Come to our presentations at LCS Gardens
Open Circle provides a supportive environment to gather for social interaction and to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community and our world.
Upcoming Presentation, April 6, 2025 Panel Discussion
New Developments: Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzican
Francisco Nava
With a mission statement to “To help the people in San Pedro Itzicán and the surrounding towns to improve their lives and the lives of others, for generations to come.” our support for the community has ranged from teaching to grow plants from seed, teaching music, traditional dance, English classes, literacy classes, knitting, sewing, jewelry making, hairdressing classes, programs for children with different needs, support of education for youth and adults and encouraging people to learn new skills to be financially independent. Our programs involve people from all the local villages as well as the town of Mezcala.
Francisco is a founding member of Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzican and a sustainable garden consultant and teacher. Franncisco write a monthly column for Ojo Del Lago: Verdant View. He was born and raised in Guadalajara, lived in the US for many years, and relocated Lakeside 14 years ago.
If You Missed an In-person Presentation, You Can Still Enjoy It Online
March 30, 2025 Panel Discussion The State of Childhood Literacy Lakeside
Continuing the legacy of LCS benefactor Neill James, Open Circle will explore current programs to enable and empower Lakeside youth. Hear about LCS programs, private and public-school initiatives and how area non-profits are supporting hundreds of Lakeside families develop life skills for 21 st century success. Ms. James lived in Ajijic from 1943-94. She is broadly credited for her pioneering work to facilitate childhood literacy, artistic expression and scholarships for Ajijic youth. This work began in the 1950’s and continues to this day through programs actively operated by the Lake Chapala Society staff and volunteers.
Past Presentations
About Open Circle
For nearly 30 years, the Lake Chapala area has been honored to host Mexico’s longest-standing weekly English language lecture series. Begun in 1995 by volunteers under the title of “New Dimensions” and initially focused on various aspects of spirituality, in 2001 the program became “Open Circle” and was hosted in homes and restaurants. The Lake Chapala Society became Open Circle Ajijic’s permanent home in the early 2000’s and (since 20021) has become an official Lake Chapala Society program.
Mission Statement:
“Open Circle Ajijic provides a supportive environment to gather for social interaction and to improve our understanding of ourselves, our community, and our world. Presentations span a wide range of intellectual, cultural, physical, and spiritual topics. We do not necessarily agree with the ideas and philosophies of our presenters. We encourage you to listen with an open mind and form your own opinions.”