Values

Autonomy: We believe in the right of communities, both traditional and contemporary, to decide their own destiny. The fundamental basis of autonomy is food and water sovereignty and the free (re-)production of knowledge. Knowledge and Technologies as a commons: We embrace the idea that all knowledge — from research papers to computer programs to genetic […]

Autonomy: We believe in the right of communities, both traditional and contemporary, to decide their own destiny. The fundamental basis of autonomy is food and water sovereignty and the free (re-)production of knowledge.

Knowledge and Technologies as a commons: We embrace the idea that all knowledge — from research papers to computer programs to genetic codes — is the fruit of a collaborative process and therefore cannot be privatized or appropriated by a few. We adhere to and defend the open source concept in all spheres of life.

Participatory Politics: We are convinced of the vital importance of creating political systems based on consensual, collective models of decision-making in all spheres of life, especially in resource creation and distribution.

Respect: Human relations must be based on mutual respect for all peoples and for the natural world. Respect for diversity in all its forms and manifestations – cultural, sexual, epistemological, pedagogical, philosophical, and spiritual – is central to nurturing respect and dignity.

Vision

SURCO founders and collaborators share a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, both within our organization and in society at large. Networking with a variety of local grassroots organizations and indigenous communities, SURCO participates actively in creating and nurturing forms of coexistence not based on the exploitation of people or the environment.

SURCO founders and collaborators share a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, both within our organization and in society at large. Networking with a variety of local grassroots organizations and indigenous communities, SURCO participates actively in creating and nurturing forms of coexistence not based on the exploitation of people or the environment.

Where we work

SURCO’s office and classroom space is in the city of Oaxaca. We work extensively throughout different parts of the state of Oaxaca, as well as the bordering states of Chiapas and Veracruz, and in Mexico City.

SURCO’s office and classroom space is in the city of Oaxaca. We work extensively throughout different parts of the state of Oaxaca, as well as the bordering states of Chiapas and Veracruz, and in Mexico City.

Who we are

  SURCO is a non-profit grassroots organization combining consulting, academic programs and local activism. We believe that knowledge is not only meant to interpret the world, but to change it. Integrating formal education and activism allows us to provide dynamic and diverse opportunities for our program participants, while facilitating connections to the international context and […]

 

SURCO is a non-profit grassroots organization combining consulting, academic programs and local activism. We believe that knowledge is not only meant to interpret the world, but to change it. Integrating formal education and activism allows us to provide dynamic and diverse opportunities for our program participants, while facilitating connections to the international context and to collaboration with our local projects. As an active partner in a wide range of local networks that tackle social and environmental justice issues, SURCO focuses on food and water sovereignty, urban conviviality, defense of indigenous territories, and community-based radio and video.