September of 2017 has been difficult for Mexico citizens, who experienced two earthquakes and numerous fatalities. We would like to express our solidarity with all Mexicans, especially to the members of the Mexican Earth Charter Network, who have been actively mobilising aid to those who are in need.
Despite of these difficulties, there were two very positive actions around the Earth Charter in this country.
Aguascalientes:
On September 22, the Municipality of Aguascalientes confirmed their Earth Charter endorsement. The Mayor of the Municipality Mrs. Teresa Jiménez, signed the endorsement during a ceremony, where she mentioned that this endorsement symbolizes their commitment to promote sustainable development in the Municipality, adopting a universal ethical framework to create a better common future.
Sinaloa:
The focal point of the State of Sinaloa, Julio Morales, organized a workshop to promote the Earth Charter and lifestyles based on sustainable actions, with students from the Autonomous Intercultural University of Sinaloa. This workshop was replicated twice.
20-21 September 2017 at Los Mochis
22 -23 September 2017 at Choix
This workshop developed in the north of Sinaloa, Mexico, was oriented to strengthen the capacity of the participants to do collective work. Participants had the opportunity to identify local and global problems and to find solutions that improve their quality of life and quality of time. Among the solutions, they proposed carrying out economic actions that would entail a reduction of consumption; also the design of social organization institutions to address common conflicts.
The methodology was participatory, inclusive and dynamic, taking into account the participants’ initial knowledge. The collective learning was promoted through various fun team work activities, which allowed participants to focus and reflect on the design of actions for sustainability.
Target population
The target population was students of Autonomous Intercultural University of Sinaloa from the three campuses of the municipality of Ahome, El Fuerte and Choix. Students from all Departments were invited. A large part of the student population are indigenous people from different parts of the Mexican republic.
Methodology
The workshop lasted 8 hours, in which there were moments where basic concepts were presented, using non-harmful and very simple materials, such as newspaper and tape. The rest of the activities were of collective work without the need to consume any material. Strategies for collective action were analyzed through participatory methodologies. In addition to the group dynamics, virtual platforms were used to enrich the discussions. The workshop concluded with the proposal of plans for the implementation of community and personal improvement projects.
