The community movement "Naguabo Somos Todos" held its Second Annual Meeting of Community Leaders at the new Peña Pobre community center in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, with representatives of ten communities whose organizations group roughly 4,680 families and 15,000 people. The gathering addressed three topics the collective called essential to its future: the organizations’ fiscal health, generational succession and community-development experiences.
"It was as easy as inviting them to complete their hours," said Lidia Suárez, a community leader from Maizales.
In written remarks the movement said the meeting was a space to recognize how much members have grown as people, organizations and a community movement, and that solidarity and collaboration are fundamental tools for transforming communities. One of the most revealing moments was the panel "Diálogo Generacional: Buscando el Relevo," with five young Naguabo residents: Jadelyz Aguayo, secretary of the youth committee of the Cooperativa La Naguabeña; Ingrid Fabiola Maldonado, the outgoing queen of Naguabo; Alisha Crespo, the incoming queen; and Rihanna Félix and Yandiel Cruz, youth medalists of the Department of Housing.
Using questions prepared by Dr. Nydia M. Vázquez, they shared their dreams, concerns and experiences. "It was as easy as inviting them to complete their hours," said Lidia Suárez, a community leader from Maizales. The panel "Desarrollo Comunitario: La Experiencia de un Líder" featured Miriam Matos, linked to the community aqueduct movement, and Jenniffer Abreu-Santana, of the Yabucoa Leaders Academy.
Matos reflected on the harshness of confronting complex systems and interests that do not always serve the common good, particularly when working for the most vulnerable. Abreu described community accompaniment since Hurricane María. Carlos Julio Maldonado Flores, director of the Naguabo municipal Office of Culture and Tourism, also attended. The movement began eleven years ago.