Passion wasn’t dead … it was just hiding in Mexico

1. Passion wasn’t dead …it was just hiding in Mexico 2009 NCSA Presidential Address

2. Finding your passion • Passion is … boundless enthusiasm or the object of such enthusiasm • Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you. Oprah Winfrey The time had come to jump start my own passion and make a difference

3. Our Place For those buried in the everyday world we often forget the power and responsibility of our calling “In everyday practice all sociology is a moral activity, whether this is recognized or not.” Feagin, 2001

4. Through the door • If we are lucky a student will come along with a vision of their own and a passion to make it real. • If we’re very lucky we get to help! • My break came when Ascary Arias asked for some help March 2004

5. We get started on the dream • First we had to decide the best way to start gathering data • Next we needed to find out what the people wanted … what did they see as the major priorities? • With travel plans complete – we headed to Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo located about 3 hours northeast of Mexico City. (August 2004)

7. Jaime and Pacito

8. The Brothers • These two brothers spend most of the day inside their one room apartment. • Their only meal will come late at night when their mother returns from work if she made enough money for food that day. • There is no money for them to attend school – both will soon have to get jobs to help the family make it.

9. Our first goal is to listen to these teachers – they are often the best source of info on village life. Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.        - Albert Einstein

10. Mexico at a Glance • Mexico • Population (millions) 106.2 • Percent Urban Population 75 • Gross Domestic Income • In Purchasing Parity (US$) $9,300 • Infant Deaths per 1,000 24.9 • Average years of schooling • 25-64 year olds 7.4 Statistics from the Population Reference Bureau and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

11. The Mexico most Americans never see

12. Homes and Schools • We focus on several of the homes where we knew there were kids unable to go to school or eat more than once a day. Five kids live here • We also wanted to see the typical classrooms used for students with a variety of physical and learning disabilities. The second photo is typical of the special ed classrooms we found.

13. The Kids

14. The children of Ixmiquilpan • This young girl is from the village of El Tablon – her village elders are concerned she will never have the chance to follow the ways of her people - the Otomi • This young fellow will be heading to school in a couple weeks with new supplies.

15. Ixmiquilpan In our first trip we were able to complete …. • Focus groups • Needs assessment • Community meetings • Hospital visit • Initial school interviews

16. Cultural Considerations We selected our guiding principles: Be true to the culture of the people • Maintain your independence – avoid being linked to particular institutions that may be problematic.

17. Finding the Balance • We were interested in finding the balance between short-term and long-term projects that would benefit the community. • After creating a 501(c)3, we turned to creating the opportunities for students to get involved and gain valuable hands-on experience in Mexico

18. Key projects – Short term • Distribute food bags • Provide school supplies • Donate computers • Help clear fields • Paint schools • Give out blankets • Classes and supplies for brushing teeth

19. Key projects – Long term The milk and egg program helps dozens of families a week. We’ve planted trees and built classrooms The Cultural Center for the Otomi is almost complete

20. Student Power • First trip with students – Mar 2005 • March 2010 will mark our 14th trip • 93 students from 5 colleges & universities • Post-grad intern • 3 students have joined Peace Corps

21. A request from Otomi Elders • While Mexico is always pushing the glory that was the Aztecs – they do not take care of the large number of indigenous people living today. • We were approach by elders of El Tablon, an Otomi village, to help create a cultural center as a place for their youth to learn the language and ways of their people. • Students helped lay the foundation, mixed cement, and carried blocks,

22. The Cultural Center

23. “As teachers of sociology we should make clear to the coming generations of sociologists not only that there is plenty of room for idealism and activism in the field but that these qualities might be required for humanity to survive the next century or so.” Feagin, 2001

24. Making a difference together I watched my students struggle with issues of illness, poverty, lack of clean water and food in Mexico – and their amazing work to help Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.  ~Buddha

25. Learning to reach out Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.  And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.  ~Harold Whitman

26. What I learned • Open doors and hearts to students who take us on their journey. • Remember to keep your passport current – you never know there the next adventure might take you!

27. Final Thoughts Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.  ~Margaret Mead