In light of the importance of the indigenous population, the state of Oaxaca offers several examples of traditional forms of democracy and traditional community life. These traditional practices (including tequio and topil) offer models of organization that young people assimilate and apply in other activities, even when outside their communities. This helps explain the seriousness and responsibility with which they approach their participation in endeavors when away from their communities.

Mainly in urban areas, there are young people who have organized with the support of the Programa de Jóvenes en Solidaridad around activities such as recycling garbage, nurseries, and training in carpentry, among others. Youth organizing in certain neighborhoods has caught the imagination of community members, who have become involved in their activities.