"SOLIDARITY RESURGENT" |
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Organize a delegation from your community!
Become a co-sponsor and help plan the agenda!
Build and strengthen relationships in solidarity with the people of Nicaragua!
Join contest to name the conference!
US-based solidarity with Nicaragua and the Sandinista Revolution is nearly three decades old. It was born in the armed struggle against the Somoza dictatorship long backed by the US government, transformed in the 1980s into support for the "preferential option for the poor" and opposition to Reagan's contra war, and refocused in the 1990s into support to preserve the gains of the revolution and opposition to neoliberalism's "savage capitalism." In 2007 we enter a new era with a new FSLN government in Nicaragua, the rise of the Left in Latin America, and the US empire hard pressed due to its disastrous policies in the Middle East.
It is time for US and Nicaraguan activists to sit down together to discuss what solidarity means in this new era. What will be the effects of national, regional, and global political changes on Nicaragua and on the need of the poor majority for continued international solidarity? What does it mean to our Nicaragua partner groups and to our work at home that Nicaragua is now in both the Central America Free Trade Area (CAFTA) and in the Bolivarian Alternative Trade Agreement (ALBA)? What about fair trade, environmental justice, indigenous rights, labor rights, and the rights of small and medium farmers? What about the right to an education, healthcare, the life and health of pregnant women, and the rights of people of all genders, ethnicities, and sexual orientation to full and free life? And, what about the right of Nicaragua to decide its own sovereign path free of US government intervention and threats?
These are just some of the possible issues that will be addressed when several hundred activists from the United States and Nicaragua meet together July 13-15, 2007 to discuss the future of our work together in alternative development and sister projects, in solidarity support for progressive policies in Nicaragua and the US, and for our international collaboration to oppose US empire.
Mark your calendar now and start making plans for an exciting Solidarity Conference. Enter our contest to come up with an exciting and descriptive name of the conference in place of the draft name: "Solidarity Resurgent."(Email your ideas to rebekah@AFGJ.org) The winner will win a free conference registration worth $175 which you can use yourself or donate to another conference participant.
Registration forms are available below!
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
You (in the U.S., Nicaragua and elsewhere) are invited to help create the conference program, which will span two full days plus an evening cultural event. Please complete the poll enclosed in this packet. The program depends on your input—let us know which topics interest you by returning the poll found below!
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TOPICS, SPEAKERS, AND WORKSHOPS
SPEAKERS: Send all ideas for conference speakers to the planning committee, with a brief description of the person's areas of expertise. We will consider all suggestions. Email rebekah@AFGJ.org or phone her at 202-544-9355, or mail ideas to Nicaragua Network, 1247 "E" Street, S.E., Washington, DC 20003.
WORKSHOPS: If you would like to offer a workshop or discussion session, please send a brief proposal to the conference planning committee, including your contact information. Include the specific areas you plan to cover, as well as some examples of ideas you hope to share. Describe your experience or background in relation to the topic of the panelists. Email it to rebekah@AFGJ.org or mail it to Nicaragua Network, 1247 "E" Street, S.E., Washington, DC 20003.
DEADLINE FOR SPEAKER AND WORKSHOP PROPOSALS: The deadline for speaker and workshop proposals is April 30. For best consideration, please send your proposal as soon as possible.
CONFERENCE COSTS
REGISTRATION FEE: Includes 3 nights lodging, transportation to and from conference center each day, meeting space, interpreters, materials, three meals and snacks each day, auditorium sound system and evening cultural events.
U.S. participants: $175 each
Nicaraguans: $50 each
We also urge US solidarity groups to seriously consider making an additional donation of several $50 scholarships to enable participation by Nicaraguan activists who could not otherwise attend.
CONFERENCE LOCATION
The conference will take place at the Olofito Convention Center, located in the hills of Monserrat, Managua. The Olofito Center has a spacious auditorium and extensive meeting rooms, as well as green areas where conference attendees will be able to enjoy fresh air and relax.
HOUSING: The Kairos Association is coordinating the conference from Managua and is arranging housing which is included in the conference cost. Participants will stay at the Olofito and Kairos, as well as guest houses located nearby. Breakfast will be provided at each place as well as transportation to the Olofito center daily. Housing is arranged on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you have a preference please sign up early!
TABLES OR BOOTHS: Participating groups and organizations are encouraged to bring literature and other materials for display tables or booths. Display space is available at no charge. A nominal fee will be charged to groups wishing to sell items. Please send an email to rebekah@afgj.org for more
information.
REGISTER NOW! SEE REGISTRATION FORMS BELOW
For more information, contact Rebekah Lundquist or Kathy Hoyt at Nicaragua
Network. Email: rebekah@afgj.org or kathy@AFGJ.org. Phone: 202-544-9355.
Each Registration form is available in PDF format for Printing. Click the
appropriate link to get the printable Registration Form. Instructions for
mailing are included. The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is available here.
Registration Form for Sister Communities and Solidarity Organizations
Registration Form for Individuals and Families
Formulario en español
If you have any trouble opening these PDF files, please send an email to nicanet@afgj.org and request the form by mail.
Nicanet - The Nicaragua Network