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Summary of Unity Decisions Adopted in Plenary Session by the 2nd Latin America Solidarity Conference

1) Overarching Principles That Guide Our Work

We operate and structure our work from a solidarity model: we operate on the principle of self-determination; it is not up to us to determine what our partners in the Global South should or should not do. Nor is it up to us to determine the strategies and methodologies they use. We determine our strategies based on the needs of our partners in Latin America and the Caribbean.

As a movement we must have ongoing critiques of our internal power dynamics, especially regarding the issues of race, class and gender. In our research and analysis, and in presentation of that research and analysis, we will take into account the affects on men, women, and society distinctly, recognizing that most research and analysis of "society" excludes the experience of women.

We must always attempt to put a "human face" on our work – that the policies we are working for or against affect real people to whom we have a connection.

We recognize how many issues are inter-connected and that there is potential to make links between Latin America solidarity issues and the work of local community groups.

2) Issues that the LA Solidarity Movement will Focus On in a Unified, Organized Way

United opposition to FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas). The Latin America solidarity movement will organize a unified campaign to stop the FTAA.

United opposition to US military intervention in Latin America. Our immediate objective is to STOP PLAN COLOMBIA. The Latin America solidarity movement will develop a joint campaign to carry out this work.

a) The campaign will target Congress specifically; and the US government more broadly.

b) The campaign will be multi-tactical in nature, to allow the greatest possible participation. It may include lobbying, local protests, national mobilizations, and civil disobedience.

c) The campaign will include a strong educational component, particularly with regard to the role of US Army Southern Command.

d) The campaign will be organized by a coalition of interested organizations who share our solidarity perspective.

e) The LASC will launch the campaign with a National Demonstration Against US Military and Economic Intervention in Latin America. The Demonstration will coincide with the national days of action against the World Bank and IMF being organized in Washington DC from September 28 to October 4, 2001.The Demonstration demands will be:

  1. Stop US Military and Economic Intervention in Latin America
  2. No to Plan Colombia
  3. No to the FTAA
  4. US Bases out of Vieques and all of Latin America
  5. Close the School of the Americas / WHISC
  6. Stop the Direct Assault on people of color and the poor in the US and Latin America through the phony war on drugs

These joint initiatives will be organized in coalition efforts by all interested organizations that share the principles detailed above.

3) Issues That Other Organizations Are Doing that We Support As a Movement

  • General Amnesty for immigrants
  • 3-Days of Global Action Against Poverty
  • Jubilee Movement for Debt Cancellation
  • Reclaim and Organize for May Day
  • IMF/World Bank Actions in September
  • Stop the Illegal Blockade of Cuba
  • Shut Down the SOA
  • Marines Out of Puerto Rico, Stop Bombing of Vieques
  • Support Vía Campesina (Movimiento Sin Tierra, Brazil)

4) Organizational Commitments to Strengthen Coordination within the Movement

We are committed to ongoing organizing and coordination amongst member organizations (form listserv, web site, etc.)

We are committed to organizing a 3rd Latin America Solidarity Conference during the next year.

We will create an Emergency Response Network covering all of Latin America. This network will involve all interested member organizations.

We will strive to strengthen our movement’s work regarding the media, both mainstream and progressive or alternative media.

We will strive to ensure organizational capacity and sustainability. We know that the struggle for social and economic justice is a long struggle, and we are committed to ensuring the long-term viability of our movement and our activists.

 

Check out information about the Venezuela Solidarity Network

Close the SOA
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Spanish pdf | html

Network Opposed to the Plan Puebla Panama - la Red en Oposición al Plan Puebla Panamá