My name is Joelina Cândida Alves. I am a journalist, writer, and social movements activist, and I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is an honor to share with you my personal experience with the Regional Trustbuilding Program for the Americas (PRCC-A). Our journey began in January 2024, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, during the 15th Americas Meeting. It was there that we took on an urgent humanitarian commitment: to work directly with and for migrants.
The first major impact of this experience was the richness of our cultural diversity and the challenge of building trust within the team itself. We formed a diverse group, with voices from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay. For a year, we crossed borders and time zones through intensive virtual meetings, designing what would become our program.
The practical results were deeply moving. The official launch of the program in Brazil and Uruguay exceeded our expectations, with an excellent response from the public. But what marked me most were the actions that gave this cause a face, a voice, and a taste.
We organized meaningful events such as “Parangolé”, the discussion “Roots and Paths of Migration in Brazil”, and brought a sense of welcome to CAFAA (Center for Support to Families with Special Needs). More recently, we celebrated cultural integration through gastronomy with the “Culinary Passport” in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro.
As a positive outcome, I highlight our power to mobilize people and our ability to transform theoretical discussions into real community impact. If there is one area that deserves attention—or represents a challenge—it is managing the geographical distance and the high level of commitment that work of this magnitude requires.
When I first became involved in supporting migrant communities in the Americas, my understanding of change was rooted in humanitarian action. I focused on practical support—helping people access services, navigate new environments, and overcome immediate challenges.
Today, I see things differently. Through my involvement in the Regional Trustbuilding Program for the Americas, I discovered that lasting social change requires more than simply addressing practical needs. It requires building trust, restoring dignity, and cultivating a sense of belonging among those who arrive and those who welcome them. This change has transformed not only my work, but also the way I relate to migrants.
One of the most important lessons I have learned has come through the practice of deep listening. Through spaces for dialogue and regular moments of silence, I began to hear the stories behind the challenges. I heard migrants speak about loss, uncertainty, resilience, and hope. In doing so, I realized that every person carries not only needs, but also strengths, wisdom, and cultural richness.
As I listened to others, I also began to recognize the value of my own journey. My personal experience of resilience became one of my most powerful tools for building connections with others. I learned that being part of a trustbuilding project means becoming the first bridge of trust that you hope to see in the world. The impact of this transformation soon became visible.
I witnessed communities that had previously been divided begin to engage in meaningful dialogue. People who had once looked at each other with distrust began to build relationships based on understanding and mutual respect. At the same time, I realized that I felt more rooted, confident, and comfortable in my mission, regardless of geographical borders.
This experience changed the way I lead. Today, my decisions are guided by transparency, consistency, and care for people. I am more patient with the pace of change in different communities. I dedicate more time to supporting and encouraging the team. And I am more willing to engage in courageous conversations when challenges arise.
Above all, I now see my role as that of a facilitator who helps create the conditions for trust to grow. I have learned that sustainable action is only possible when people feel seen, heard, and valued. The PRCC-A has shown me that social transformation begins with human connection. By strengthening trust and a sense of belonging, we can create communities where people do more than simply coexist- they thrive together.
Today, at the end of our first year of this journey, our activities continue with great intensity. This experience has shown me that building trust in the Americas is not desk work; it is a living process, shaped by listening, welcoming, and continuous action.
"This is the change that trustbuilding has made possible in my life, and it is the same change that can spread through the lives of people and communities throughout the Americas. We continue, always together, from heart to heart!"
- Joelina Cândida Alves