Minga

The indigenous culture here has an incredible custom called a minga. There is no exact translation into English, but it occurs when a community works together in a collective effort for the good of the whole community. People stop everything related to individual gain…to build a school, to clean the street, to help a neighbor. Mingas lessen isolation, enrich relationships and solidify the neighborhood. We North Americans are excellent at helping one another after a disaster, but when was the last time we structured our weekend around a pro-active community goal? I will be looking for ways to incorporate this idea when I return to the states. Perhaps we will work together...