LBV has been promoting various socio-educational programs that help improve the quality of life in our community.
The ideal of LBV expanded to the United States on October 30, 1986, and since then, it has offered various programs, educational projects, and social initiatives to hundreds of low-income families in New Jersey and New York. With general consultative status at the Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc) of the United Nations (UN), LBV also has the opportunity to regularly participate in meetings at the organization’s headquarters in New York, sharing its best practices with delegations and authorities from around the world.
The first program developed by LBV in the United States, 31 years ago, was the Charity Round, which soon gained the support and participation of the local population. In a short time, the initiative gained great visibility and attracted dozens of volunteers. Currently, it benefits residents of shelters in New Jersey, who receive clothing, food, and essential items. Occasionally, health drives are also held, offering guidance and basic care, as well as words of comfort and encouragement to those in greatest need.Education for Peace
The Good Will Students for Peace program applies LBV’s educational proposal, focused on the Pedagogy of Affection and Ecumenical Citizenship, and has contributed to combating violence in American schools. Based on the guidelines of educator Paiva Netto, president of LBV, the program aims to encourage solidarity leadership among students, guiding them towards a sustainable and peaceful society.
The Backpacks for a Bright Future campaign, which distributes backpacks with school supplies to underprivileged children, is another initiative carried out by LBV in the USA, aimed at supporting students at the beginning of the school year.LBV and the UN
LBV has the opportunity to permanently participate in discussions held by the United Nations in defense of human rights, gender equality, and quality education for all. In these 20 years of working with the UN, the organization has recommended best practices in the areas of education, social assistance, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development, attracting the interest of various international leaders.
Recently, LBV was honored with the “Spirit of the United Nations” Award during the week of 
Spirituality, Values, and Global Interests. During the acceptance speech, the organization’s representative, Danilo Parmegiani (Photo above, first from left to right), highlighted Paiva Netto’s vision regarding the promotion of education with ecumenical spirituality. “When reason is united with the heart, fraternal solutions provide a life with the desired happiness, which can only be true when there is material and spiritual food on everyone’s table.”Helping in Difficult Times
In order to alleviate the suffering of families affected by the destruction caused by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, the Legion of Good Will – LGW (LBV of the USA) mobilized goodwill people in New York and New Jersey to provide school supplies to children in these areas, thus serving as encouragement for this new school year.
This initiative was part of LBV’s already traditional school supplies campaign, which collects and distributes educational materials to low-income children in Newark (New Jersey).First School in the USA
The construction of the Paiva Netto Educational and Social Assistance Center, located in the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, is LBV’s newest challenge in the United States. Launched a few months ago, the project aims to serve families living below the poverty line, which in the region corresponds to about 28%, nearly triple the rate in the rest of the state and double the national average of 14.9%.
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