Caracoles

Our Caracoles program is deeply inspired by the principles of the Zapatista movement in southern Mexico. On January 1, 1994, the Zapatista uprising began, leading to the establishment of autonomous zones within the Mexican state of Chiapas. Over time, these zones evolved into Centros de Resistencia Autónoma y Rebeldía Zapatista, which included “Caracoles” — Indigenous-led, female-guided autonomous communities within Zapatista territory.

We draw on this model to shape our own Caracoles. Each group operates autonomously, with the freedom to approach community projects and activities in its own way. At the same time, every Caracol is an integral part of and accountable to the larger school community.

When one Caracol thrives, we all benefit; when one discovers a great idea or practice, it can be shared to enrich the entire community.

This approach reflects a key Zapatista teaching:

“We want one world in which many worlds can exist.”

We honor the lineage of thought and activism that informs our program — from our namesake, Ricardo Flores Magón, to Emiliano Zapata, to the Zapatistas — and strive to bring those values to life within our school community.

At RFMA, we proudly have 11 Caracoles: Yellow (Amarillo), Orange (Anaranjado), Pink (Rosa), Purple (Morado), Lime Green (Lima Verde), Forest Green (Verde Oscuro), Silver (Color Plata), Dark Grey (Gris Oscuro), Turquoise (Turquesa), Red (Rojo), and Lavender (Color Lavanda). Each Caracol consists of 3–5 Magonistas from every grade level and is guided by three staff members and one 8th-grade leader.

Caracoles meet weekly to engage in community building, collaborative projects, friendly competition, and fun. These sessions are designed to strengthen connections among Magonistas of different age groups, fostering a sense of trust, belonging, and mutual support. The projects undertaken by each Caracol are culturally or justice-focused and aim to deepen alignment with RFMA's core values. Every Caracol member receives a custom shirt featuring their group’s unique logo, and both students and staff are encouraged to creatively showcase their Caracol pride, especially on Fridays.

The program also incorporates exciting incentives to drive engagement. Each Caracol can earn rewards based on their participation in projects, their treatment of peers and the community, and their embodiment of RFMA’s five values. At the end of each semester, the Caracol prizes are revealed during an eagerly anticipated announcement at our weekly community gathering, Resolada. Exceptional Caracoles are celebrated with prizes and trophies, inspiring ongoing participation and dedication.

Now in its third year of implementation, the Caracol program is designed to create a transformative and enduring impact on the RFMA community. Its goal is to foster a deep sense of investment among Magonistas—both younger and older—in the wellbeing of their Caracol, their school community, and one another. Once placed in a Caracol, a Magonista remains with their group throughout their time at RFMA, providing opportunities for individual growth and group cohesion. This structure reinforces the belief that personal development, nurtured within a community-focused environment, benefits both the individual and the collective.

A cornerstone of the program is the leadership provided by 8th-grade Magonistas. These leaders play a pivotal role, managing responsibilities such as planning and facilitating activities, mentoring younger Magonistas, and fostering a supportive group dynamic. They are entrusted with ensuring the wellbeing of their Caracol and contribute significantly to the overall direction of the program, influencing activities, challenges, and initiatives.

To further develop their skills, Caracol leaders participate in leadership summits throughout the year. These summits include field trips, team-building and leadership exercises, meetings with community leaders, and attendance at youth conferences. These experiences not only enhance their ability to serve their Caracol but also equip them with leadership skills that will benefit them as they transition to the next stages of their lives.

As their 8th-grade year concludes, Caracol leaders identify and mentor a 7th-grade successor to ensure the continuity of leadership. This process preserves the integrity of each Caracol and sustains a cycle of mentorship and growth within the program.