Mexico Social Activism

Mexico has long been dominated by huge disparities between the country’s rich and poor. Though the economic growth of the postwar period produced places comparable to parts of Europe, in 2005, 47% of the country’s population still lived in poverty. The organizations listed below provide volunteer opportunities, like teaching in youth centers, intended to reduce these problems.

AmeriSpan, 117 S. 17th St., Ste. 1401, Philadelphia, USA (☎215-751-1100, 800-879-6640; www.amerispan.com). Internships and placements in Mexico in education, environmental conservation, public health, and social work.
Global Exchange, 2017 Mission #303, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA (☎415 255 7296, ext. 239; www.globalexchange.org/countries/mexico). Aims to put activists in contact with Mexican grassroots movements, focusing on indigenous rights. Also offers 8- to 9-day “Reality Tours” (US$750-1250) of local life and politics.
Visions in Action, 2710 Ontario Rd. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, USA (☎202-625- 7402; www.visionsinaction.org). Aims to promote social and economic justice through grassroots approach. 4-week or 6- to 12-month programs link volunteers with local NGOs, research institutes, health clinics, media, etc. Must have college degree and proficiency in Spanish. US$5300-7000, not including airfare.
Idealist.org. A comprehensive search-engine run by Action Without Borders listing job and volunteer opportunities domestically and internationally. Specify searches by area of interest as well as by region.
Movimiento de Apoyo a Menores A.C., Montenegro #1786 Col. Barrera, Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico (☎333 825 2576; www.mama.org.mx). A center for disadvantaged children. Runs after-school program and orphanage.
Voluntarios Internacionales Mexico A.C., Plaza de la Republicano 51, 2 piso despacho-2, Col. Tabacalera, D.F. Mexico 06030 (☎555 566 2774; www.vimex.org.mx). Local search engine for volunteer opportunities.

There are opportunities to help in Mexico, even for those still in high school. Many groups, including the ones below, engage high school volunteers in building projects or clean-up in small towns.

American Friends Service Committee, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, USA (US☎215-241-7295; www.afsc.org). This Quaker organization’s 2-month summer program focuses on community projects for youth to engage indigenous communities in Xilitla, Querétaro in ecological, political, and economic issues. Emphasis on cultural exchange. US$1350, including homestay and project materials. Scholarships available.
Amigos de las Américas, 5618 Star Ln., Houston, TX 77057, USA (☎713-782-5290; www.amigoslink.org). Sends high school and college students in groups of 2-3 to work in Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca for 6- to 7-week public health and environmental education programs. 2 years (or equivalent) Spanish instruction required. Average fee US$3500, including airfare and insurance.

Other Options

With over 10,000 ruins dotting the landscape, Mexico provides some of the most fertile opportunities for archaeological research. This is just one program of many that cater to interest in the nation’s history.

MAYA Research Program, 209 W. 2nd St. #295, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA (☎817-350-4986; www.mayaresearchprogram.org). Runs a 2-week ethnographic field project in the Mayan village of Yaxunah and annual study tours to Mayan sites in Central America. Research program US$110-1450, not including airfare.