Become a Puerto Rico Chapter President: A Rewarding Career in Advocacy and Recovery
The United Policyholders Association (UPA) is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to serve as the Puerto Rico Chapter President. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on communities across the island, particularly for low-income homeowners facing the challenges of property damage, insurance claims, and recovery from natural disasters. As the Chapter President, you will lead efforts to secure donations under Act 60, assist homeowners with property insurance, and address critical issues like leaks and mold, all while advocating for fair insurance practices. This rewarding career demands bilingual proficiency, leadership, and a commitment to empowering Puerto Rican communities.
The Role of the Puerto Rico Chapter President
As the Puerto Rico Chapter President, you will be at the forefront of UPA’s mission to empower policyholders and ensure they receive fair treatment from insurance companies. Puerto Rico faces unique challenges, from frequent hurricanes to economic hardships exacerbated by policies like Act 60, which offers tax incentives to wealthy investors but often leaves local residents struggling with rising property costs and displacement. Your role will involve advocating for low-income homeowners, helping them navigate the complex insurance landscape, and securing resources to support their recovery.
Key Responsibilities
Securing Donations Under Act 60: Act 60, passed in 2019, provides significant tax breaks to investors who relocate to Puerto Rico, purchase property, and donate at least $10,000 annually to local nonprofits. As Chapter President, you will spearhead efforts to secure these donations for UPA’s initiatives. These funds are critical for supporting programs that assist low-income homeowners with insurance claims and property repairs. Your ability to build relationships with Act 60 beneficiaries, local businesses, and community leaders will be essential in ensuring a steady flow of donations to fuel UPA’s mission.
Assisting Low-Income Homeowners with Property Insurance: Many Puerto Rican households, particularly low-income families, lack adequate homeowners’ insurance, leaving them vulnerable to losses from hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disasters. Only about half of Puerto Rican households had wind damage coverage during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and flood damage is often excluded from standard policies. You will guide homeowners through the process of obtaining affordable insurance, accessing federal programs like the National Flood Insurance Program, and filing claims effectively. By advocating for fair payouts and transparency, you will help families rebuild their lives.
Addressing Leaks, Mold, and Property Damage: Leaks and mold are pervasive issues in Puerto Rico due to the island’s tropical climate and frequent storms. These problems can render homes uninhabitable and pose serious health risks. As Chapter President, you will connect homeowners with resources and professionals to repair leaks, remediate mold, and restore damaged properties. This includes coordinating with contractors, securing funding for repairs, and educating homeowners on preventive measures like installing smoke detectors or improving home ventilation to reduce future risks.
Community Advocacy and Education: Beyond individual support, you will lead workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs to educate Puerto Ricans about their insurance rights and disaster preparedness. By empowering residents with knowledge, you will help them navigate the claims process and advocate for themselves against insurance companies that may undervalue or deny claims. Your leadership will foster resilience and self-sufficiency in communities across the island.
Why This Career is Rewarding
The Puerto Rico Chapter President position is more than a job—it’s a calling. Here’s why this role is deeply fulfilling:
Making a Tangible Difference: Every donation you secure, every insurance claim you help process, and every home you help repair directly improves the lives of Puerto Rican families. For example, assisting a low-income family in Yauco to rebuild after a hurricane or securing funds to remediate mold in a community center can transform lives and restore hope.
Building Community Resilience: Puerto Rico has faced significant challenges, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and economic disparities worsened by policies like Act 60, which have led to gentrification and displacement. As Chapter President, you will advocate for equitable recovery, ensuring that low-income homeowners are not left behind in the island’s revitalization efforts.
Leadership and Impact: Leading UPA’s Puerto Rico chapter means being a voice for the voiceless. You will work with local organizations, government agencies, and Act 60 beneficiaries to create systemic change, ensuring that insurance companies honor their commitments and that federal aid reaches those who need it most.
Personal Growth: This role offers opportunities to develop skills in leadership, negotiation, public speaking, and community organizing. You will grow professionally while making a meaningful impact, creating a legacy of positive change in Puerto Rico.
Bilingual Proficiency: A Must
Puerto Rico’s cultural and linguistic landscape requires that the Chapter President be fluent in both English and Spanish. Bilingual proficiency is essential for:
Effective Communication: You will interact with diverse stakeholders, including English-speaking Act 60 investors, Spanish-speaking local residents, and bilingual government officials. Clear communication in both languages ensures that all parties understand the goals and processes involved.
Community Engagement: Most low-income homeowners in Puerto Rico primarily speak Spanish. Being able to connect with them in their native language builds trust and ensures that they feel heard and supported.
Navigating Complex Systems: Insurance documents, federal aid applications, and legal agreements often require translation or explanation in both languages. Your bilingual skills will bridge these gaps, making resources accessible to all.
Challenges and Opportunities
The role is not without challenges. Puerto Rico’s economic struggles, coupled with the impacts of Act 60, have led to displacement and limited access to affordable housing for many residents. Securing donations from Act 60 beneficiaries requires diplomacy and persistence, as some investors may be hesitant to engage with local causes. Additionally, navigating the bureaucracy of federal aid programs, like those delayed after Hurricane Maria, demands patience and expertise.
However, these challenges present opportunities for growth and innovation. By leveraging UPA’s resources and your leadership, you can create sustainable solutions, such as partnerships with local nonprofits like Ayuda Legal Puerto Rico to streamline aid access or community land trusts to protect affordable housing. Your work will contribute to a more equitable and resilient Puerto Rico.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about advocacy, fluent in English and Spanish, and ready to lead with impact, the Puerto Rico Chapter President position is your chance to shine. To apply, submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your experience in community leadership or insurance advocacy, and references to pguzzi@upaclaim.org. Join us in empowering Puerto Rico’s homeowners and building a brighter future for the island.