Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the AMASS Ayiti FAQ page! Here, we answer common questions about our membership options, benefits, and operations. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.

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Membership Questions

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1. What is AMASS Ayiti?

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AMASS Ayiti is an organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development and community empowerment across the entire island of Ayiti, also known as "Hispaniola." Rooted in the shared history, culture, and aspirations of the People on both sides of the border, we work to unite common interests through innovative projects that prioritize collaboration, sustainability, and prosperity for all.

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2. What are the membership options?

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We offer two primary membership options:

• Associate Membership: $30/month or $300/year

• Lifetime Membership: Any member, who at anytime, has accumulated $6,000 in their account, is automatically granted lifetime benefits.

 

3. What are the benefits of becoming a member?

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All members receive:

• Discounts: 10% retail discount and an additional 10% wholesale discount on case lots.

• Voting rights: Eligible to vote in the Annual Meeting if you are a Member in Good Standing.

• Dividends: 10% annual dividends after a 5-year maturity period.

 

Life Members also enjoy:

• Lifetime benefits begin as soon as the deposits in the member’s AMASS societal contribution (savings) account reaches $6,000 total.

• Recognition in annual reports.

• Eligibility for Special Dividends.

 

4. How do I qualify as a Member in Good Standing?

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To qualify as a Member in Good Standing, you must:

• Be prepaid for the current month.

• Accumulate at least $30 in your account. This status allows you to vote at Annual Meetings and earn dividends after the maturity period.

 

5. What is a "Lifetime Member"?

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A Lifetime Member is someone who has accumulated $6,000 in total contributions. Lifetime Members enjoy lifetime benefits, can attend Board meetings, and are eligible for Special Dividends.

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6. What are Institutional Members?

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Institutional Members are organizations, businesses, or institutions that join AMASS Ayiti to support its mission and benefit from collaborative opportunities. Institutional Members:

• May be granted seats or votes as approved by the Board of Directors.

• May Participate in decision-making processes aligned with the organization’s goals.

• May engage in specific projects or initiatives to amplify their impact.

 

For more information about becoming an Institutional Member, please contact us directly.

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Donations 

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7. How can I make a donation to AMASS Ayiti Inc.?

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You can support our work with a one-time or recurring gift:
• Online: Use our secure donation portal at www.amass.ht/donate.
• By Mail: Make checks payable to AMASS Ayiti Inc. and send to our U.S. correspondence address (see Contact page).
• Bank Transfer / Sponsorships: Email donations@amass.ht for wire or ACH instructions.
All contributions receive an acknowledgment email or receipt once processed.

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8. Is AMASS Ayiti a 501(c)(3) organization?

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AMASS Ayiti Inc. is a Florida-registered nonprofit organization currently pending federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Until our determination letter is issued, donations are not yet officially tax-deductible in the United States. When approval is granted, we will update this page with our EIN and provide determination details for donors.

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9. How are donations used?

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Your gift funds high-impact field work — expanding clean-water access, building agroforestry systems, advancing renewable-energy initiatives, and creating rural jobs and training opportunities.
We keep administrative costs lean so the majority of every donation supports community projects and sustainable infrastructure.

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10. Can I donate equipment or materials instead of money?

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Yes. We welcome in-kind donations of equipment, materials, or professional services that align with our agricultural, aquacultural, and renewable-energy work.
Please email donations@amass.ht before sending any items to confirm relevance, shipping logistics, and acknowledgment documentation.

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Financial Questions

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11. What are dividend distributions?

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Dividend distributions are annual payouts to members based on their contributions. Associate and Lifetime Members receive a 10% annual dividend after 5 years of maturity. Lifetime Members are also eligible for Special Dividends.

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12. Can I upgrade from an Associate to a Lifetime Membership?

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Yes! Members can upgrade to a Lifetime Membership at any time by accumulating $6,000 in their account.

 

13. Is there a refund policy for memberships?

 

Deposits into the Member account remain the member's money. However, withdrawals before the 5-year maturity period require a petition to and a specific vote by the Board of Directors under especially dire circumstances. All percentage dividend gains are forfeited if an early withdrawal is approved. However, your contributions accumulate towards benefits, dividends, and eventual Lifetime Membership status.

 

Operational Questions

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14. Can non-members shop at AMASS facilities?

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Yes! Walk-in customers are welcome to purchase products at regular prices. However, only members receive discounts and additional benefits.

 

15. What is the structure of the AMASS network?

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AMASS operates through a 5-tier system:

1. Mobile street vendor carts, trikes, and trucks.

2. Convenience kiosks in local neighborhoods.

3. Privately owned grocery stores.

4. Municipal hub supermarkets.

5. Regional hub hypermarkets.

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This system ensures products and services reach local communities efficiently while supporting members' businesses.

 

16. How does AMASS support local communities?

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AMASS reinvests in local communities by:

• Providing employment opportunities.

• Supporting small businesses through discounts and franchised marketing.

• Funding sustainable agriculture and waste-to-energy projects.

• Enhancing water access and quality through sustainable water management systems.

• Promoting education and access to resources that improve infrastructure and community resilience.

 

Our Impact

 

17. How does AMASS Ayiti make a difference?

 

AMASS Ayiti drives meaningful change through:

• Sustainable Agriculture: By cultivating diverse crops and introducing innovative farming techniques, we promote food security, create jobs, and improve livelihoods across the island.

• Agroforestry Systems: We integrate crops and trees to optimize land use, enhance biodiversity, reduce deforestation, and mitigate climate impacts, ensuring resilience for future generations.

• Aquaculture Initiatives: Through sustainable aquaculture systems, we support marine ecosystem restoration while providing communities with sustainable food and income sources.

• Renewable Energy Solutions: From waste-to-energy projects to solar and wind initiatives, AMASS provides clean, sustainable power to reduce environmental impact and improve energy access.

• Community Empowerment: We strengthen communities by building infrastructure, advancing education, and connecting residents to essential resources.

• Economic Growth: By integrating members into cooperative projects, we create equitable economic opportunities, helping individuals and communities thrive together.

• Island-Wide Unity: AMASS bridges divides by addressing shared challenges and leveraging the collective strengths of people on both sides of the border, fostering a united and prosperous Ayiti.

 

Additional Questions

 

18. How do I join AMASS Ayiti?

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Joining is easy! Visit our membership page and choose the option that best fits your needs. You can start with a contribution of as little as $1/day.

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19. Can organizations become members?

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Yes, Institutional Members can join with Board-approved seats and voting rights. Contact us for more information.

 

20. How can I contact AMASS for more information?

 

For further assistance, please reach out to us:

• Email: info@amass.ht

• Phone: +1 712-660-8519

We’re here to help!