The American Society of Jalisco (AMSOC), the well-known Guadalajara-based organization that welcomes people of all nationalities, is holding the first election for its board of directors for five years.
Twenty candidates are running for 13 places on the board. After the election, the board will then select its officers.
AMSOC’s membership dropped precipitously during the Covid-19 pandemic but has picked up around 50 percent since reopening to the public after extensive renovations. The future of the Society is full of promise, the candidates for the board all agree.
“We’ve had three great events since we re-opened,” said Cam Esser. “Membership is up, as is our revenue,” added her husband Cliff. The Essers are long-time members of AMSOC.
“Some long-time members gave generously to pay for the renovations,” said AMSOC Treasurer Bruce Newby, “but long-term, we need to boost membership to sustain ourselves.”(See the donations QR code above.)
The election for board members will run from December 15 to 29. All candidates and voters must be dues-paying members. Members can vote electronically (via Google Form or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or in person at AMSOC headquarters in Colonia Chapalita.
Everyone of all ages and nationalities is invited to join AMSOC. It’s a great way to make new acquaintances and enjoy the events they have planned. Memberships cost 500 pesos for one year.
“We’re excited to have so many members step up to volunteer for the board,” said member Michael Sump, one of the election volunteers. “We’re gratified that new and younger Guadalajara residents see value in what we’re trying to rebuild.”
The candidates for the board are Sofia Motamedi, Joel Lambel, David Smith, Nick McClennan, Louis Cotto, Cliff Esser, Maria Soileau, Keaunis Arreola, Michael Sump, Gaby Moreno, Bruce Newby, Leslie Rutledge, Eliza Osher, Mercy Dueñas, Cam Esser, Wally Cole, Memo Cordeiro, Christine Walker, Angela Fuentes and Ellen Fritz.
For more information and updates, see the American Society of Jalisco Facebook page.
AMSOC is at Avenida San Francisco 3332, Guadalajara. Telephone 33-3121-2395.