Interested in getting invovled? Donations to make these projects possible are always welcome. Wider Circle is also committed to person-to-person, fair exchange.

Taking part in Wider Circle projects is an amazing gift to yourself and our partners. Submerge yourself in the culture and languages of El Vigía, sample delicious homemade food, push your limits, and while doing so, make a practical, positive contribution to the community and participate in the local economy. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering in Mexico.


Winter 2009 - 2010
Volunteers needed in El Vigía, Oaxaca, Mexico

Learn about the computer lab/library project with the Escuela Primaria Federal Bilingüe Emiliano Zapata, Clave 20DPB0521R.

Wider Circle is currently working to process customs documentation for the safe and legal donation of computer equipment to the school community of El Vigía. We hope to secure authorization by October 2009 and have one year to transport the donation.

Wider Circle is currently planning for winter and spring 2010 project activities in Mexico. We anticipate:

December 21, 2009, depart Madison, WI
Caravan to Mexico Caravan to bring the remaining 8 workstations and other supplies to the school. This is a breathtaking 2,000 mile journey. From Wisconsin head south to cross the border at Matamorros/ Brownsville and follow a historical route along the Gulf of Mexico through the states of Tamaulipas and Veracruz. Traverse the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (the skinniest, southern part of Mexico) to the Pacific coast of Oaxaca.

Bilingual-Bicultural volunteers are especially needed. The drive takes approximately 6 days.

Vacation with a purpose Plan a vacation to the area and bring truely needed supplies directly to El Vigía. Stop in to visit the school or set up a conversational/cultural exchange. All manner of accommodations (5 star to "rustic") are within 45 minutes and public transportation is available. Wider Circle volunteers who frequent the area can assist with suggestions and local arrangements.

Wider Circle volunteers will be on site the month of January 2010.

Volunteer in El Vigía for the adventurous and hearty! Live and work in the community, assisting with various community projects.

    -staff the library/computer room (supervise elementary and middle school aged kids on computers and with art and sports activities.)
    
    -assist with the library expansion (inventory and set up of 650 volume library based on the Libros Para Pueblos program.
    
    -provide technical assistance (networking, linking to local tech support, linux system)
 
   -support local residents in obtaining, installing, and supporting a satelite broadband internet connection.
    
    -support local residents in exploring additional projects (roof repairs, composting toilets, eaves/gutters/rainwater diversion and capture, health care clinics, erosion control, water wells and pump systems, renewable energy projects . . . these are just a few of the ideas residents have discussed with Wider Circle!)


hear from Wider Circle volunteers in Mexico - go to the blog