Background: The Assembly of Neighborhoods of Mexico City was founded in 1985, in the aftermath of the earthquake in which thousands lost their homes. These victims of the earthquake joined together and decided to form the Assembly, with the initial purpose of struggling for the right to housing. The has been successful both in obtaining new housing and preventing the eviction of families from existing housing. Currently, the organization is comprised of approximately 50,000 families from different parts of Mexico City and other cities throughout the country. It has also expanded its work to defend its members, at all levels, from any abuses by the authorities. The Assembly organizes activities to promote the right to health, housing, recreation, and freedom of expression, and to promote popular culture. Its campaigns have focused on various problems affecting the the urban population and have included: a campaign defending the vote and against electoral fraud; a campaign against the opening of the Laguna Verde nuclear plant; and a campaign for the prevention of AIDS, for which it received a national award; and campaigns to clean up the environment and to preserve Mexico City's historic downtown district.