Partnerships
At Intercultural Alliance for Humanity, we believe that real change begins with relationships
Partnership is more than collaboration—it is trust built over time, hands working side by side, and hearts aligned toward a shared purpose. In every village we serve in Ecuador and Peru, we walk alongside local leaders, families, educators, and healthcare professionals who understand their
communities far better than we ever could alone.
- We listen first.
- We learn.
- And then we build together.
OUR PARTNER OF THE QUARTER
Rocky Vista University’s (RVU) College of Osteopathic Medicine
Rocky Vista University’s (RVU) College of Osteopathic Medicine, has been partnering with IAH for 8 years. RVU typically brings 20-30 students and doctors to support medical brigades in Ecuador and Peru in the areas of general medicine. We at IAH, partner with them on these trips by augmenting their efforts with dental, optometry, ultra sound, minor surgeries, audiology and other areas as available. Together RVU and IAH create a robust medical brigade for underserved and remote areas. In March 2026, we completed a large medical mission in collaboration with RVU in Tierra Prometida (near Ica), Peru. We saw about 1,400 patients in the 5-day mission. Thank you RVU for being a great partner of IAH in our joint efforts to help those in need
Mark Backlin: IAH Member since 2014
Former board president and current board member of IAH, has had a very interesting history with us. Since 2014, he has organized and developed numerous medical brigades in Ecuador and Peru. A 19-year IAH logistical coordinator, he has helped over 200 communities and 30,000 patients in his time with IAH. The medical brigades include cleft lip/palate surgeries, dental,
optometry, general medicine, minor surgeries, cardiology, audiology, pediatrics, neurology, rheumatology, OB/GYN, psychology, psychiatry, and physical therapy. He has been published in Rotary international, his alma mater; Bemidji State University and many community and
Ministry of Health articles and interviews. In a recently published article in his university magazine, he stated the following “it is one of the most powerful feelings you can ever have” …as related to helping those without the ability to help themselves. Mark Backlin, helping IAH improve the lives of those in need and making a difference!!
Our partnerships are rooted in dignity. We do not arrive with ready-made answers; we co-create solutions that reflect the culture, strengths, and
dreams of each community. Whether installing a clean water system, constructing a school kitchen, planting orchards, or serving through a
medical brigade, every project is shaped by collaboration and sustained by local leadership.
Because of these partnerships:
- Children receive nourishing meals at school.
- Families gain access to safe drinking water.
- Patients receive life-changing medical care.
- Communities develop sustainable sources of income.
But beyond the projects, something deeper happens. Trust grows. Confidence rises. Hope becomes tangible. We believe in providing a hand up, not a handout. And that belief is only possible through partnerships grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and long-term commitment. Together, we are not just completing projects. We are building futures—one relationship at a time.