Operation Crossroads Africa (OCA) is a
non-profit
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
,
non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization (NGO) or non-governmental organisation (see spelling differences) is an organization that generally is formed independent from government. They are typically nonprofit entities, and many of them are active in h ...
working to build links between North America and Africa. It was founded in 1958 by Presbyterian clergyman
James Herman Robinson
James Herman Robinson (January 24, 1907 – November 6, 1972) was an African-American clergyman and humanitarian, best known as the founder of Operation Crossroads Africa (OCA), a cross-cultural exchange program considered a forerunner of the ...
. OCA annually sends groups of young volunteers from North America to work on projects in Africa. At its peak in the 1960s OCA sent about 350 people per year. As of 2014, it sends about 50 people per year. In total over 10,000 have been sent. The organization has also expanded to the Caribbean and Brazil. OCA is often cited as a forerunner of the
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is an independent agency and program of the United States government that trains and deploys volunteers to provide international development assistance. It was established in March 1961 by an executive order of President John F. ...
.
See also
*
The New York Foundation
The New York Foundation is a charitable foundation which gives grants to non-profit organizations supporting community organizing and advocacy in New York City.
History
1909–1919
The New York Foundation was established in 1909 when Louis ...
*
One Heart Source
References
External links
* {{Official website, http://www.operationcrossroadsafrica.org/
International volunteer organizations
Organizations established in 1957