Isaias Garcia Ortega Making a Positive Change in Sayulita

Isaias Garcia Ortega, originally from the state of Guerrero, moved to Sayulita with his family 11 years ago. Now, 15 years old, he is an active member of Juntos Por Mi Pueblo (JXMP), and is striving not only to make a positive change in Sayulita, but also to be a role model for others.

How did you get involved with JMXP?

About 5 months ago, Daniel Camacho Venegas (one of the founders of JXMP) was in town and he wasn’t really doing anything, so we started hanging out. We were talking and he started to tell me about JXMP and the traffic and garbage plan they were putting together for Semana Santa. So, I decided to get involved.

How does JXMP make a difference in Sayulita?

We help the people, do garbage cleanups, and try to place order in the town. We do whatever we can to create consciousness and we try to make tourists and locals see that Sayulita is a place that should be respected and kept clean.

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

For me, Sayulita is my pueblo, and this motivates me. This is all I have, so I’m going to give everything I can to keep it a good place and to better it. Me, personally, I’m a skateboarder and I really hate the trash problem. Often when I go to the plaza to skate, I ask one of the nearby restaurants for a bag, pick up garbage, sweep a bit, and then skate. I try to be an example, and more than that, I also do it for myself, and the town.

What changes do you want to see brought about by JXMP?

I’d like to see more involvement and awareness among the local people because unfortunately the local people don’t always respect the town.

What role do you play in JXMP?

I always try to get involved with whatever I can and I give it my all to make sure things are done right. I helped direct traffic during Semana Santa, I’ve done garbage cleanups, and I’ve planted trees.

What have you gained from your involvement with this group?

Ever since I got involved with JXMP, I’ve noticed I was part of the problem, not the solution. So, when I got involved with JXMP, I realized that I wasn’t doing things right. Now, I want to make up for the things I’ve done in the past and do things right. I also want to be an example for the other people in town.

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

I’m most proud of getting involved with the community. I’ve found that many people are grateful for what we’ve done and are saying we’re doing a great job. The appreciation is very satisfying. We’ve accomplished a lot  - Semana Santa, helping families, planting trees…

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

We have our group get-togethers and we have a great sense of teamwork, but I’d like to see more local people get involved in our community. Not necessarily through JXMP, but in general, so the town can grow in a way that can benefit us all.

How can others help?

The community should look out for Sayulita, try to keep it clean, and present a good image to others. The people should try to be more hospitable instead of criticizing and pointing fingers; we should all come together for the benefit of the town.

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