A warm hello to all,
I have for these here enthusiasts an update about the once merely conceptual idea of an arts & theatre exchange in the Dominican Republic that has been converted into an actual organization with the name CUCUYO. Cucuyo is a Dominican folk work meaning firefly. We are a currently unpaid staff of four (see attachment) with a host of collaborators (many of you all) that I have listed in a healthy database next to each of your many talents.

Let me tell about the current ‘going-ons’ of CUCUYO. We have picked and reserved a name. The objectives of the center have been outlined, edited, reconceived, established and edited once again. The articles of incorporation (a step towards ‘non-profitism’) have been drafted and now await the approval of the sharp eyes of a lawyer. A bank account has been established in CUCUYO’s name and lovingly awaits nourishment. In order to establish more details regarding the summer programs for American teenagers, a jovial research assistant has agreed to help with the surveying of parents. A logo is being designed (thank you Jen!) and website (jen-ny!), which we hope to have up by the end of the month. Finally, we have set some general timelines for fundraisers, research trips, paperwork filings…. We expect that the actual commence of operations in the Dominican community will be next summer (‘09) and the launch of the summer programs for Americans will be the following summer (‘10)!

At the beginning of next year, a meeting will be held for all of you guest teachers I’m counting on! We will need your skills as soon as next summer! Meanwhile if you’re moved to assist in the development of CUCUYO this year—helping with research, fundraising and publicity—let me know and I will happily pass you a task. From my heart, (and those of the staff and we’ll go ahead and include the future teen participants), I extend my warmest thanks for your enthusiasm and support of CUCUYO.

Wishing you all many pleasant moments,
Laura