All
Auris volunteers will have periodic opportunities to work with our core teams on
our more complex long term initiatives. In Mexico
, those initiatives include the Centro de Botanico de Ranchito de Coronado
Development Initiative and the Huichol Culture and Art Recovery Initiative. Both
of these projects are run by graduated IVPs who have demonstrated continued
commitment to our communities and the Auris Project’s philosophy and mission.
Centro
Botanico de Ranchito de Coronados This initiative started in 2004
women in the village of Rosario Guerrero and other rural women wanted to learn how to run a
sustainable herbal shampoo and pomade micro-business. Since then, the women
of
Ranchito de Coronados have worked closely with Auris volunteers to learn all
aspects of running a business. Among the achievements so far: a strong business plan draft
and increased understanding of budgeting, marketing, and distribution. The
group continues to work with the Auris volunteers and network to build a
viable and sustainable business based on traditional knowledge of indigenous
plants.
Core
Team Members:
Elke Weiss, Atlanta, GA, USA; Lisa McCabe, Vernon, BC, Canada; Kenta
Darley-Usmar, New York, NY; USA Francisco Perese, New York, NY, USA;
Francesca Boscolo, Brussels, Belgium; Paul Taylor, Sydney, Australia.
Huichol
Art Recovery Project - Cebolleta
Our base in Catorce sits on the Wirikuta, the prehistoric
sacred route of the Huichol Indians. The Auris Project is excited to work
with the Cebolleta Huichol community to help them begin producing their
centuries-old artwork. This is an educational and economic development
initiative.
The primary objective is to help educate audiences about the
significance and value of the Huichol culture, one of the most
well-preserved indigenous cultures in the
Americas, while assisting the community in economic and community
development. This summer, we will be working with the Huichol community in
Cebolleta at their invitation on a needs assessment and fact finding
mission.
WE
NEED YOUR HELP!
Core Team Members:
David Bassano, New York, NY, USA; Tedi Butolph, San Antonio, Texas, USA; Kelly
Sawyer, Austin, Texas, USA; Jacqui Dorsey, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Village
Resources Research
This initiative, started in 2006, brings a unique concept to
development work. In the Village Resources Research Initiative, Auris
volunteers work with locals to conduct research on resources,
sites, histories and services that define the forgotten villages that
surround the tourist towns of Real de Catorce. By identifying resources
that might interest travelers to the region, the Village Resources Resource
encourages helps villagers generate supplemental income for their families and
communities. The research is soon to be published online.
At
the same time, the initiative gives Auris International Volunteers opportunities
to experience the myriad of rural cultures that exist in our region.
How
You Can Help
-
Sign
up to join our online community.
-
Volunteer
in Catorce.
-
Volunteer
to complete an online task.
-
Shop
at the Auris Project Online Bookstore.
-
Make
a donation.
-
Share
your ideas, suggestions, etc.
We appreciate all of the wonderful people who have joined the Auris
Project community!
P.O.
Box 28134
San
Antonio, Texas 78228
contact@aurisproject.org
(210)
592-7186
