by Tom Hansen, Feb 24, 1999

The Chiapas Media Project is seeking participants for a pair of delegations to indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico -- March 20-30, and June 25- July 5th. Each of these delegations has scholarships available for youth of color (ages 18-29).

The Chiapas Media Project (CMP) provides tools and training that enable marginalized indigenous communities in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas to create their own media. Working bi-nationally, CMP provides video cameras and editing equipment along with appropriate training to communities in Chiapas. The project also provides computer technology and training. With the equipment and instruction, communities are empowered to tell their own stories in their own words.

Our delegations offer participants the chance to experience life in the Indigenous communities of Chiapas. The delegations demonstrate solidarity with the people in the communities by delivering video cameras and computers. Delegates travel with Mexican trainers who oversee community-based workshops in video production and/or computers. If you speak Spanish and have experience with video production or computers, you can help teach the courses. Delegates without experience who wish to learn can take the courses. Otherwise, delegates will be incorporated into the life of the community. No experience with video equipment or computers is necessary to participate in a delegation. In all cases, you have an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about day-to-day community life in Chiapas. You share the struggles and dreams, and return to the US with a broader understanding of the lives of indigenous Chiapanecos.

The cost of the delegation is $400 excluding plane fares. The cost covers ground transport, lodging, most food and program. Please send your check made payable to the Chiapas Media Project, 4834 N Springfield, Chicago IL 60625.

To make flight reservations, we suggest that you call our travel agent. You can reach Scott at 800-328-1332. If a delegate is already in Mexico, he or she should meet in San Cristobal on the start date.

The first and last nights of the delegation, we will stay at the Hotel Cerillo, Tel: 011-52-967-81283. The rest of the time we will be staying in various indigenous communities. The exact communities will depend on the conditions when we arrive. Please be sure to bring a sleeping bag, hammock (cost: $10 in San Cristobal), water-proof boots and rain gear. Expect warm days and cool nights. We carry our own water and food.

We also interview community members and document the events of the past few months. Please bring writing materials and be prepared to take notes in preparation for writing a report on the trip.

Please complete the following application and return it to the Chiapas Media Project Delegation

(please mark one)
___ March 20-30
___ June 26 - July 6
___ August 7-17

NAME:

ADDRESS:

CITY, STATE, ZIP:

HOME PHONE:

WORK PHONE:

FAX :

E-MAIL:

DATE OF BIRTH:

EMERGENCY CONTACT (incl. Phone and/or e-mail)

NOTE: Video, computer, or teaching experience are NOT necessary for participation in the delegation.

QUESTIONS: (answer via e-mail or on a separate sheet)

1. Rate your Spanish language ability (circle one)? NONE POOR FAIR GOOD FLUENT
2. Why do you want to work with people in Chiapas? If you have been to Chiapas before, explain when, with whom and for what purpose you went there.
3. Describe in detail your experience with video work (including script development, storyboarding, camera work, editing, sound, etc.)
4. What types of equipment have you worked on?
5. Describe your experience with computers (include software).
6. Describe any teaching experience you've had.
7. Will you be donating one or more video cameras (list make and model)?
8. Will you be bringing donations of cash or medicine? If yes, what will you bring?
9. Do you wish to apply for a scholarship? If so, please include information on financial need, age and ethnic background. The maximum scholarship is $300. How much will you need?

Donating equipment, food, and medicine

In addition to donations of cameras, there are several thousand internally displaced refugees in need of basic medicines and cash to purchase food. If you would like to bring either medicines or food, we can arrange to donate these to the refugees. Donations of medicine could include general purpose antibiotics, aspirin, cough medicine, asthma medicine or anti-bacterial creams.

Buying new cameras

Pawn Shops

The weight restrictions for the flight is two (2) suitcases weighing 70 pounds each. The travel agent suggested that you pack everything in suitcases, not boxes. We may also need you to carry some tape stock down with you. We will send you the tapes before you leave. You may also want to purchase some tape stock yourself. This can also be done through B&H. The type of VHS tape you want is Fuji VHS Pro-Grade 120 minute tapes. They are $2.79 each. If you are going to buy some tape let us know before you do so we can plan with other people that may be doing the same.