October 2015 Newsletter
Team Member Spotlight

" There are times where I feel confused about what my true calling is. I question the choices I make. I always ask myself, do I see myself entertained, amazed, and completely happy with the life I'm living right now? The answer is not always a yes, but while serving the community of Oaxaca I felt whole. Everything came full circle. Oaxaca not only opened a home for me, but it opened the door I was in search of, the door of my career. I want to center my career working with, and for children like Carlos, who aspire for a bright future through their education. Much like Carlos,   I aspire to make a change in my future through my education. Thank you Oaxaca." 

-Gail Sanchez
Student,  Team 63
Two Student Groups Visit Oaxaca
The trip follows a term learning about International Development.
Chemeketa Community College provided the student man-power for two teams this past June. The student groups worked to complete one new school, one library, one complete fence project to surround a school, and one outdoor covered area. In addition, the student groups attended the adult literacy event to cheer on adult students receiving their certificates of progress in both  elementary  and secondary education. 

The students learn about the concepts of international development, and then they take theory into action by traveling to Oaxaca to get hands on work experience. "I am proud to see our students work so hard. They have heart, and they also are smart about concepts like capacity building and community development. They genuinely work to empower communities," says instructor Cecelia Monto. 

Cecelia has been leading trips to Oaxaca for many years, and when she talks about her students she glows. She can see how important hands on learning is, and cultivating a spirit of service and sense of global humanity. "There is so much learning going on for these students. They make links between their experience in Oaxaca with so many topics - economics, politics, history. For many of them it is a truly transformational experience."

Program coordinator Bonifacio Luis Hernandez guides all the projects, and he works directly with the communities to make sure those most in need are being served. 

Are you a high school or college-age student who might be interested in taking a class at Chemeketa and joining a team to Oaxaca? Plan for next year's class during the spring term and then taking the trip in mid-June.

Celebrating Our Latest College Graduations
This summer, two students completed their coursework and received their degrees.
Seeking Current College Students! 

Are you a  college student looking for a summer or  academic year internship ? We are looking for dedicated individuals who want to be a part of furthering our mission.

The Friends of Pimpollo College Internship Program provides the opportunity for current college students to gain first-hand knowledge of the impact of literacy and educational programs on reducing poverty. This part-time, unpaid position is open to students in a variety of fields and areas of study, is  flexible with existing schedules, and will provide the intern(s) with  first-hand experience in all aspects of running a nonprofit organization. We are happy to work with personal career goals and academic requirements to make this the best possible fit and an incredible learning experience for each individual. The internship will benefit the organization by providing needed services, will benefit the intern by providing practical job experience, and will benefit the community through the service projects and programs in which the intern participates. Potential candidates might be studying Anthropology, Business, Communications, International Development, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Spanish, or a number of other applicable fields. 

Visit our website for application requirements and contact us with questions.

Calling All Team Members!
Have you been on one of our 64 teams? If so, we need your help!

As a team member, you have a unique perspective. You have had the opportunity to accompany communities in Juchitan, in Vicente Guerrero, and beyond. While there, you were able to  be present to the reality of the community and join in their efforts. Maybe you helped paint walls, shared an embrace, or read a book with a student. Maybe you visited a shoe store with excited children, mixed concrete, or danced at a community celebration. Maybe you witnessed moments of great joy, or were touched by sadness. Maybe, just maybe, these experiences have changed you and how you see the world.  We invite you to share your experiences with us. * We're always asked about what it means to be a team member, and your testimonies are the most powerful answers to those questions. Write a reflection. Craft a poem. Create a short video. Share a photo diary. Pen a song. Whether you were a part of Team 1 or you just returned from Oaxaca in June,  the possibilities are endless. This is your chance to give others a glimpse of the amazing community who welcomed you with open arms.  We look forward to what you have to share!

*By sending us your stories, photos, or other content, you are agreeing to let us share it on our website and with our network. We will not publish your last name unless you specifically request us to do us. Submitted team member accounts will be published at the discretion of Friends of Pimpollo.
Help Us Reach Our Goal!


You can be a part of our 10x10x10 campaign today! With this campaign, we hope to have 10 new monthly sponsors sign up by October 10th (10-10). Why is this important? Recurring gifts provide a steady source of funding for our educational projects, allowing us to focus on the future! There is still time for you to become a monthly sponsor right now and help us reach our goal! Already a sponsor? You can share this opportunity with your network! Tell everyone what Friends of Pimpollo means to you! Even monthly gifts of $10 help to sustain our projects! Visit our donations page now or contact our office to get started today! Thank you for believing in the power of education! 
Buy Something You Need (Or Want!), Support Our Education Programs
Online shopping can be so convenient, and it's always great to find a really good deal online. Did you know you can  support Friends of Pimpollo by shopping through AmazonSmile? When you purchase eligible items on Amazon, they will donate 0.5% of the price of your purchase to Friends of Pimpollo. AmazonSmile offers all the same products and services as Amazon; the only difference is that you need to login specifically through the AmazonSmile link every time you shop to begin supporting FOP. Select Friends of Pimpollo as your designated charitable organization and you can start making an impact on our education programs today through your online shopping. Pretty cool, huh? Holiday shopping just got a little more exciting. 
Stay Connected with FOP!

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Friends of Pimpollo  //  P.O. Box 1107 //   Salem, OR 97308  //  info@friendsofpimpollo.org