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Regions:
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Amextra's
History
Amextra was formed on July 4, 1984 by recently
graduated Christian professionals. Before its
official constitution, the group referred to
itself as the Community Development Area of
Intervarsity; it was under this name that the
first programs were started in: the Estado de
Mexico with the indigenous group the Otomi,
Oaxaca with the people group the Mixteca, the
central valleys and Small Canada with the accompaniment
of CRWRC (Support Committee of the U.S. Christian
Reformed Church).
In 1985 Amextra established programs in Yucatan,
Chiapas, Chalco and also a formal work relationship
with the Lutheran Mission in order to reconstruct
two neighborhoods in Mexico City which had been
affected by the earthquake.
In 1986 Amextra defined its mission and work
methods and began programs in Ajusco.
In 1987 Amextra incorporated health components
to its programs and also participated in a national
forum on strategic agricultural and forestry
programs with a specific area for instigating
rural change based on leadership and farming
experience.
In 1988 and 1989 Amextra's first Executive Board
was formed, as well as the operational structure
in order to establish management.
From 1990 to 1992 Amextra joined various national
and international networks in order to link
itself to other nonprofit groups, began a basic
relationship with the Mexican Government, and
developed a strategic plan for the 90’s.
From 1992 to 1994 Amextra created a program
in Morelos, and tax deducibility was obtained.
From 1995 to 2000 Amextra entered into a relationship
with research centers from several universities.
Relationships were also begun with new donors
such as: Compassion Canada, Enterprise Development
International, USAID, ALM, and TEAR FUND. Relationships
were renewed with the Kellogg Foundation, CRWRC
and the national government. Fundraising projects
such as the Immanuel Project were consolidated
along with relationships with Partners in Hope
and ELCA. Local leadership was developed as
the first delegates were established. In response
to Hurricane Paulina a program in Guerrero was
started and the program in the North Sierra
of Puebla was consolidated. The microfinance
programs were formally established and strategic
savings programs were defined. On a structural
level community delegates are transitioning
towards regional management, including direction
for local fundraising teams.
Methodology
Amextra bases its work on the following strategy:
1. Immersion:
build trust-based relationships within the
community, with natural and formal leaders.
The most committed and involved people are
trained in participatory methods and begin
to groups interested in transforming their
lives. Nothing is given away.
2. Detection and analysis of necessities:
community commitment is strengthened, through
a participatory exploration of community needs
and resources. This also results in a base/starting
study and diagnosis of the local situation.
Community appropriation arises from the decisions
that are made at this time.
3. Planning: starting from
the definition of priorities, a medium and
long term plan is made to respond to the most
important needs which can be initially attended
to with community resources. This generates
trust, creativity and security.
4. Execution: first actions,
which are simple and of high viability, are
carried out by people from the community,
with the support of professionals. Processes
which are appropriate to the local context
and sustainable are promoted. All services
have some kind of cost to avoid paternalism;
some projects are covered by 40% of local
contributions.
5. Evaluation: The programs
are periodically evaluated internally and
externally based on impact, effectiveness,
efficiency, the appropriateness of the processes
and sustainability. The necessary modifications
are then carried out. We also hold annual
audits.
Mission
and Vision
Amextra is a Mexican founded and run, non-profit
organization whose main purpose is to promote
the holistic transformation of farmers, indigenous
people groups, women, youth and children who
live in rural and urban areas of extreme marginality
and receive little to no attention from public
and private institutions in Mexico. We understand
transformation to be a process that results
in improved conditions and quality of life in
families and their communities.
Main Principles:
Holistic
Transformation: All people are valuable
in and of themselves, without distinction of
race, color, religion or etc. However, we need
to be aware of who we are and what we have,
independent of our social condition, we always
have something to share. Ç
Community Participation:
All people have gifts and the potential to
develop them in community. Participants gradually
become aware and gain power in decision making
and responsibilities in the process of change,
this strengthens relationships and community
values.
Unconditional Service: The
act of service reveals the character of people
and communities in transformation processes.
Service is not just an act of good will, a
response to our feelings of compassion or
to win a cause, but rather a natural revelation
of the character of people in transformation.
“We do not serve because we are transformed,
rather we are transformed when we serve.”
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Copyright
2004-2005 © Amextra. All rights reserved. Privacy
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