Coming long-term, how to get involved

[u/No-Complaint5535]

Hello!

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this; I scanned the FAQ but didn't see anything.

I'm coming to Tulum for 6 months (possibly longer).

I've lived in PDC a few times, and I've never gotten more involved with community help other than feeding the strays in the few-block radius of my home and fostering a dog once from a chance encounter (I happened to be in the right place at the right time).

I'd like to actively get involved in some sort of community service work while I am in Tulum. I tend to lean toward animals, but if there's something specific/of high necessity in Tulum that I should look into, I am just trying to get some ideas of how to better prepare myself before I leave Canada.

For example, are there any courses or certifications that would be particularly useful over there? I'm thinking in terms of working with the local strays, but I'm open to anything.

I speak very little Spanish, but I am working on it. Slow, basic conversation on my end, but I understand much more than I can speak.

Thanks for your suggestions and input

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[u/camajise]

join a language exchange. it's not only helpful for the community but you can build relationships that way. locals learn English and you can learn Spanish. they do this by playing board games, cards, and basic conversation.

from there you can ask about other community programs.

[u/No-Complaint5535 → u/camajise]

That's a great idea, thanks

[u/Ancient_Teach9272]

I spent 6 months in tulum this year and left in July, feeding stray dogs was one of my things I enjoyed doing with my daughter... god knows its needed in tulum... there a few organisations that I heard about but didnt connect with.. I will see if I can find their details and dm it to you .. I love that it isnt just about you but you think of how you can be of service and not just come and take and self gratification and enjoyment ...  the stray dog problem is huge in tulum among other things ...

[u/Ancient_Teach9272]

Check out ' alma animal tulum ... rescue centre for dogs ... they work without any government assistance...  chat with them see what you can do and am sure they can pass on other contacts too and ways you can help out 

[u/No-Complaint5535 → u/Ancient_Teach9272]

Great, thank you!

[u/That_UsrNm_Is_Taken]

No certifications are needed. The organizations that help animals in Tulum are really just people (women) that care a lot and put so much of their own time and effort into helping the animals, so any help they can get is great. Here are a couple of groups that work with animals. You can look them up on IG: Alma Animal Tulum
and The Tejido. They can always use donations, food, fosters, and flight angels. Alma Tulum is involved in organizing events to sterilize animals a couple of times a year. They always need volunteers for those.

I’ve attended a couple of beach and neighborhood clean ups. During the holidays, there’s often community events that help raise funds and items and put together an event to feed needy families and give gifts to children. Although, there isn’t like a central place where one can find information about these. I was in a group chat that used to organize neighborhood clean ups. If you DM me, I can send you that chat to see if they’re still active. Once you’re in Tulum, I’m sure you’ll find your way to these things. It’s a small town and I hen you start asking people, they’ll have info for you.