the “new normal” so that, within the new reality, it can continue firmly on the path of serving Brazilians here in our region.
Alvaro Esteves
