Charlie Knittel Making a Positive Change in Sayulita

Charlie Knittel and his wife, Joanie, lived in Southeast Alaska in Juneau, a remote village along the Yukon River for 25 years. For the next 10 years, they lived in a small town north of San Francisco, California, and then in 1999, they bought a home in Sayulita. After retiring in 2012 from paid employment, they decided to call Sayulita home full time.  With a commitment to social service and community work, Charlie currently is serving his second term as treasurer on the Pro Sayulita board.

How did you get involved with Pro Sayulita?

Joan and I joined Pro Sayulita as dues-paying members a few years ago, as a way to donate money to Pro Sayulita's community-oriented projects. I became a board member last year, allowing me to help advance these projects.

How does this organization make a difference in Sayulita?

Pro Sayulita helps bring needed public safety services to our community, services that benefit residents and visitors alike. Sayulita is a safer and cleaner place to live and visit, thanks to projects financially supported by Pro Sayulita.

What motivates you to continue to try to make a positive impact in Sayulita?

I find working in concert with other community members very fulfilling. Teamwork gets things done in our unique international town!

What changes do you want to see brought about by Pro Sayulita?

Many community members realize that the wastewater disposal system needs an upgrade. There are many parties involved, and we must undergo the process of reaching an agreement on reasonable short and long-term solutions. After the stakeholders reach agreement, Pro Sayulita can move forward with them on the solutions. Improvements to the treatment plant were made recently, and the parties can build on that progress.

What role do you play?

As Pro Sayulita's treasurer, I focus on accountability for the money raised from our donors, and on maintaining our non-profit tax status both in Mexico and the US. I also participate in efforts to increase our dues-paying membership, and in our fundraisers. These tasks involve working together with Pro Sayulita's accountant, and with others who devote many hours, days, and weeks, to the success of our membership recruitment and fundraising efforts.

What have you gained from your involvement with Pro Sayulita?

Looking back on my past year on the board, I feel proud of what Pro Sayulita has accomplished. Many people come forward year after year to give their time and money to make Sayulita a safe and enjoyable place to live and visit. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside these dedicated people. 

What positive changes have you seen brought about by your efforts? What are you most proud of?

Our international community comes together during the fundraisers that take place throughout the year. This year's Fiesta was a great example, and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Many people worked hard to bring about this success. Damien Porter and Nick Parrillo from Don Pedro’s generously donated the food, beverages, and the venue. The money raised will cover the operating cost of Pro Sayulita's ongoing projects through the end of 2016.

Last December's Ranchero party also showed local support for Pro Sayulita. We enjoyed a delicious Bar-B-Q dinner prepared by Ruben Rodriguez and his family, who own Ruben’s Deli, followed by mariachis and folkloric dancers. Ruben generously donated the food, entertainment, and the venue. Again, people came together at this traditional Mexican celebration to raise money and help our town.

What additional change(s) would you like to see in the future and what are you doing to make this happen?

I hope to see many more people become dues-paying members of Pro Sayulita. Maybe my work as treasurer will build confidence in our accountability and will prompt more people to become new members. Sayulita needs many more people willing to donate generously if we hope to successfully address our wastewater disposal problem.

How can others help?

Become dues-paying members of Pro Sayulita! You can join by visiting our website or by responding to our occasional fundraising emails. Your tax deductible USD donation goes to our US PayPal account: Friends of Sayulita, Inc. People can also donate cash in pesos at the office of our accountant, Mauricio Calderón, located on Revolucion across from the fire station. 

Become a volunteer! Our fundraising and membership recruitment efforts depend entirely on the hard work of volunteers. New ways to reach out to and engage people will help us increase our membership. Pro Sayulita needs volunteers to take on these important tasks. 

For additional information, you can contact me here.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks, Sayulita Life, for the opportunity to raise awareness of Pro Sayulita's accomplishments and the work ahead!