Neighbors Partners Friends

NEIGHBORS, PARTNERS, FRIENDS.

MESSAGING AND SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT

INTRODUCTION

On October 27, 2020, USAID launched its new communications campaign, “Neighbors, Partners, Friends.”

For decades the American People, through USAID, have been partnering with the Caribbean people to move education, health, economic development, and prosperity forward, so they are able to have opportunities to better their lives and to promote stronger and more vibrant communities.

This campaign will highlight these investments, feature stories from the field, and share vibrant voices from the Caribbean region.

The United States and the Caribbean are a community, with many shared values and interests. What affects one, affects all of us. We have a long-established investment in seeing the region succeed. We are neighbors, partners, and friends.

Please use the key messages, graphics, social media content, and resources below as part of this campaign.

KEY MESSAGES

The American people, through USAID, are partnering with the people of the Caribbean to move education, health, economic development, and prosperity forward, so they are able to have opportunities to better their lives and to promote stronger and safer communities.
Today’s young people are the leaders of tomorrow. Empowering them with tools to succeed impacts our region. What affects one will affect us all, and as neighbors, the American and Caribbean people share similar interests. We are neighbors, we are partners, we are friends.
USAID invests in the Caribbean by training young men and women on entrepreneurship and marketable skills while simultaneously fostering a business environment that will leverage their skills to promote innovation, partnerships, and economic growth.
USAID partners with the Caribbean region to bring communities together to address issues of common concern, including the prevention of youth crime and violence. USAID also helps strengthen government institutions and civil society organizations' ability to prevent violence and promote safety and security for all.
USAID provides timely and effective humanitarian response, delivering disaster relief and lifesaving assistance and standing with our neighbors when disaster strikes.
Assisting the Caribbean in responding to hurricanes is not enough. We are also strengthening the capacity of the Caribbean people so they are more resilient and prepared for the impacts of natural disasters and reduce the risks associated with them.

THEMATIC MESSAGING

OVERALL

In the past five years alone, USAID has invested $650 million in the Caribbean region.
USAID is partnering with the Caribbean nations, catalyzing growth of clean energy and energy efficiency markets; promoting youth development; strengthening citizen security; and providing impactful changes to the education system at the primary level.
The American people and USAID respond in the Caribbean’s time of need. We are helping the region respond to emergencies, including hurricanes, fight COVID-19 and build resilience to climate variability and natural disasters.
The United States and the Caribbean are a community with many shared values and interests. What affects one inevitably affects all of us.
Together, we can strengthen resilience to disasters, make communities more vibrant and expand economic opportunities in the Caribbean. We are neighbors, partners, and friends.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In the last five years, USAID has provided approximately $171 million to support entrepreneurship through its economic growth activities across the Caribbean.
USAID is supporting young entrepreneurs by providing training, partnering with the public and private sector, and connecting entrepreneurs to markets where they can promote and sell their goods.
Since 2015, USAID has trained more than 60,000 young people across the Caribbean in workforce development programming.
USAID is working with the private sector and empowering local small businesses promoting energy resilience and energy independence across the Caribbean; encouraging private sector investment in the region, and improving local small businesses’ knowledge and skills.
Through collaboration with the private sector, USAID can harness innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship to promote economic growth and opportunities across the Caribbean.

STRONG AND VIBRANT SOCIETIES

USAID works hand in hand with Caribbean countries and communities to provide improved social, educational, and economic opportunities for at-risk youth, promoting stronger communities.
In the last five years, USAID has provided almost $241 million to support strong and vibrant societies across the Caribbean.
To promote strong and vibrant societies, addressing crime and violence is critical. Since 2015, USAID has reached nearly 200,000 at-risk young people across the Caribbean through crime and violence prevention programs.
Strengthening democratic governance and investing in democracy, human rights, and civil society advances a free, vibrant, and strong Caribbean.
Education helps promote stronger, safer, and more prosperous societies. In the past five years, USAID education programs in the Caribbean have reached nearly one million school children and young people.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE AND RESILIENCE

During emergencies and natural disasters, USAID provides life-saving humanitarian assistance—including food, water, shelter, emergency healthcare, sanitation and hygiene, and critical nutrition services to the Caribbean.
In the last 5 years, USAID provided more than $194 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to 14 hurricanes and complex emergencies in the Caribbean.
Working together with host-country and regional partners, community organizations, and the private sector, USAID helps countries to develop skills and procedures that will reduce their risk before a disaster, and recover quickly if one hits.
Since 2016, USAID has provided more than $53.5 million to support disaster risk reduction activities in the Caribbean region to help countries prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impact of disasters.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, USAID has provided more than $21 million to fight the pandemic in the Caribbean. USAID delivers equipment, technical assistance, training, capacity building, communication materials, health systems strengthening, and life-saving diagnostics and treatment so that partner countries will be better prepared to respond to global health crises.

MONTHLY THEMES AND CONTENT CALENDAR

Theme 1: Entrepreneurship (November 2020 - January 2021)

November 2020: Young Entrepreneurs
December 2020: Private Sector and Local Small Businesses
January 2021: Innovation

Theme 2: Strong and Vibrant Societies (February 2021 - April 2021)

February 2021: Education
March 2021: Preventing Crime and Violence
April 2021: Democracy, Governance, Human Rights and Civil Societies.

Theme 3: Humanitarian Assistance and Resilience (May 2021 - July 2021)

May 2021: Resilience
June 2021: Hurricane Season
July 2021: COVID-19

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

APRIL: DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE, HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL SOCIETY

Strengthening democratic governance and investing in democracy, human rights, and civil society advances a free, peaceful, and prosperous caribbean. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
.@USAID is proud to work with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean to strengthen democracy, guarantee human rights, and uplift civil society throughout the region. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
At @USAID, we believe that human rights are a fundamental part of development. That is why in the Caribbean and throughout the world we strive to make sure that everyone is granted equal access to the basic freedoms and liberties. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Strong democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and participatory, accountable governance are crucial elements for improving peoples’ lives in a sustainable way. This is what guides us in our work throughout the Caribbean. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
A vibrant civil society is one that empowers youth, stimulates local businesses, unites communities, and embraces all citizens. We are channeling these qualities in our work with the Caribbean to promote resilient democracies and ensure human rights. #NeighborsPartnersFriends.
Creating a better future is essential, but @USAID’s work also focuses on the present. Our programs strengthen democracy, governance, human rights and civil society, fostering a more free, vibrant and prosperous Caribbean. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
@USAID works with our Caribbean neighbors to ensure that security and justice institutions operate effectively and transparently throughout the region to prevent and deter crime and violence #NeighborsPartnersFriends
@USAID works with the government, civil society and private sector across the Caribbean to raise awareness about key human rights concerns, including gender equality, persons with disabilities, and LGBT issues. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Did you know that @USAID supports election work in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica? Our programs provide anything from technical support, electoral management bodies, to civil society domestic observations. #TheMoreYouKnow #NeighborsPartnersFriends
A vibrant civil society is one that empowers youth, stimulates local businesses, unites communities, and embraces all citizens. We are channeling these qualities in our work with our neighbors, partners, and friends in the Caribbean to promote resilient democracies and ensure human rights. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
USAID is proud to work with our neighbors, partners, and friends in the Caribbean to strengthen democracy, guarantee human rights, and uplift civil society throughout the region. Our goal is to guide the region on a sustainable journey to development and self-reliance, empowering people of all backgrounds to reach their fullest potential. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Did you know @USAID provides technical assistance to combat trafficking in persons across the Caribbean region? By protecting the most vulnerable and at risk populations, our programs promote safe, vibrant and peaceful societies. #TheMoreYouKnow #NeighborsPartnersFriends
@USAID has invested $9.5 million to improve youth crime and violence policy-making and programming in 10 Southern and Eastern Caribbean countries through the use of quality, comparable, and reliable national citizen security information. #NeighborsPartnersFriends

MARCH: PREVENTING CRIME AND VIOLENCE

High levels of crime and violence endanger lives, lead to instability, & hinder societies’ ability to thrive. This is why @USAID supports Caribbean communities in developing & implementing sustainable crime and violence prevention initiatives. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
@USAID works with education officials across the Caribbean to ensure that schools are safe & peaceful learning environments for tomorrow’s leaders. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
@USAID works with our Caribbean partners to provide youth in high-crime communities with social, economic, and educational opportunities that will guide them on the path to productive, peaceful lives. #NeighborsPartnersFriends✌
Sports are key to creating an outlet for change. Learn how @USAID and #YFDN help Jamaican youth overcome challenges through sports #NeighborsPartnersFriends https://usaid.link/xl1 ⚽
By age 18, Saúl was involved in illegal activities, sometimes just to fit in. See how @USAID helped him change his life for the better: https://usaid.link/onh #NeighborsPartnersFriends
@USAID_Haiti's new Youth Engagement and Empowerment Activity will help 3,000 at-risk Haitian youth learn critical life skills while supporting community programs that facilitate entrepreneurship, provide civic education, and promote civic participation and social inclusion.
“I want to be a mechanical engineer!” @USAID is proud to help young people like Shemar Thomas of Guyana get on the path to success. https://usaid.link/9kb #NeighborsPartnersFriends
With the support of @USAID’s At-risk Youth Project, Pablo created his own micro-enterprise: “Creativo RD,” where he designs accessories using recycled materials in the Dominican Republic. Learn more here: [https://do.usembassy.gov/pablo-overcoming-adversity-to-save-the-planet/] #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Génesis learned that where you are born does not identify you as a person or define how far you can go. Under @USAID’s At-risk Youth Project, she fights every day to reduce crime and violence in the Dominican Republic. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Meet Andre Wilson. He leads the Youth for Development Network, which aims to help improve the lives of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach youth in Jamaica #NeighborsPartnersFriends https://usaid.link/xl1 ⚽
USAID’s At-Risk Youth Network in the Dominican Republic has more than 500 active members, including youth who live in high-risk environments, members of the LGBTI+ community, people with disabilities, and previous perpetrators or victims of violence. Learn how the network has empowered youth and contributed to safer communities here: https://usaid.link/onh #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Unemployed youth are at a great risk for involvement in crime and violence. Learn how @USAID funded Family Matters project supports them on their path to success #NeighborsPartnersFriends https://usaid.link/9kb
One of the most important factors in reducing crime and violence against women is education. “My message to the Dominican woman is to get educated and to pursue their dreams, to not let anything or anyone hold her back or make her believe she can’t get what she wants,” says Angelina, president of a local USAID-Alerta Joven project network #NeighborsPartnersFriends

FEBRUARY: EDUCATION

When children can learn to read early in life, it opens the door to the rest of their education. To date, @USAID has reached nearly 1 million children and youth through its literacy programs in the #Caribbean.
.@USAID's multifaceted approach in education programming targets students in the Caribbean and aims to cultivate a culture of reading to support literacy and academic attainment. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
At USAID, we know the benefits of engaging the private sector in youth workforce development in the Latin American and Caribbean region, but do you? Check out our 9 steps for creating strong partnerships with the private sector: https://www.edu-links.org/sites/default/files/media/file/YouthPowerBrief4_v2.pdf #NeighborsPartnersFriends
@USAID works with government, civil society, and the private sector across the Caribbean to improve education #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Over the past five years, @USAID education programs in the Caribbean have reached nearly one million school children and young people. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Since 2015, more than 5,700 young people across the Caribbean have participated in @USAID leadership training, empowering youth to become leaders and role models. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Did you know @USAID supports children with learning disabilities across Caribbean schools? Our programs foster integrated and inclusive access to education so all children can succeed. 📏 #NeighborsPartnersFriends 📓
@USAID works to improve reading and writing skills for early grade students in the Caribbean, promoting a stronger, safer, and more prosperous society. 💯 #NeighborsPartnersFriends 📖
Chenelle Antonio, a teacher in Jamaica, wanted to see her deaf and hard of hearing students succeed and thrive. See how @USAID and @JAMDEAF partnered to develop a Jamaican Sign Language Grammar Curriculum https://usaid.link/w2f #NeighborsPartnersFriends #EqualOpportunity
“Without a doubt, our country can change if citizens are educated in all aspects. Only in this way will we live in a more honest, supportive, and more equitable society,” says María. Read her beautiful story here: https://usaid.link/cry #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Supporting education also supports pathways to better health, economic growth, a sustainable environment, and peaceful, democratic communities. Learn how increased access to education provides more opportunities for Haitians: https://usaid.link/4ds #NeighborsPartnersFriends
@USAID’s Feed the Future agriculture program has taught young people new techniques to grow better crops and improve their yields. Learn more here: https://usaid.link/j1d #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Ever dreamed of publishing your own book? 📚 Learn how @USAID and @oecscommission elevate Caribbean voices and promote reading across the region https://usaid.link/cyu #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Deaf or hard of hearing students often experience significant language challenges, which can delay their understanding of concepts, vocabulary, and communication skills. @USAID and @JAMDEAF joined forces to develop a Jamaican Sign Language Grammar Curriculum to help students express themselves and better prepare them for higher education. Read about the programs’ #SignsofSuccess. https://usaid.link/w2f #NeighborsPartnersFriends
A national study conducted in 2017 found that children in the Dominican Republic were underperforming in school. Learn how @USAID is supporting Dominican children improve their reading and writing skills with the help of teachers like María: https://usaid.link/cry #NeighborsPartnersFriends
When #COVID-19 prompted school closures, @USAID acted quickly to maintain student learning during the crisis across the Caribbean. In Haiti, USAID and the Haitian Ministry of Education developed radio-based French and Creole reading lessons. This pioneer radio program ensured that more than 36,400 students continued their studies through distance learning in a low-tech environment. #NeighborsPartnersFriends https://usaid.link/4ds
What kind of stories did you read growing up? Did you fight dragons, go back in time, or talk to animals? Now imagine that you couldn’t read. Learn how @USAID and @oecscommissionpartnered to improve early reading rates across the Caribbean #NeighborsPartnersFriends https://usaid.link/cyu

JANUARY: INNOVATION

Whether it is a new way of doing business, a new approach to tackle issues or simply a great idea, @USAID is supporting innovations for a better and more prosperous #Caribbean. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
In the last five years, USAID has provided approximately $171 million to support entrepreneurship through its economic growth activities across the Caribbean. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Since 2015, USAID has trained more than 60,000 young people across the Caribbean in workforce development programming. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Through collaboration with the private sector, USAID can harness innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship to promote economic growth and opportunities across the Caribbean. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Innovation drives ideas with meaningful impact in the Caribbean. This school feeding program in Haiti has simultaneously meals for children while providing a network of new jobs in farming and food preparation. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
.@USAID strives to make the energy sector in Jamaica more resilient, including through access to finance and other means to increase renewable energy use and the adoption of new technologies. https://usaid.link/7n0 #NeighborsPartnersFriends
In Haiti, USAID works closely with the Rural Centers for Sustainable Development to develop, test, and disseminate innovative technologies for smallholder farmers to improve crop yields and maximize profits, and ultimately feed more hungry people: https://usaid.link/n8j #NeighborsPartnersFriends
USAID is working with the private sector and empowering local small businesses promoting energy resilience and energy independence across the Caribbean; encouraging private sector investment in the region, and improving local small businesses’ knowledge and skills.

DECEMBER: PRIVATE SECTOR AND LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS

Access to finance is crucial to helping small businesses succeed. In the last five years, @USAID has supported loan portfolio guarantees in the Caribbean, enabling borrowers to access nearly $15 million in loans. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
This month we are celebrating young leaders, civil society, and private and public sector actors who are helping to support and empower Caribbean communities: https://www.usaid.gov/neighbors-partners-friends. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
From multinational corporations to local small businesses, @USAID is proud to partner with the private sector to improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean. http://ow.ly/Hotn50CqhJe
USAID works with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean to foster healthy, well-managed & productive marine and coastal ecosystems. http://ow.ly/6WHq50CqgVC
When Hurricane Ivan hit Jamaica, thousands of small businesses suffered losses. In partnership with the private sector & @USAID, Jamaicans were able to rebuild their businesses and revitalize their local economies, while providing essential goods and services to locals. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
The combination of small businesses, the private sector, and @USAID results in a partnership stronger than the sum of its parts. It’s simple: Small Businesses + the private sector = #selfreliance. Jamaica + USAID = #NeighborsPartnersFriends. 🇯🇲🇺🇸💪
At @USAID, we believe that private enterprise is the single most powerful force for lifting lives, strengthening communities, and accelerating #selfreliance. This is why we work with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean to expand economic opportunity.
Private-sector engagement is fundamental to @USAID’s goal of ending the need for foreign assistance. That is why we are working with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends throughout the Caribbean to promote investment in a brighter tomorrow.
In Haiti, @USAID’s INVEST initiative is working to promote economic growth alongside Delphin Investments. We are engaging the diaspora, promoting pathways for investment into Haitian small- and medium-sized enterprises, and building #selfreliance. https://www.usaid.gov/INVEST
Small- and medium-sized businesses create jobs, offer services, and provide products locally. In collaboration with Delphin Investments, @USAID is working with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in Haiti so that these small businesses can grow and prosper. http://ow.ly/PQnr50Cqu9W
Through @USAID’s Climate and Agriculture Program in the Dominican Republic, we are supporting small business initiatives, especially for women and young adults. By strengthening small businesses we are strengthening communities. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Private sector enterprises help improve lives, strengthen communities, and promote a prosperous Caribbean. In Haiti, @USAID and local @BRANAHEINEKEN trained over 16,000 farmers in new techniques to help improve yields. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Across the Caribbean, @USAID is collaborating with the private sector to promote energy resilience and energy independence through the Caribbean Energy Initiative. http://ow.ly/NNBL50Cqsvd #NeighborsPartnersFriends #AmericaCrece
In St. Kitts and Nevis, @USAID is helping young men find sustainable careers through the creation of 100% local, handmade artisan goods and authentic local experiences. When local entrepreneurs and small businesses prosper, so does the Caribbean. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
In Jamaica, @USAID has teamed up with @MYFJamaica to leverage the private sector and help some of the most at-risk youth live meaningful and productive lives. usaid.link/ru3 #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Meet Alicia, executive director of @MYFJamaica. @USAID is partnering with MYF to help young people fulfil their dreams. usaid.link/ru3 #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Across the Caribbean, @USAID is working with the private sector to support young people with opportunities to lead and live more meaningful lives. usaid.link/ru3 #NeighborsPartnersFriends

NOVEMBER: ENTREPRENEURSHIP

November is #EntrepreneurshipMonth! To celebrate, @USAID will be highlighting how we support Young Entrepreneurs in the Caribbean. https://usaid.link/y1o forthcoming #NeighborsPartnersFriends
.@USAID believes entrepreneurship is more than creating a jobs -- it is helping people realize their potential. In the Caribbean, we’re creating opportunities for individuals by promoting innovation & supporting the private sector & local small businesses.
#DidYouKnow: In the last five years, @USAID has provided approximately $140 million to support entrepreneurship in the Caribbean? [link or pictogram] #NeighborsPartnersFriends
The youth are the future of the Caribbean. @USAID is providing young people the skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs. Since 2015, USAID has trained more than 60k young people in the Caribbean through its workforce and vocations training programs. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
When young entrepreneurs thrive, so do their families and communities. @USAID is committed to helping young people get the skills and training they need to succeed. #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Inspiring the next generation of innovators in the Caribbean, USAID has been helping St. Lucia to implement computer science and robotics into secondary school curriculum https://usaid.link/tzm
With support from USAID, a Haitian startup company is now making thousdands of tablets made for their own communities at a price 6x cheaper than other standard handheld devices! https://usaid.link/m32
With support from USAID, a Haitian startup company is now making thousands of tablets made for their own communities at a price six times cheaper than other standard handheld devices. These tablets are being shipped to schools and clinics across the country to expand access to high-tech education and healthcare programs. https://usaid.link/m32
A USAID-supported startup in Haiti has developed a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the sanitation crisis in many of the nation’s low-income communities. SOIL not only provides cost-effective toilets, but also helps remove waste from homes. SOIL also safely treats and transforms human waste into rich, fertile compost –to be used for agricultural and re-foresting projects.
With support from USAID, a Haitian startup company is now making thousands of tablets made for their own communities at a price six times cheaper than other standard handheld devices. These tablets are being shipped to schools and clinics across the country to expand access to high-tech education and healthcare programs. https://usaid.link/o1j
In Haiti, only 30% of the population has access to quality sanitation and less than 1% of waste is safely treated. USAID is working with a startup company, SOIL, that is providing thousands of low-income homes with compost sanitation equipment and using the collected waste materials to support agricultural and reforestation projects in their country. A perfect example of entrepreneurs leading the way towards greater self-reliance and resilience. https://www.oursoil.org/

CAMPAIGN LAUNCH/OVERARCHING MESSAGES

Together with the Caribbean people, we can expand economic opportunities, strengthen resilience to disasters, and make communities stronger in the region. We are #NeighborsPartnersFriends. [link to blog post: https://usaid.link/cgp or website]
.@USAID is proud of our longstanding relationship with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean.
For decades, we’ve been working together with the Caribbean people to build a safer, more prosperous region. We are neighbors, partners, and friends. [link to website] #NeighborsPartnersFriends
Neighbors, Partners, Friends. Read @JBarsaUSAID’s latest blog to learn how @USAID is working with the Caribbean to advance and our many shared values and interests: https://usaid.link/cgp #NeighborsPartnersFriends
USAID, has and will continue to partner with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean to ensure economic opportunities and to promote stronger & more vibrant communities.
.@USAID is strengthening the capacity of our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean, so they are more resilient and prepared for the impacts of natural disasters & risks associated with them.
The U.S. will continue to promote a vibrant economic partnership with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean.
.@USAID, together with our Caribbean #NeighborsPartnersFriends, will foster prosperity by promoting sustainable growth, open markets for U.S. exports, & promote private sector-led investment and development.
.@USAID is proud of our longstanding relationship with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean.
Over the next year, we’ll be sharing stories from the Caribbean. Join us in celebrating our longstanding partnership with the Caribbean by using #NeighborsPartnersFriends.
USAID has and will continue to partner with our #NeighborsPartnersFriends in the Caribbean to move education, health, economic development, and prosperity forward, so they are able to have opportunities to better their lives and to promote stronger and safer communities: https://usaid.link/cgp
In the wake of COVID-19, we know deadly pathogens are threats that know no borders. USAID we will continue to partner with our partners in the Caribbean in the fight against infectious diseases, like HIV/AIDS and Zika.
Today’s young people are the leaders of tomorrow. Empowering them with tools to succeed impacts our region. What affects one will affect us all, and as neighbors, the American and Caribbean people share similar interests. We are neighbors, we are partners, we are friends.

Neighbors Partners Friends