Notes from the President – September 2019 – Community Action
Last month I told you we would be progressing the DONATAPA project with the recycling centre as our key partners. However, last Thursday we had an invitation to attend a meeting with Municipality President Hans Cruz, and Alcalde Jeffry Montoya, at 9.00 a.m. on Friday morning. I was grateful secretary Jackie was available at such short notice to join me, we had a warm welcome and a very fruitful meeting.
First, they wanted to join in the DONATAPA project. Jeffrey Montoya was very proud the Municipality has just gained a Blue flag (on environmental work and standards) with one star; they obviously thought this project might help them to gain a second one. Having waited months for a decision, it seemed our time had come! We were invited to have our launch at the 80th Anniversary celebration of the founding of PZ Muni – a big bash to be held in the city park on 9 October. The Muni will provide us with a free table / toldo.
Coincidentally, the Association for Social Programmes, in Dominical, heard about our initiative and asked to be partners. Although they are not in PZ as such, they have a recycling program and Dominical is our nearest beach, so we’ve agreed to have them on board.
Having planned to design a couple of posters and roll this out poco a poco, we’re now propelled into putting on a better show, but its a great opportunity to present PZIWC and the project to a huge audience. Our little working group will be meeting on the 12th to plan the detail. For now, please get the date in your diaries, we’ll be looking for volunteers to help on the day. It should be a fun event!
Second, having applied last September to be ‘officially’ recognised by the Municipality, we were conferred that honored 
status. It means we should be included in relevant official notices, events etc.; be able to apply for Municipal support and funding, and have the right to meet leaders and be heard on any matters we may wish to raise. We were also offered free use of the Complejo Cultural (town hall) for any future seminars or events. Another positive step forward as we approach our 10th Anniversary and presence in PZ.
And third, just for your information. We raised the topic of emergencies, primarily to let them know we have Embassy contacts in our community, and to express our willingness to be a resource when needed. We illustrated our commitment by citing some of the many ways in which the Club and its members had responded to both the OTTO and NATE disasters. They were very impressed by our Emergency Telephone Tree and potential ability to communicate quickly with a large number of people in the expat community.