SWOPblogger

karlos says: My initial jetlagged thoughts on the WSF, Venezuela...

10 Million! 10 Million!
Caracas, VZ - With the opposition boycotting recent national elections, that was the mandate in favor of Hugo Chavez’ fire-brand style of Bolivarian Socialism. The people of Venezuela seemed genuinely proud of that democratic demand. With their hands raised and their fingers doing the counting, they chanted that magic number over and over again wherever, whenever people gathered.

“10 Million! 10 Million! 10 Million! 10 Million!”

As a member of SouthWest Organizing Project, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I was part of a Grassroots Global Justice (GGJ) delegation over a hundred strong that traveled to Caracas, Venezuela in the middle of a democratic social revolution for the VI World Social Forum, from January 24-29, 2006. We were welcomed with open arms, if not great logistics or transportation.

People approached us on the streets and asked us to be very critical of what they referred to as their “process.” ‘Tell us what you think,’ they boldly, proudly exclaimed. “Ask questions.”

Debate was everywhere. In cafes, classrooms and living rooms and community spaces. During political rallies, happy hour, breakfast, lunch and dinner. In subways and community gardens and museums and even under freeway ramps.

I have never seen such a hunger for information, or unfettered dialogue and examination of the political process between people from all different political leanings, backgrounds and economic class.

They wanted us to return to our work and talk about the sweeping democratic changes taking place all over South America, to talk about what we saw. They asked us to return and tell the world that the social changes, their Bolivarian circles and, yes, Chavez are here to stay.

“Oooh! Aaah! Chavez no se va!” they chanted.

(To be fair, we were also yelled at once in an upscale neighborhood – they called us “Socialistas con Dollares,” Socialists with Dollars, and urged us to leave their country. That made us all chuckle.)

Debate also raged within the WSF itself. Was it just “leftist tourism,” as Chavez and others warned could be its future? Was having the WSF in Venezuela right now a nod of support to Chavez? What would come out of the WSF? Just more workshops, debate and a forum for relationship building? Or would there be concrete proposals adopted by the WSF as a body? Could the WSF become a unifying force for social movements worldwide?

Surely, there was a little bit of all those things and none of those things happening at the diverse, multifaceted conference.

Some personal highlights…

Coordinadora Simon Bolivar. A former neighborhood jail and police station where local organizers say they were tortured turned community space complete with radio station, internet connections and revolutionary spirit…

What an amazing place. Seemingly across the street from Mira Flores, where Chavez makes his bed, Coordinadora Simon Bolivar is a lesson in self-determination. Chavez didn’t order it or let it happen; the community – the organized community – just took it over. Participatory democracy and direct action – what an inspiring combination.

Institutio Bolivar Marti. In cities as big as Caracas, under freeway ramps and forgotten open space there often lies informal societies of homeless, often drug addicted and gang afflicted compatriots. Bolivarian circles and projects flourish in such places. Built in former off-the-record dumping grounds for trash, pollution and even human beings, this community run, led and worked garden was a case study in environmental justice.

As a side note, it was the most dangerous EJ tour ever. We walked across the freeway, with our guides stopping traffic. Now, if you’ve ever driven in Caracas, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Muro de Muerto Press Conference. (Look back for more on this exciting mobilization to symbolically tear down Bush’s wall at the US/Mexico Border.)

COMPA Connections. Herman, Suraima, Maglio, Pedro, Victor, SWU etc…

Victor is a part of 170 brigades of 4 to 5 people each. Brigades are responsible for block-walking districts or precincts [barrios] during elections. The vote is supposed to be a “reflection of the movement.” )

GGJ Delegation. Couldn’t have been there with a better bunch! The opening march was so fun. Props to the folks leading the chanting!

**SWOP’s stated mission continues to be to ‘empower disenfranchised communities in the southwest United States to realize racial and gender equality and social and economic justice.’

It’s our humble vision for democratic participation from the grassroots.

Over SWOP’s 25 year existence we’ve taken heat for principled stances against US militarism and imperialism and their devastating impacts abroad and in our own communities. We will continue to do so. We offer our solidarity to the people of Venezuela in their search for a better, more just society. Ours is a solidarity not born from charity, but rather instinctive from the understanding that our interests, values and needs are one and the same.

Must Have’s at WSF, global conferences, etc…
(from experience without)

Local Cell Phone

Walkie talkies, if no cell

Camera

Laptop

Voice recorder

Comfortable shoes

Cash – effectivo

Business Cards

Gifts/Materials

Poster Tube

“We have been run over by capitalism as you can see,” said a member of the Bolivar Marti Ecological Institute as he pointed to a huge ad on the side of the freeway GGJ delegates were touring as part of a series of site visits with local organizations. “But we are proud of [the democratic process] and our revolution. …With all do respect, Chavez is the only real Chavista.” Said in all respect for Chavez, the bro was talking about people power.

World Social Forum
Foro Social Mundial
Venezuela
chavez
Hugo Chavez
WSF