The Transformative Potential of Belizean Migrant Voluntary Associations in Chicago

Migrant voluntary associations are a pervasive feature of migrant communities in the United States. Migrant organizations help meet the basic needs of newly arrived migrants and provide introductions to social and economic networks in receiving communities. Over time, many of these mutual aid migrant associations morph into development‐related organizations that foster transnational ties. These more transnationally oriented associations focus their attention on sending communities, making monetary and in‐kind contributions to home villages, helping to launch political careers, and contributing to the building of political movements in the country of origin. Evaluating the potential of migrant associations to improve the lives of migrants and those in the country of origin requires a transnational focus, since the socio‐political context of home and sending communities simultaneously affects and is affected by migrant associations. Given the diversity and specificity of transnational contexts, migration patterns, and political contexts, evaluating the impact of migrant associations can be a daunting task. As a result, accounts of the scope and activities of migrant associations tend to be descriptive in nature, providing detailed accounts of the transnational contexts in which these organizations operate but steering clear of an explicit evaluation of effectiveness. In this paper, I describe the range of types of Belizean associations in Chicago and identify the primary factors that have impacted the effectiveness of these migrant voluntary associations. I make recommendations for overcoming these challenges to ensure that the transformative potential of Belizean migrant voluntary associations is realized for the benefit of Belize and Belizeans. I conclude with suggestions for comparative research on migrant voluntary associations that will further allow these organizations to be leveraged for positive social change.