Project Specific Activities:

• Facilitate activities on environmental education and preservation (topics such as reforestation and recycling).
• Make a presentation at the annual Environmental Fair with local youth. 
• Some communities will work on a nutrition project, educating local community members about the native grain of amaranth – including planting and cooking demonstrations and the benefits of community/family gardens. 
• Collaborate with community members on the planning and implementation of a CBI.
  

Project Area:

Michoacán is a state in the mid-west of Mexico known for its diverse natural beauty featuring miles of coast along the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, a volcanic chain and acres of forest.  AMIGOS' headquarter city is La Piedad, located inland in the northernmost part of Michoacán. The land in the area of La Piedad is used for farming and ranching, and much of the economy is based on livestock, dairy, and crops.  All host communities are located within three hours of La Piedad.  Abundant fields of wheat, corn, onions, chilies, lettuce, carrots, beans, and other produce are typical in the land surrounding communities.  It is known for its delicious flavorful dishes and extremely popular fresh fruit popsicles.

Michoacán has the highest rate of immigration to the states out of all of Mexico. This greatly affects the communities where AMIGOS work as most of the men and youth are in the United States. Volunteers should be prepared to work with lots of women’s groups and small children. People are eager to talk about politics concerning the United States and Mexico, because many laws and decisions created in the United States have a direct impact on their personal lives.  

Project History:

AMIGOS Volunteers worked for many years in Michoacán promoting healthy households through sanitation education and latrine construction. The project was closed in 1997 for several years due to the changing needs of the area. In 2004, Volunteers returned to Michoacán and began implementing youth education focused programs.

Partner Agencies:

Desarrollo Integral de la Familia
Secretaria de Salud de Michoacán

Further Actions:

• Apply to Volunteer
• Apply to Serve on Project Staff
• Photos from the 2008 Michoacán Project