After a month in Mompox, we became aware of at least 100 different kinds of needs. Some days, we felt overwhelmed and just wanted to shut the door and take a big, deep breath. We did something better, though: we invited people to sit down and tell us their stories.

Based on what we learned (and what we’ll be sharing in future stories), we’ve come up with this list of 8 easy things you can do to help Mompox. Like many towns across the world, Mompox has amazing potential, but simply lacks some basic resources that are needed to realize its own capabilities.

*
8. Clean your closets. One person’s junk is another person’s treasure, my mom always said, and she’s right. Those gently used clothes, that box of pencils you’ve saved but will never use, the crutches you needed when you broke your ankle… every single item you no longer need can be repurposed for people in need. In Mompox, kids need school supplies–notebooks, pens, pencils. Residents of the local nursing home would like art supplies–brushes, drawing paper, paints. And the hospital is in desperate need of used but still serviceable crutches, walkers, and other pieces of medical equipment. If you have these kinds of items and would be willing ship them–either directly to Mompox or to CollazoProjects, which will be sending materials periodically–you’ll not only be lightening your own load, you’ll be helping someone else!

7. Adopt a kid. The kids in the Voces de Mompox project and many of their peers live in profound poverty. Some don’t eat even two meals a day. Many miss school because they lack proper shoes (and are sent home if this is the case) or have damaged uniforms. If you could commit to “adopting” one kid and sponsoring his or her school-related needs for six months or a year, you’d be improving the quality of education and the future prospects of students who are eager to realize their potential. And the good news?? Sponsoring a kid doesn’t cost much. School uniforms range from $8.00 to $16.00 depending on the item being purchased. If this option interests you, please contact us directly at writingjulie@gmail.com.

6. Collect soda can tabs. Soda can tabs are easy for us to send to Colombia and can be recycled by the kids for money.

5. Browse through your bookshelf. In Mompox, the local public library receives funds to buy new books every four years. The condition of the books in the limited collection is quite poor and children can’t check books out to read at home. Any books that you no longer want would be welcomed by the kids– whether in English or in Spanish. The same is true of old magazines.

4. Donate old electronics. What’s your plan for that old laptop or camera? Don’t recycle it; repurpose it! Going from no technology to some technology is a big step for the Voces de Mompox project. And as we work towards non-profit status, you might just be able to claim a tax deduction.

3. Lend a hand. What’s your talent? What might you be able to do to support the Voces de Mompox project? We’ve received offers of website development and grant writing, both of which are welcome. If you have a talent that could be used to move this project to the next step, let us know; we’d be happy to benefit from your expertise and enthusiasm!

2. Visit Colombia. Combat the negative stereotypes of Colombia by traveling there and seeing amazing places and people for yourself.

1. Spread the word. Share your enthusiasm about the Voces de Mompox project with friends, family, and contacts. Encourage them to adopt one or more of these action steps as a personal challenge to make a positive difference in the lives of these amazing young people. What are specific ways you can spread the word? *Forward your favorite Voces de Mompox article to your contacts and encourage them to visit the site. *Link to CollazoProjects and the Voces de Mompox series on your own blog or website. *Feature Voces de Mompox in a story on your website.

For more information about any of these tips, please e-mail us at writingjulie@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

Thanks,
Francisco & Julie