Vision

This third monthly gathering represented both a celebration of progress and a recognition that finishing well requires the same care we've shown all along.

After years of dedication from the committee and supporters, with gratitude we continue to honor their dedication by continuing the improvements to make the local plaza be more enjoyable for all.

Most importantly, we wanted to keep demonstrating that these public spaces truly belong to all of us, and that every hour of service creates lasting impact for the entire village. Together, we can do so much.

Activities

Our September gathering focused on completing the fence infrastructure that was started long ago, while establishing a more organized approach to meal preparation and community care.

Fence Completion Work:

1. Installed fence section close to the creek, addressing one of the final and most challenging gaps in perimeter protection
2. Cemented broken posts, repairing years of wear and weather damage
3. Cemented the last 4 posts, marking a significant milestone toward total completion

Field & Grounds Improvement:

1. Performed shovel work to create drainage, preventing water accumulation on the soccer field
2. Weeded taro plants that had overgrown fence areas
3. Cleared vegetation from beneath the entire fence line
4. Filled gaps under the fence to prevent erosion and animal intrusion

Kitchen coordination and food contributions

1. Genesis took leadership for kitchen coordination, lunch organization, and preparation.
2. Other contributors brought delicious prepared salads, fruits and sweet cakes.

Insights

Food is infrastructure too. Organizing a meal system that's simple, local, and vegetarian required planning and community coordination. Having a designated kitchen leader made the entire day flow more smoothly. Nourishment and construction are both acts of care.

The final 10% is just as important as the first 90%. Cementing the last posts, filling the small gaps, addressing drainage, installing the challenging creek-side section. Quality completion honors years of collective effort.

Years of persistence pay off. Consistent monthly gatherings can accomplish infrastructure projects that individuals or even funded organizations struggle to finish.

Clear contribution pathways increase participation. By listing specific food items needed and multiple ways to contribute more people could find ways to support that matched their capacity and interests.

Gift to Community

Coordination Model for Community Work Days:

1. Designate kitchen leadership in advance (like Genesis)
2. Create specific ingredient donation lists shared ahead of time
3. Offer multiple contribution pathways
4. Keep menus simple, local, and accessible
5. Integrate break-time snacks (fruits, coffee, cake) into the work rhythm
6. Reach out during the week to have everything organized by the event day

Fence Completion Checklist for Community Infrastructure:

1. Address creek-side or water-adjacent sections last (often most challenging)
2. Budget time for cementing and repairing weathered components
3. Plan for drainage to prevent water damage to fields or structures
4. Fill gaps thoroughly to prevent both erosion and animal intrusion

Persistence Template: Proof that regular monthly gatherings, sustained with committee support and community participation, can complete major infrastructure projects through volunteer labor, community fundraising, and incremental progress.

Next Steps

What Comes Next:

Immediate:

1. Final fence touches and any remaining gap-filling
2. Transition focus toward roof extension project
3. Continue refining kitchen coordination for future gatherings with rotating leadership
4. Begin formal playground design process under the completed Playroof structure

Ongoing Monthly Gatherings:

1. Continue last-Saturday-of-the-month collective action days
2. Rotate leadership for different aspects
3. Maintain the morning work + shared lunch + afternoon celebration structure that's proven successful over three months

Long-Term Vision:

1. Complete roof extension to shelter full playground area
2. Design and build playground equipment for all ages
3. Establish ongoing maintenance schedules for completed infrastructure
4. Create additional gathering amenities

How You Can Support:

For Our Monthly Gatherings:

1. Volunteer for morning work projects (all skill levels welcome)
2. Take leadership in kitchen coordination, activities, or specific work projects
3. Donate ingredients from the monthly food list shared before each event
4. Prepare side dishes at home to contribute to shared meals
5. Contribute money to buy ingredients for community meals
6. Bring tools, skills, or simply your presence and energy

For Our Ongoing Projects:

1. Contribute financially toward roof extension materials
2. Share our story with potential supporters and funders
3. Document gatherings through photos and video
4. Offer specialized skills (welding, carpentry, design, project management)
5. Connect us with material suppliers or skilled advisors

Join Us: Last Saturday of every month at the Salón Comunal in Las Tumbas. We start with morning work (8am), share lunch together, and celebrate in the afternoon. This space belongs to all of us. When we show up in service, we create lasting impact for everyone in our village.