Community Volunteer

  Mexico

• Monterrey: 
Monterrey

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: AMMAC Volunteers have the opportunity to make a real difference in some of the poorer communities in and around Monterrey, Mexico. Volunteers spend their days doing a variety of different programs. Most mornings are spent at the local market collecting food for distribution to outlying areas later in the day. Other ongoing projects include working with a local orphanage (Casa de Hogar), spending time at elderly care facilities, and assisting medical/dental brigades.

Living Conditions: 6-10 Volunteers live together in a hostel like setting on the second floor of Mexican family's house. Volunteers eat and interact with this family on a daily basis.

Activities and Excursions: Every two weeks volunteers have the opportunity to go on cultural excursions. Previous trips have included: Las Grutas de Garcia (caves), La Cola de Caballo (a local waterfall and hiking area), Paseo de Santa Lucia (city center, boat ride), and the Carretera National. Weekly activities can include salsa lessons, museum trips, local music performances, among other things. Three hours of Spanish classes a week are also included in the program fee.

Highlights: Our most exciting project at the moment is the construction of the first tire house in Monterrey. Discarded tires filled with soil are used to form the walls. Stucco or adobe plaster is then used to cover and seal the tires. Once the walls have been built, the roof is attached.

Some of the benefits include thicker walls that help to maintain cooler temperatures inside the house (in a region that can be as hot as 45° C or 113° F during the summer months). Additionally, the construction methods are simple, the materials are readily available and the houses are durable.

To the right is a picture of the home in its early stages and our group of volunteers with some members of the community.

Qualifications: Volunteers need to be at least 17 years of age and have to desire to live and make a difference in Mexico.

Cost in US$: USD 240-400 per week

Volunteers can also receive contributions from businesses to help cover the cost of their program fee. All donations are tax deductible.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-10

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

AMMAC's Mission Statement: To connect Generosity with Necessity. Providing the most basic needs to the less favored population.

Year Founded: 2000