Message from the Executive Director
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Dear FCO friends and supporters,
In 30 years’ time, most of the world’s population will reside in urban areas, according to the United Nations Population Fund. Its 2007 “State of the World Population” annual report predicts a higher concentration of poverty in
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cities; an increase in shantytowns; a lack of basic services and an increase in social problems, which, if the causes are not now dealt with, will mean ‘a gloomy prospect’ for the near future. To date, we have witnessed major challenges in the global economy, and have seen how this has had a knock-on effect nationally, particularly in Oaxaca, leading to a major economic crisis affecting the quality of life and well-being of our families, as well as leading to political instability and social problems on numerous occasions. Read more |
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Guelaguetza, a festival of Oaxacan pride |
The open-air amphitheater on Oaxaca’s ceremonial hill, Cerro del Fortín, overlooking the mountains and valleys that make up this beautiful city, is filled with more than 15,000 people today. It’s 5 pm on July 27th, the last showing
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of the year for the Guelguetza, one of the largest folkloric festivals in the Americas. Spectators come from all over the world to view this magical event. Women and men in glittering silk, gold, and lace costumes adorned with red sashes, hair ribbons, golden straw hats and elaborate jewelry present their offering for the fourth time this week; a dance to the gods and to the crowd. Read more |
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Habla: La Voz de la Comunidad
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Oaxaca is a state that is celebrated for its cultural diversity. Not only does each region have its own identity, as the Guelagetza demonstrated, but also every pueblo from within each region has a unique cultural spirit. The Oaxaca
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Community Foundation supports community projects throughout the state, and believes in the importance of celebrating each community’s particular identity. Beginning next month, the Oaxaca Community Foundation will launch its new video blog, called Habla: La Voz de la Comunidad, or Speak: The Voice of the Community. Read more |
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Change maker of the month
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Ana Vásquez Colmenares is Oaxacan by family connection and emotional ties. She is a member of the Oaxaca Community Foundation’s board of directors, and for 12 years since the organization’s founding has helped in its development and professionalization, contributing ideas and
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assigning tasks in her specialist fields of communication, marketing, and public relations. Read more |
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Culture and tradition unite in Plaza 8 Regiones
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In a small restaurant with a sunlit patio, just outside Oaxaca’s historic center, locals come to have their mid-morning memelas, an open-face tortilla snack with traditional Oaxacan string cheese, refried beans, and a meat of their choice.
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Plaza 8 Regions, as the restaurant/cooperative is called, gets its name for the eight communities that comprise this very young cooperative. Read more |
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In the Mixteca region in Western Oaxaca, Unión de Comunidades (Union of Communities) focuses efforts on commercializing their local agricultural products. Profits from these harvests indirectly benefit 135
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family members in 4 separate communities, and aside from a variety of other food products, the group’s current venture is the production and sale of organic honey. Read more |
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Nothing is more basic to a culture than diet, which is to say: nourishment. In the state of Oaxaca, 57% of the children in rural areas have experienced stunted growth, which indicates the presence of long term, chronic malnutrition. The state has the fourth highest rate of malnutrition in Mexico. These
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children are denied the most essential element of their culture. Read more |
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LAST CHANCE!
Executive Agenda 2010
Limited Edition
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The Oaxaca Community Foundation cordially invites you to participate in our anual initiative, "Executive Agenda 2010 Limited Edition." We recognize that the current economic crisis affects all of us, and because of this, today it's more important than ever to reactivate the Oaxacan economy.
The Oaxaca Community Foundation recognizes the efforts of Mexican businesses in the great task of boosting our economy, this is why we offer them and others the unique opportunity to become a part of this group of Oaxacan businesses with vision. Read more
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 Change maker of the month
Ana Vásquez Colmenares
Ana Vásquez Colmenares is Oaxacan by family connection and emotional ties. She is a member of the Oaxaca Community Foundation’s board of directors, and for 12 years since the organization’s founding has helped in its development and professionalization |
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In the spotlight
 Unión de Comunidades (Union of Communities) focuses
In the Mixteca region in Western Oaxaca, Unión de Comunidades (Union of Communities) focuses efforts on commercializing their local agricultural products. |
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Volunteers
Thanks to all our volunteers who made this issue possible!
Stephanie Davies
Lauren Bennet
Tom Lorenzen
Amaranta Luna
Jessica Ureta
Fabiola Ramírez
Luis Mariño
Cecilia Román
Justine Raymond
Giannina Rotondo
THANK YOU!
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Oaxaca's Hope
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