Formerly know as Walking Together for Health and Development or Caninamos Juntos Para Salud y Desarrollo, Atzin is a non-profit organization that has been working in Tlamacazapa, Mexico since early 1997.

The organization began by talking with women in Tlamacazapa about what they needed to improve their lives. Over time, a small international team of volunteers began working with villagers to understand, address and resolve issues affecting the community. Currently, Atzin has many program activities that combine to form a holistic approach to community development.

Operating out of a renovated home in Tlamacazapa, Atzin volunteers work with local promoters to – among other services – monitor growth of young children, build dry toilets with families, teach women how to cook with soya, and provide primary health care and emergency dental services.

Atzin has three main focus areas:

1. Self-Sufficiency – Atzin implements income-generating programs that focus on increasing both community and individual value.
Programs include women’s weaving and quilting groups, traditional mid-wife training, training for men in masonry and training for both men and women in small-business development.

2. Rebuilding Community – In an effort to explore new ways of living, Atzin programs are geared toward rebuilding both trusting relationships and the physical infrastructure that define a healthy community.
Programs include the construction of rainwater catchment tanks, household sanitation units, and community facilities.

3. Strengthening Self – Atzin programs are designed to create confidence and build capacity by striving toward improved health and healing.
Programs include investigation into the causes of high perinatal/infant mortality rates, the source of contamination of local drinking water, and the causes of birth defects and physical disabilities.
Program activities also include a free primary care clinic and access to free dental care.