The Institutional Crisis at Casa de los Amigos A.C – April 2024
Casa de los Amigos is a Quaker Center for Peace and International Understanding in Mexico City, and the oldest peace and social justice organization in Mexico. The Quaker community in Mexico established the Civil Association in 1956, and the family of José Clemente Orozco sold the artist’s home and studio, designed by Luis Barragán, to the group at a reduced rate to support their work. In the 65 years since then the Casa has offered aid and shelter to the migrant, refugee, scholar and traveler; provided a space for the local Quaker Meeting, supported and launched countless social movements and organizations, and served as a focal point for people working for a more just world. The Casa de los Amigos is a reference point for peace and social justice work in Mexico and around the world.
The Institutional Crisis – A Hostile Takeover
The Board of Directors (Asamblea) of Casa de los Amigos alleges that in 2018 and 2019 the outgoing executive director falsified board documents to appoint himself the president of the board and to form a new board of directors, excluding in the process over half of the members of the board without their consent or awareness. The removed board members were long-term members of the community, including former Casa volunteers, staff members, and 7 of the 11 Quakers, including members of the local Quaker Meeting. The outgoing executive director and his supporters then hired a new director with no experience with Quakers or Quaker work.
As of spring 2021, it appears that both the former director and his hand-chosen successor are no longer actively involved in the Casa. However, the current occupants continue to be led by an individual whose control was established in direct collaboration with that former director’s actions of dubious legality and integrity. This individual, who currently presents himself as the Director, held the position of accountant in the Casa for fifteen years prior. Although he has legal documents that designate him as legal steward of the Casa, we allege that these documents have their origin in the fraudulent activities carried out in 2018 and 2019.
Since the beginning of this crisis, additional serious concerns have arisen. Multiple events suggest the possible misuse of donations during the period between 2016 and 2020. Several employees have unfairly lost their jobs due to the instability generated by the crisis. Likewise, at least two accusations have been received from partner organizations regarding the House’s ability to guarantee the safety of participants in its programs. In response to these actions and to serious concerns about the current administration’s financial management and commitment to the Casa’s mission, most of the Casa’s partners, allies and supporters have suspended their relationships with the organization. The current administration controlling the Casa is unable to maintain historic relationships or established partnerships with organizations that provide key financial support, unable to pay owed wages to the Casa cleaning staff, and unable to respond to these serious charges.
The Goal of the Board of the Casa de los Amigos, AC
The Board of the Casa de los Amigos seeks to restore the integrity of the organization, repair relationships with members of our community, and allow the legacy of Quaker social action in Mexico to continue. We extend an open and continuing invitation to the person presenting himself as the Director of the Casa, as well as any member of his team, to work with us to resolve the concerns described. The Board is receptive to considering any solution that may address these long-standing concerns in accordance with Quaker principles.
What does the Board of the Casa need?
The Board (Asamblea) needs financial support to support, among other things, the Casa cleaning staff’s unpaid wages, legal support to rectify their work and social security status, and legal support related to ensuring the ongoing legal and corporate status of the organization. The Board needs Casa supporters to connect by emailing us. We also encourage community members to contact the occupants directly to ask that they resolve the crisis directly with The Board. Finally, please, hold us in the Light as we return a historic peace organization to its rightful stewards and enable the witness and legacy of Quaker social action in Mexico to continue.
Asamblea de la Casa de los Amigos, A.C.
asamblea@casadelosamigos.org.mx
Casa de los Amigos is a non-profit peace organization, a community center, the Mexico City home of Friends (Quakers), a social justice-oriented guest house and a home.