International Women’s Day Chiapas Delegation, March 1-10, 2004

Contact: [email protected] or (510) 654-9587 for more information.

The Zapatistas are constructing another world, characterized by regional selfgovernment, collective economic projects, autonomous education and health care. This delegation takes place seven months after the Zapatistas renamed their 5 cultural centers Caracoles (conch shells) and created 5 autonomous regional governing bodies, called Good Government Committees, or Juntas.

The indigenous peoples of Chiapas confront the design by multilateral organizations such as the World Bank to reconquer indigenous territory for transnational corporations. The Zapatistas say they will not permit the Plan Puebla Panama (PPP) within their territory. The PPP threatens the people of Chiapas with eviction from their land in order to exploit the natural resources and construct hydroelectric dams, tourist facilities and assembly plants (maquiladoras).

Delegates will receive briefings from Mexican non-profits working in indigenous communities. We will also visit an EZLN Caracol (formerly an Aguascalientes) and its Good Government Committee to learn about autonomous governance. We will visit Polhó, an autonomous (selfgoverning) refugee camp, and take a trip to our sister municipio (county) of San Manuel, located in a beautiful river valley east of the city of Ocosingo.

There are always a few surprise visits and experiences on each delegation, so be prepared for a truly interesting exploration of Zapatismo. We will celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8) with a dance party sponsored by a community store.

This is our 4th International Womens Day Delegation. It provides an opportunity to visit and interact with civilian Zapatista communities constructing autonomy. Delegates can shop for clothing, CDs, coffee or videos in the community coops. While in San Cristobal, there will also be time for shopping and entertainment. So, we invite you to join us for an amazing learning experience. You can read about our previous delegations on our website <www.chiapas-support.org>

Getting there, cost, etc.

Delegates will arrive in Tuxtla Gutierrez by plane and then travel by bus or taxi to the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas. We will assemble at a posada (lodge) in San Cristobal de las Casas on March 1. Several days later, the delegation travels into the canyons of the Lacandon Jungle to spend two or three nights in indigenous communities. Conditions there are like rough camping and require both a sleeping bag and an air mattress (or hammock).

Cost of the delegation is US $450.00. This does NOT include air fare or bus transportation to San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. It DOES include most food, lodging and ground transportation to the communities. It ALSO includes a donation for each community we visit, delegation expenses and educational materials. Delegation dates are March 1 to March 10, 2004. We will decide the day-to-day itinerary as soon as we receive word from the communities and will send it to all those who are interested in the delegation when it is ready.

Why go to Chiapas?

1. The presence of international delegations in Chiapas provides a measure of security for the area in which we travel (the Canyons of Ocosingo). It also sends a message to the Mexican Army and the paramilitary groups that there are international people concerned enough to travel there.

2. Your tuition includes a contribution to each community we visit and, therefore, contributes to the construction of the material conditions for resistance and autonomy.

3. Delegations provide the opportunity to share what you learn with people at home after we return so that people know the truth.

Who is the Chiapas Support Committee?

The Chiapas Support Committee is a grass roots nonprofit organization. All of us are volunteers. We support indigenous and campesino organizations, autonomous communities and non-governmental organizations in Chiapas. We certify human rights observers, organize delegations, fund autonomous projects and report back to people in the Bay Area about the situation in Chiapas. We have a sister relationship with the autonomous municipality of San Manuel, Chiapas.

How to apply

This delegation is open to all women and men 18 years of age or older.
To apply, complete the application below and email to: [email protected]
OR send by first class mail to P.O. Box 3421, Oakland, CA 94609. We
would like to receive all applications by February 1, 2004. A deposit
of $100 is required with your application to reserve a space for you on the delegation. Balance is due February 21, 2004. For those who want more information, just email your questions to: [email protected] or call (510) 654-9587.

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CSC DELEGATION APPLICATION

NAME (please print) __________________________________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP ____________________________________________

HOME PHONE ________________________________

WORK PHONE ________________________________

E-MAIL ________________________________

PASSPORT NUMBER _________________________

EXPIRATION DATE _________________________

COUNTRY __________________________________

DATE of BIRTH ______________________________

1 - Please rate your Spanish language ability (check one)

None___ Poor___ Fair (Intermediate)____ Good____ Fluent____

2 - Please provide names and phone numbers for two references:

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

3 - Have you been to Chiapas before? (yes or no) ____________

Why do you want to go to Chiapas? ____________________________

______________________________________________________________

If you are interested in the Chiapas Support Committee delegation to Chiapas
in March 2004, please fill out the above application form. We will send you
more information as plans develop. In order to confirm this application and
reserve a space, a deposit of $100 is required. Applications and checks may
be mailed to:

CHIAPAS SUPPORT COMMITTEE
P.O. Box 3421
Oakland, CA 94609

or send by email to: [email protected]
Tel: (510) 654-9587 for more information