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Read the article "Consensus at
Huehuecoyotl" in Abroad View Magazine,
written by Living Routes Alumna Danielle Connor »
Study abroad and experience ancient communities and cutting-edge
technologies of Mexico, while you learn the skills needed to bring a
group together around a common vision and effect positive change toward
sustainability. Through a skills-in-action learning project, students
assess the needs of the emerging ecovillage at Huehuecoyotl, or the
adjacent town and forest, to design and complete a community service
project that will benefit the environment and imporve living conditions
for those who live in the area. Working in small groups under the
guidance of expert faculty, students practice the skills and stories
that make responsible leaders effective in formulating and carrying out
a successful vision for a sustainable future.
In addition, you will be introduced to the values, history and native
traditions of both the ecovillage and the surrounding towns in the
magical Tepoztecan mountain region of central Mexico, a treasure of
traditional local culture dating back to pre-colonial times. Optional
Spanish language classes are available and there are ample
opportunities to build your language skills and explore local arts and
culture in the museums, cafes, shops, gathering places and open air
markets of neighboring towns.
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Visit sites
dating from the Aztec empire, the Spanish conquest, the Mexican
Revolution and the contemporary fight against globalization and reflect
on the cultural implications of these historic phenomena |
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Under the shadow
of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanos, walk rugged and beautiful
mountain trails used for millennia |
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Visit ancient
pyramids in Tepoztlan and sights of historic and cultural interest |
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Enjoy the crafts,
theatre and music of indigenous artists from throughout Mexico, and
create art work yourself |
- Spend three wonderfully full days in
the ancient community of Totolapan to explore topics such as migration
to the U.S., social justice, Fair Trade, and leadership
- Enjoy the community's beautiful and
productive field, and historic central plaza
- Engage with village youth at the
community
- Dialogue with community members about
gender roles, agriculture, and water issues
- Join town residents to create a
community beautification project in coordination with the municipal
government
- Help distribute milk to local families
in need
- Artisan work/exchange (visit clay
pottery workshops and interact with local artisans)
- Visit the village of Tlayacapan’s
artisan shops, convent and museum
- Participate in a sweat lodge and other
local rituals with Nahuatl leaders and shamans.
- Eat and learn to prepare a variety of
traditional foods made with locally harvested vegetables
- Dialogue with youth and women’s groups
working towards sustainability
Check
out the student weblog »
Located in the volcano belt of central Mexico, Huehuecoyotl was founded
in 1982 by a diverse international group of artists, actors, musicians,
social activists and ecologists. Since then the community has evolved
into a thriving residential community and learning center for
permaculture design, indigenous cultures, consensus process training,
artistic expression and cross-cultural understanding. Huehuecoyotl is a
showcase for green (and beautiful) building and ecological site
planning and design. Community members are bilingual (English/Spanish)
and opportunities to practice Spanish abound.
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Program suspended 2010 - 2011
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| Students from all over the
U.S. and Latin America come to the Mexican community to study
leadership, group facilitation and using the arts for creative social
change. More photos » |
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| Students work in
small groups to build skills in leadership and social change. More photos » |
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| Week
1: |
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Orientation |
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Introduction to
consensus and effective meeting process |
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Sustainable living
in the Mexican context |
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2: |
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Leadership,
conflict resolution, and communication skills |
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Rural Community
Stay and Village Action Project |
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3: |
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Field research,
needs assessment integration of skills and community service project |
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course contains lectures, discussion, exercises and small group work as
well as assignments in reading, writing, design work, portfolio and
assessment. Spanish language and field excursions take place throughout
the three weeks. Total of 76 contact hours. |
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| Music and
theatre are an integral part of community life. More photos » |
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Tara Mirel
M.S. Community Development with a focus in Public
Participation, University of California
B.A., Sociology and Cultural Studies, University of Pittsburgh
Mirel works as a senior consultant for the International Institute for
Facilitation and Change in Cuernevaca, Mexico, providing
facilitation services, consulting, and training to international
organizations and governments. She has also facilitated community and
international development with several organizations including working
with indigenous communities in Panama through the Peace Corps and
negotiating human rights policy at the United Nations Human Rights
Commission in Switzerland.
Giovanni Ciarlo
MA, Sustainable Communities and Socially Responsible
Businesses, Goddard College
B.A. Education. University of Connecticut
Founding member of Huehuecoyotl and President of the Global Ecovillage
Network, Ciarlo's consulting, teaching and facilitation work emphasizes
team building, group decision making, diversity, deep democracy,
environmental and social responsibility. He is an experienced Spanish
language teacher and a world-traveled musician and performer working
for educational reform and sustainable living through the arts. Ciarlo
is multilingual and multicultural.
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credit... Included