If there is a single lesson that has become clear to us through this fellowship is how the nonprofit sector has made a way into many diverse areas of knowledge and social agendas. First, in recent years the nonprofit sector has become increasingly visible in countries like Colombia, even if people and organizations have been working in the field for a long time. Also, it is not just in the areas of the so called Millennium Development Goals (which include gender, environment, education, among other issues) that nonprofits are having many beneficial results. Arts is probably the area where creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship are best expressed through the nonprofit sector.

During this time in Washington DC, we have been able to appreciate some of the most impressive cultural and artistic efforts that reach to millions of people every year thanks to nonprofit organizations. Museums, concerts, different types of performances,… sometimes it is difficult to pick one event to attend. 

A few weeks ago, the group of fellows went to Richmond, VA for the weekend. We had the opportunity to attend a very nice performance: the reenactment –in the oldest church in Richmond- of one of the most decisive moments in the history of the U.S., when, more than two centuries ago, the call for “liberty or death” led pioneers’ wills and hearts. Personally I was amazed by the presentation, which was accompanied by a musical introduction. At the end, the actors –and the characters- went outside to chat briefly with the visitors, who were eager to take home a picture of George Washington or Thomas Jefferson. This was also an occasion for the organizers to raise some money to continue the good work. It was a fun day. Promotion of the arts and culture is certainly an area where nonprofits are critical for success and advancement, and I’d like to see more initiatives in many countries following the example we saw in Richmond.