Help 150 Communities Plan and Design Their Future

Over the past few months, our focus has been on the active dissemination and engagement surrounding the Community Toolkit (La Cartuchera). Following the successful completion and printing of the toolkit, we have embarked on several key activities to ensure its reach and impact within Puerto Rico's communities.

We successfully produced 150 units of La Cartuchera. Distribution efforts have been strong, with over 65 kits delivered directly to community members and organizations. Additionally, we used social media for a giveaway, resulting in increased visibility and engagement, and mailed over 5 toolkits to further our reach. Our community engagement efforts began with an initial La Cartuchera workshop for a project we’re collaborating with, La Tiendita, in San Lorenzo. We’re very happy that we could count with the participation of approximately ten people. This workshop was instrumental in demonstrating the practical applications of the toolkit and gathering feedback for future improvements.

So far, we have conducted four presentations of La Cartuchera to various audiences, including the general public, community organizations, and collaborators. These presentations have been vital in showcasing the toolkit's potential and fostering collaborative relationships. Looking ahead, we have two more workshops scheduled for the end of July. These workshops will pave the way for the Community Toolkit Certification program, set to begin in August, with five sessions already planned. This program aims to certify community leaders and organizers in effectively utilizing La Cartuchera, thereby amplifying its impact.

Our efforts over the past few months have been focused on not just distributing the toolkit but also on ensuring it is used effectively to empower communities. The feedback and interactions from our workshops and presentations have been invaluable, guiding us in refining our approach and planning future activities. The past months have been marked by significant milestones in the production, distribution, and engagement phases of La Cartuchera. We are excited about the upcoming activities and remain committed to our mission of building stronger, more resilient communities through participatory design and community organizing tools.

Until next time,
La Maraña Team