The LCUUF Social Action Team presents “Understanding Mexican History and Culture”  

A Two-Week Educational Journey Exploring Mexico’s Past and Present Through Expert Presentations Which Will Enrich Your Cross-Cultural Understanding.

August 4-14, 2025

This August, the Lakeside Community has an extraordinary FREE opportunity to dive deep into the rich tapestry of Mexican culture, history, and contemporary affairs through “Understanding Mexican History and Culture,” a comprehensive two-week seminar series featuring Daniel Grippo, Ph.D., and Carlos Navarro.

The series offers four seminars each week Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, designed specifically for English-speaking residents who want to truly understand the country they are visiting or call home.

Week One (August 4-7): “An Intimate History of Mexico – Public Lives, Private Secrets: Gender and Sexuality in Mexican History.” Dan Grippo

Week Two (August 11-14): “Conversations About Contemporary Mexico – “A Close-Up Look at Mexico’s Geography, Politics, Media, and Foreign Affairs.” Carlos Navarro

Additionally, the series includes two presentations at LCUUF Sunday 12 noon services (August 3 and 10) introducing the speakers, and their respective themes. Dan will present on August 3 and Carlos on August 10. 

As a bonus offering tying to the two weeks together, a special luncheon will be held on Saturday, August 9, at 12 noon, to bring together participants and both speakers for a lively conversation and Q&A. The lunch will be held at Manix II, Carretera Poniente #III, Ajijic, and will offer Chiles Nogadas, Chicken Mole, or a vegetarian plate. The cost is $250pesos. 

Participants can register in advance either at Manix II or come to a Sunday service at 12 noon at the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at St. Andrews Anglican Church, San Lucas 19. Col Riberas de Pilar. (August 3rd, 10th)

This seminar series offers more than academic knowledge—it provides practical cultural literacy for expats seeking to deepen their connection to Mexico. Whether you’re a recent arrival or a long-time resident, “Understanding Mexican History and Culture” promises to transform your understanding of this remarkable country and enrich your daily interactions with greater insight into the social and cultural setting you find yourself in. For more information, click the links below:

About the Presenters

Daily Schedule

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Social Action Team: Who We Are and What We Do

Social Action and Witness

The Fellowship has supported social activism in areas such as immigration and climate change. We occasionally partner with other organizations to support such actions.

We note that as most of our members are migrants from other countries and few of those have obtained Mexican citizenship, we are careful in our involvement in direct action around local politics and controversies. This does not discourage us from being involved in worldwide issues, or issues affecting the homelands of our members.

Socially Responsible Giving

During the pandemic, our social service work focused primarily on food security. We have supported four local food aid programs through our Share the Basket program, where we donate our undesignated Sunday collections (at least $5000 pesos) to one of these programs each month.

We are also actively working to identify other organizations to support with our Time, Talents, and Treasures.

Social Education

Educating ourselves about social justice concerns is of central importance to us. At times our Sunday Services explore some social justice topic as a theme. As residents of the Lakeside Community, we want to learn how to best engage in social justice here — what works, what is most helpful, what helps us be better at serving the people around us.

How to Get Involved

If Social Action resonates with you, and you’d like to join our team and/or participate in events, contact info@lcuuf.org for more information.

Social Action Team 2025-2026

Dee Dee Camhi

Eric Luria

Catherine Luria

Mark Etkins (winter only)

Brad Wisnewski

June Wilson

Matt Alspaugh

Susie Linderman

Paul Bennett

Larry Pihl

June 2025