by Tom Hansen, Mar 5, 1999

Mexico Solidarity Network sponsors a Labor Solidarity/Chiapas Solidarity Delegation to Mexico, April 30 to May 8, 1999. Hot on the heels of a midwest tour with Bertha Lujan of the Frente Autentico de Trabajo (FAT) (or Authentic Worker's Front ), the Mexico Solidarity Network looks to return the favor by traveling to meet with Bertha and her companier@s/os in Mexico City for their May Day Workers parade. Celebrate May 1, International Workers's Day, with the FAT, one of the most important independent labor unions in Mexico. Visit FAT organizers and workers at FAT job-sites. Learn about the struggle to develop an independent labor movement in Mexico. Meet with the recently freed SNTE-Section IX teachers about the struggle for public education dollars. Visit labor activists from Mexico City Mayor Cuauhtemoc Cardenas’ administration, including the possibility of a visit with Cardenas himself.

Then travel to the southern state of Chiapas. Meet Bishop Samuel Ruiz, the Fray Bartolome Human Rights Center and other non-governmental organizations. Spend time in indigenous communities involved in the struggle for justice, dignity and democracy.

Delegates will spend April 30 through May 3 in the Mexico City area, then travel to Chiapas May 4 through 8. The cost of $450 includes meals, hotels, ground transportation, translation and program. Delegates are responsible for plane reservations. We suggest using our travel agent, Scott at 800-238-1332, who is familiar with the itinerary.

A limited number of scholarships are available for this delegation. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the application and scholarship application and return them to the Mexico Solidarity Network. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 1, 1999.

In a world of rapid "globalization," the US-Mexico relationship is central in defining first world/third world relations. The Mexico Solidarity Network is a coalition of 70-plus organizations that builds links between civil society on both sides of the border in a search for alternatives to capital-centered globalization. The Network supports struggles for democracy, justice, dignity and human rights on both sides of the border. For more information contact the Mexico Solidarity Network at 773-583-7728 or msn@mexicosolidarity.org.

Please complete the following application and return it to:
Mexico Solidarity Network
4834 N. Springfield
Chicago IL 60625
Tel: 773-583-7728
e-mail

Please include a check made payable to Mexico Solidarity Network for $450.

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP

HOME PHONE ________________ WORK PHONE ______________

FAX

E-MAIL

EMERGENCY CONTACT (NAME & PHONE)

PASSPORT NUMBER ________________ EXPIRATION __________

ISSUED IN (COUNTRY)

BIRTHDATE

1 - Do you belong to any organizations? If yes, please list them.

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

3 - Do you have any health problems that may affect your ability to travel?

Mexico Solidarity Network
Labor Solidarity/Mexico Solidarity Delegation to Mexico
Scholarship application

If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please complete the following and attach it to your application. The deadline for scholarship applications is April 1, 1999. Applications cannot be considered after that date. You will be notified of your scholarship status by April 5. Scholarships will be decided on the basis of need with preference given to people of color under the age of 30.

NAME

AGE

RACE/ETHNICITY

1 - Why are you applying for a scholarship?

2 - Most scholarships will be awarded to cover part of the cost of your trip. The largest scholarship is $400. How much are you requesting?

3 - Do you have the ability to fundraise for your trip? If not, why?

4 - What will you do with this experience when you return home?