Date of Workshop: August 1 - 3, 2017

Workshop Coordinator: James Robson

San Juan Evangelista Analco is a town and municipality located in Oaxaca, southwestern Mexico. Covering an area of 33.17 km², it is part of the Ixtlán District in the Sierra Norte de Oaxaca region. Social property is prevalent in the area, with 82% of all forests in Oaxaca under social property management.

In August 2017, a Youth Visioning Workshop was held with 16 participants aged 11 to 37, led by James Robson. The workshop revealed that while the youth are deeply committed to preserving their culture and traditions, they also embrace modern lifestyles. They aspire to enhance their community's attractiveness and socio-economic dynamics, seeking diverse livelihood opportunities. The participants expressed a strong desire to engage in varied activities within their community, reflecting a preference for local work despite the challenges posed by education, employment, and the desire for greater freedom.

One surprising finding was the deep pride the youngest participants have in their identity. They are eager to see their community evolve, merging traditional values with modern advancements. They envision San Juan Evangelista Analco as a place where they can stay or return to after living elsewhere.

On the topic of employment, one participant noted, "In the city, it’s true that there might be more work, but it’s not the case that everyone is able to find work. We have people in (San Juan Evangelista) Analco who have come back from the city because they couldn’t find work or at least work that enabled them to cover the costs of living in the city.”

The workshop also highlighted the need for more balanced gender participation in community decision-making. As one participant observed, "We think it’s really important that we have much more balanced participation of men and women in the assemblies. In this community, nearly all the decisions are taken by men."