In July, the steering committee of the People’s Ecumenical Organization of the Northeast Department (OPODNE), held their first leadership retreat, led by PICO consultant Francois Pierre-Louis. Founding OPODNE members worked together to learn more about PICO principles, finalize a budget…
In February, COFOA Cuyultitan La Paz leaders followed up on their progress with the mayor and city council members in bringing safety to their community regarding their priorities: illegal sales of alcohol, safety and clean drinking water, all raised by…
Leaders from Pastores City, Guatemala, are taking action to reduce crime and violence. They held a listening campaign where they reached out to 300 Pastores residents, who identified security and safety as their most important issue. In January, Pastores City…
COFOA San Juan Tepezontes leaders are committed to improving health care, and are holding research meetings with public health officials to tackle the larger issues that prevent adequate health access. Leaders decided to take immediate steps to bring health resources…
This February, COFOA San Pedro Nonualco leaders held a celebration to launch year two of their safety campaign – United Neighbors = Safe Neighborhoods - building on their success in 2012. Over 250 community leaders and youth received reports from…
Mumeya leaders and community members continue to move ahead on economic development, applying the principles and methods learned from Pr. John. The Mumeya community has begun construction of a multipurpose building near the Mumeya health center, after the Mumeya Local…
In January Kirehe’s mayor and the Mumeya Local Organizing Committee met to agree on last steps to complete plastering of the walls and bring water to the health center. The mayor has assigned additional staff, and committed that by the…
PICO Rwanda’s Director and Organizer, John Rutsindintwarane, recently lost his mother, Kabasinga Beltirde. She was not only an inspiration to John and his work; she was a sharing and caring woman who touched many people in her lifetime. John reflects…
In August, eight PICO USA staff and leaders shared an intensive two-week immersion in PICO Central America’s work in Guatemala and El Salvador. They met with leaders, church representatives (including bishops in both countries) and public officials, and witnessed the…
Seventy-two leaders from El Salvador and Guatemala participated in a three day retreat in San Salvador in January 2013. The theme of the training was “Power is in the Relationship”, offering COFOA leaders an opportunity to reflect on their public…
