Blog

November, 2024

Dear Liga MAC Family,

What’s Happening at Liga MAC:

• Liga MAC receives a prestigious designation
• Volunteers represent Liga MAC at WWT PGA tournament
• Learning Centre brimming with activity
• SOLD OUT! Knick Nac Golf Tournament benefitting Liga MAC ready to hit the links!

Designation Profile: Liga MAC awarded AIT

With a 27-year history of helping the local community of San Jose del Cabo, Liga MAC’s work is its own reward but earning the respect of organizations and institutions further afield adds to Liga MAC’s cachet and credibility.

Liga MAC was recently recognized by Cemefi – Mexican Centre for Philanthropy – with an AIT (Accreditation Institucionalidad & Transparency) designation. Founded in 1988, Cemefi is a community of 1,600 agencies, organizations and individuals committed to generating just, social change in a collaborative way. Their AIT award is given annually by renewal or new application to qualifying non-governmental organizations. In order to qualify, applicants must comply with a list of 10 verifiable indicators which include: legal and tax compliance, public visibility, accountability, transparency, a strong volunteer base, an oversight Board, sustainability, compliance with labour laws and sound strategic planning.

The purpose of the award is to provide any individual, company or institution with the means to clearly identify a non-governmental organization’s legal status and capacity to operate. The award generates trust and opportunities for collaboration and improving resources. Renewed every 2 years, the awards have been presented by Cemefi since 2014. In 2024, 632 organizations retained their designation, 280 renewed and 61 new organizations including Liga MAC were added. In Baja California Sur, Liga MAC is one of only 4 organizations with the AIT designation.

The awards ceremony took place in Mexico City on October 25, 2024. Liga MAC’s Executive Director, Elva Haro, attended by video conferencing.

Other News at Liga MAC:

World Wide Technology PGA Tournament @ El Cardonal Golf Course at Diamante, Cabo San Lucas

For the second consecutive year Liga MAC volunteers stepped up to volunteer at the WWT PGA Tournament from Nov. 7 to 10. Liga MAC’s 49 volunteers included staff, students & their parents. The experience afforded our students a chance to practice their English, learn about residential communities in their municipality with potential for career opportunities and to learn about the sport of golf. With one of the largest contingent of volunteers, Liga MAC’s team was responsible for the 18th hole from tee to green, volunteer services and the captaining of walking scorers and standard bearers.

Liga MAC Learning Centre

When visitors dropped by the Learning Centre last week, they found activities in progress in every room of the building. Chefs Tadd Chapman and David Merin were leading a cooking class for the Health Through Education program; Spanish and Math tutoring programs were being conducted; Celia Villalobos was leading a fitness class; and Juan Carlos Cotamo was working with his ESL class. The large lecture area on the main floor has hosted recent presentations by local dentists, a psychologist speaking to the challenges of drug abuse, IMSS hospital doctors discussing breast cancer and prostate cancer prevention. Volunteer Mario Lozano has started his music program with classes 3 times a week in basic music theory and music appreciation. He is hoping to have his singers ready to perform in the municipal Christmas concert. The computer study area is now complete with 7 desktop computers and is able to host students doing research and homework. Grade 12 students are on hand to help.

Knick Nac Golf Tournament

The 15th annual tournament benefitting Liga MAC is set to tee off on December 2 with a full complement of players. The event will be held at Querencia Golf Course and includes a silent auction, dinner, a round of golf on a world class private course with prizes for the successful team. Good luck all!

Tacos, Tostadas and Tequila

As with last year’s successful TTT event at Baja Luna event centre, ticket holders this year will enjoy gourmet tacos and tostadas delivered by 5 local chefs and washed down with a selection of tequilas. Live musical entertainment completes the scene. With only 200 tickets available for the January 29, 2025 event, they will go fast. Look for them to go on sale in mid December or contact Elva Haro at elva@ligamac.org for more information.

Liga MAC Donation Centre and Organic Market Booths

Look for Liga MAC booths at both the Friday organic market at Palmilla (9:00 am to 1:00 pm) and the Saturday San Jose Organic Market (9:00 am to 12 Noon). Or, during the week you can find English and Spanish language books and gently used household items available for a small donation at the Donation Centre on Boulevard Marinos, Colonia Chamizal on Tuesday and Saturday mornings (8:00 am to 1:00 pm). Or, if you have items to donate bring them to the Donation Centre during opening hours or contact Sonia Trujilo.

Closing Remarks

A track record of charitable accomplishments and a long history of community involvement are the visible and obvious signs of an organization’s success. But beyond the obvious, questions arise about an organization’s sustainability. Is the organization filing its tax returns and legal documents? Are they treating their staff in a fair and legal manner? Is there operational and managerial transparency? Do the donors receive an annual report? Is the operational budget sustainable? Is there a contingency fund? To other collaborative organizations, foundations and individual donors the answers to these questions will influence their involvement. Liga MAC’s AIT designation verifies that all the boxes have been ticked. It is not only a tool for potential donors but an authentication that Liga MAC is on the right track.

With sincere appreciation,

Maria Lindenberg, President
Liga MAC Board of Directors