Civic Engagement

Recent changes to the Mexican federal transparency laws to allow greater access to formerly confidential documents have accelerated civic participation in Baja California Sur.  In addition, U.S. and Canadian ex-patriates are forming organizations that mirror the vibrant civil society network in those countries, providing a new model for Mexican public participation. 

Neighborhood committees, urban and rural organization councils, social welfare committees, and beneficiaries’ committees are just some of the emerging civic-government advisory groups in Baja California Sur.  New nonprofits in almost every sector – health, education, environment, community development, arts and culture – seek board members and volunteers to lend their expertise and networks.  

However, as the state’s larger cities continue to expand due to in-migration and natural population growth, civic and quality of life issues struggle for prioritization.  Temporary and permanent agricultural workers are forced to focus on maintaining basic needs that are not provided by their employers, such as adequate housing and medical care.  These workers are disenfranchised from regional values and civic pride, affecting their political and social decision-making for themselves and the next generation.