Drawn together by a small town and a big idea, a handful of expatriates gathered at a North Hollywood park during the dog days of summer 2002. While many of us organized trips to the beach—or the refrigerator—they took the first steps to help build a paved road between their hometown of Milpillas de Allende, Zacatecas, Mexico, and the nearest state highway.

Thus was born Club Milpillas de Allende.

Two years and $42,000 later, their goal recently drew three kilometers closer.

“Back then we thought that eventually we’d contribute 20 – 30% of the cost,” said one of the Club’s first members. This PAEC staff member prefers not to be named, “Because it’s not about me as an individual.”

I’m proud to say, he continued, “that with everybody’s help our Club was able to pay for 100% of this fifth section of the road.

The Federal and State Governments contributed to previous sections of the project, as have people from the other two small towns impacted, Huitzila and La Hacienda de Guadalupe.

Regular meetings of the Club, which is registered as a Non-Profit Organization, also act as fund-raisers. Between meetings, members are kept informed via bulk mailings.

But money is just half of the story, according to our source. It’s also about meeting new people, talking, and sharing good times.

Does he think others can form their own clubs and have similar success? Absolutely, he responded. If people have a clear, common goal—and see that all the money is spent properly—they can put aside other differences and do great things. I encourage you to do it.

He also produced a short DVD that documents the group’s formation and success. It's available in the office for classroom use and discussion.

by: Jerry King