Pittsburgh-Based Amizade Global Service-Learning Gains United Nations Recognition As Special Consultant

Amizade Global Service-Learning, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit that connects students with worldwide community programs as a study-abroad alternative, has been granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Amizade is the first local non-profit to receive such recognition, which allows it to participate in international conferences convened by the United Nations dealing with economic and social development, gender issues, sustainable development, small arms and human rights.

"It is truly an honor for Amizade to be the first organization in Pittsburgh to receive United Nations Consultative Status," said Brandon Blache-Cohen, Executive Director of Amizade. "Our commitment to connecting Pittsburgh to the world has come a long way, and with this distinction, we will be even better able to serve this great city."

Each year, approximately 400 nonprofit organizations around the world apply for UN Consultative Status on the basis of international presence and global-minded leadership, Amizade reported. Through an extensive selection process, Amizade is now one of just 3,600 organizations in the world to hold the status since its establishment in 1946.

Amizade is an 18-year-old organization that empowers individuals and communities through service and learning worldwide. They partner with communities in 11 different countries to develop service opportunities for universities, groups, and individuals. To date, over 5,000 individuals (and over 1,000 from the Pittsburgh metro area) have participated in these programs which focus on mutually beneficial and community-driven service, according to Amizade.

Some of the current issues being addressed are youth development in Jamaica, clean water initiatives in Brazil and Tanzania, literacy in Ghana, and others.

For more information about Amizade and its programs, please contact Brandon Blache-Cohen at 412-586-4986 or visit www.amizade.org.