New York-based PR diaspora group prepares for trip to island

A Puerto Rican Heritage Month poster from 2012. Many members of the Puerto Rican diaspora, in joining the efforts of the November Committee, have taken on an active role in projects in agriculture, micro-enterprises and self-sustainable programs that allow people to help in the development of an economy based on the needs and claims of their people on the island. (Facebook)

By The Star Staff

The community organization Comité Noviembre, based in New York City, confirmed over the weekend that it is preparing to make its annual trip to Puerto Rico, in a cultural, educational and volunteer service meeting in Puerto Rico called “Buscando Nuestras Raíces.”

“In the last 18 years, our organization Comité Noviembre has managed to get nearly 800 volunteers to contribute their services in this project that combines a cultural meeting, educational workshops and volunteer service works,” said Teresa A. Santiago, co-founder and president of Comité Noviembre, a nonprofit organization which in its 38 years has paid tribute to the contributions Puerto Ricans have made to the world. “Our goal has been to focus on supporting and investing in Puerto Rico’s economy and providing support to nonprofit organizations that directly serve the community in need. During all these years, the organization has implemented a series of workshops, conferences, discussions, concerts and social justice interventions.”

Santiago, a prominent community leader in New York, said many members of the diaspora, in joining the effort of the November Committee, have taken on an active role in projects in agriculture, micro-enterprises and self-sustainable programs that allow people to help in the development of an economy based on the needs and claims of their people on the island.

The November Committee has implemented a scholarship program for young people of Puerto Rican descent, and continues to hold forums and open workshops to discuss critical issues that affect the Puerto Rican community, specifically in the areas of education, youth leadership development and civic participation both on the mainland and in Puerto Rico.

“We are working first with the contingent that will participate in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York in June, then we will announce under the slogan ‘Searching for Our Roots’ our next trip to Puerto Rico, which has been the most important mission of our organization,” Santiago said.