SWOPblogger

Hello we are Cheyenne and Romilly. We are youth interns here at SWOP this summer and we have been learning a LOT about the military and wanted to share some of that information with you.

Do you know exactly how many people have died since the war? Well we do. Approximately 4,116 troops have died since the beginning of the war in Iraq (antiwar.com). Would you want to be that parent that gets a call at 2 o’ clock in the morning from your child’s commander saying that your child has just been killed in combat? We certainly wouldn’t want to hear that about someone we love nor would any other parent.


- Congress has decided to increase the total size of the army by 74,000 by 2010 but now they increased that number to 574,000 active duty reservists AND national guard.

- Roughly about 30,333 US soldiers have been wounded since the beginning of the war
(antiwar.com).

- The military doesn’t mention that 1 out of 8 soldiers suffer a long term health problem
called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

- The civilian deaths in Iraq are estimated to about 1,236,604 (antiwar.com)


In 2005, the pentagon announced in the federal registration the existence of the Joint Advertising Market Research Studies Database (JAMRS), a massive registry of 30 MILLION Americans between the ages of 16 and 25 for the military purposes. This branch is devoted to maximizing military recruitment efforts (nyclu.org)

Part of their campaign involves a database, which has information about millions of people over 17 years old or in the eleventh grade and contains their contact information. This can only be kept for 3 years, but that’s enough time for recruiters to contact hopeful soldiers. The JAMRS database can have your name, birth date, gender, mailing address, e-mail, race, ethnicity, telephone number, high school name, graduation date, grade point average, college intent, military interest, field of study, and the ASVAB Test score.

You can choose not to have your information used by opting out at the following links below or by talking to your school. As high school students, we are being targeted daily by recruiters. They come into schools giving presentations that glorify war and the military. This gives the impression that the military is the only way to go in order to avoid college loans. The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) has recently released a report demanding the reduction of military recruitment of young people. They want to end the JAMRS and create an option of giving information to the military only if the individual wants to, instead of opting out. As youth we need to be protected and our information needs to be kept safe. Protect your children and tell your friends and family about opting out. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE, GET INFORMED!!

Links to OPT out:

http://milrec.nyclu.org/2a.html
www.militaryfreezoneorg/opt_out
www.leavemychildrenalone.org/emergency.html

Labels: counter recruitment, military recruitment, SWOP, SWOP internship, youth

Our Summer Youth Intern Program has officially started and so far it's been a huge success! We have 8 great young women building relationships, in trainings, and inspiring the rest of us to keep up! Here's a blog from one intern Tracy. Keep on the look out for more through the rest of the summer.

**************
Hi everyone my name is Tracy Chacon, and I’m an intern at SWOP this summer. Life isn’t always easy. Take it from me I have been on my own since I was 14 years old and I have had to learn a lot. All through high school I was on my own and it was really hard finding information about college. But I have always known about the military and I always heard they would pay for college. So I had to TAKE CONTROL of my life and I decided I wanted more information about college instead. It’s kind of sad that a 15 year old had to go out and get information about college on their own whereas the military recruiters come find you.

You see, I have 5 brothers and none of them have finished high school much less even thought about college and neither of my parents have gone to college. That’s exactly why young people like me need other information made available to them so that we know that the military is not the only option. I know for a fact that the reason military recruiters target people of color is because they know we don’t have money for college and some of us would do whatever it took to get there, even risking our lives.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said from his letter from Birmingham jail, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” For me it is unjust for my personal information to be automatically given out to military recruiters without my consent. Why don’t they send it to colleges or universities instead? That’s why we have to TAKE CONTROL and get educated, youth must be involved as much as possible to make sure our schools have the information we need to get to college. It is up to us as young people to make a difference and to demand equal opportunities for all. We are the leaders of now.

Labels: counter recruitment, military recruitment, SWOP, SWOP internship

SWOP is currently looking for an intern to help with our multi-media production wing. It includes creating films, video, blogs and training others to do the same.

Call us if your interested 505-247-8832

Job Description: Communications Intern

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Intern is a part-time position that will assist the Communications Organizer in carrying out the organizational Strategic Communications Plan.

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated to move our organization to the digital world. Mentorship and training will be provided. Students are highly encouraged to apply.

Sumbit your resume to joann@swop.net by July 18th
Starting date: Early August
Hours: 20 hours a week, flexible schedule
Pay: $10.00 an hour

GENERAL DUTIES

1. Ensure all activities are carried out in line with the SWOP Mission Statement and with the involvement of membership.
2. Adhere to Staff Responsibilities Statement.
3. Work with the membership and staff to develop and implement strategic communications plans that support organizational campaigns and program efforts.
4. Involvement in overall SWOP campaigns and program efforts.
5. Work to conduct regular system of reporting back to staff and membership and incorporating membership into campaigns.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Maintain Online Communications: Update web site to reflect current work, support campaign and fundraising efforts, opportunities to volunteer, obtain resources and foster political discussion. Update organizational blog daily, create a team of bloggers and create original content.
• Coordinate Multimedia Production: Develop infrastructure for staff & members to create multimedia productions such as podcasts, public service announcements, video podcasts, etc.
• Archiving organizational work: Create a system for archiving and filing images and press coverage of organization as well campaign materials.

OTHER DUTIES

• Assist in Trainings for Staff, Members & Allies: Conduct or coordinate training for staff, members and allied organizations about effective communication, video editing, multimedia production, campaign strategies and corporatization of mainstream media.
• Assist in Coordinating the Production of Print Materials: Coordinate production of bi annual Voces Unidas magazine & bi annual internal newsletters by working with staff and membership to develop themes, collect articles and photographs, design, lay out and edit the newsletter.
• Participate in national media reform efforts

QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of Macintosh Editing software: Final Cut Pro, iMovie
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Some knowledge of graphic design software: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
• Self-motivated and willing to take initiative
• Bilingual preferred
• Some experience in facilitation preferred
• Team Player

Labels: SWOP, SWOP internship, SWOP Multi-media

From the NY Times:

...aides to [Obama and McCain] said Latino voters would be central to victory in a swath of Western states now viewed as prime battlefields, including Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.

See the map.

Labels: 2008 Elections, 2008 Presidential Election, Campaign for a Better New Mexico, Civic Engagement, New Mexico, NM Politics, SWOP

SWOP friends, please bring your kids and other kids/youth to this Saturday’s member meeting!

This Saturday’s membership meeting is from 10-3 at SWOP (211 10^th st.). Campaign for a Better New Mexico will be giving a training on voter empowerment and door knocking. Everyone is invited to go to this training and door knocking.

We will have a guitar class performance for everyone at 10am sharp, and then a fun workshop for the children/youth with Cipriano Vigil. Cipriano is a musician and music educator from Northern New Mexico. He teaches and performs New Mexican music and is great when working with children/youth.

Thank you, Rosina and the SWOP guitar class - rosina@swop.net 505.247.8832

Labels: Campaign for a Better New Mexico, Civic Engagement, SWOP, SWOP membership

Santa Fe's Living Wage Ordinace now covers all workers! It was already the highest minium wage in the nation, now it's the most comprehensive. Let this be an example of what we can and must accomplish across all of New Mexico, and lets not stop there!

SWOP sent a delegation to the Santa Fe City Council Meeting last night to show our solidarity with the amazing work of the Santa Fe Living Wage Network (SFLWN) and SFLWN member organization Somos Un Pueblo Unido. Because of the long hard hours of organizing and strategizing that SFLWN had done the room was packed with 100 supporters of the expansion of the Santa Living Wage to include all workers, no exceptions. The supporters weren't just young people and small business workers who were exempt from the prior living wage ordinace, they included small business owners, the SF business alliance, labor unions, faith-based organizations, and community organizations like SWOP.

Out of the entire crowd there was only 1 person that spoke against the Living Wage for All. Because of the overwhelming support for the ordinace, and the prior work the SFLWN had done directly with the SF City Councilors and the SF Mayor the vote was unanimous! All SF workers will be paid the highest minium wage in the nation! We hope this will inspire all of our work as we fight for a true LIVING WAGE for ALL New Mexicans, and some day maybe even a maximum wage?

Labels: Santa Fe Living Wage Network, SWOP, Worker's Victory

Labels: APS, Equal Access, miltary recruitment, SWOP, youth

Labels: guitar class albuquerque, SWOP, SWOP membership

Greetings from Beautiful HotLanta! Ground Zero of a history making event that is less than 19 days away, the FIRST EVER United States Social Forum.

This past week has been an adventure for 3 Swopistas, Monica Cordova, Juliana Lujan,
and Rodrigo Rodriguez(Me). Our first leg of our adventure was the National Planning Committee Meeting in Washington D.C. The NPC touched base one last time before the forum so that we could all go home with finalized plans of action and get ready to hit the ground running for the forum. We also attended a really good meeting with youth from the D.C. area(Pictured above) that are planning on attending the USSF. Almost 30 young people an representing 20+ youth groups were there and rocked it like always!!!

After the meeting we continued on to Atlanta to join the Atlanta Organizing Committee here at the home base.

SWOP has put a lot of resources into the USSF, the three of us are of course evidence of SWOP's commitment to the forum and social justice. We will be here through the forum, organizing the Youth Tent, the Youth Camp, the People's Freedom and Solidarity Tent, and plugging in wherever else the brothers and sisters here in the ATL need.
We will also be getting ready to welcome the SWOP delegates and everyone else coming in on the People's Freedom Caravan.

We will be meeting Saturday the 9th with the folks organizing the opening march, and on Monday we will be diving into the work head first!
We are all extremely excited and grateful to be here.

We've already been on the radio talking about SWOP's involvement in the USSF and will be on again on Monday, Tune in online to www.wrfg.org to peep it.
We'll be updating you guys again soon. LOVE/PEACE.
Swopistas Represent!
Rigo
Monica
Juliana

Labels: atlanta, SWOP, United States Social Forum, youth

SWOP's Executive Director Robby Rodriguez was highlighted in a Community Organizers Book called "We make Change." In it Robby talks about his organizing experience with SWOP and how he came into consciousness. Congratulations Robby!

It also highlights many of our allies in our movement for justice and their personal stories.

Here's more from their site:

With two major presidential candidates — Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton — offering their experience in community organizing as evidence of their ability to lead the country, many Americans are beginning to wonder just what a community organizer is.

A timely new book by veteran organizer Joe Szakos and writer/editor Kristin Layng Szakos helps to demystify this little-known profession and offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who make changing the world their life’s work. We Make Change: Community Organizers Talk About What They Do — and Why is a lively, readable collection of stories and observations by organizers across the United States. The reader will come away with an insight into this fascinating profession and the people who have chosen it.

Community organizers are the people who work, often behind the scenes, to help people come together to effect meaningful change in their communities by building effective community organizations. They are there with the neighborhood group working to bring bank loans to low-income homeowners. They are there with immigrant women organizing to get medical insurance for their families, with small-town environmentalists keeping a toxic waste plant out of their community, with parents trying to get schools to respond to the needs of children with dyslexia, with gay and lesbian students striving to create a safe space in their schools, with groups working to reduce the ravages of racism in their towns and institutions. Wherever there is a well-organized group agitating for progressive social change, chances are there is a community organizer nearby.

Community organizers work at their jobs because they are passionate, because they believe that change is possible, and because they enjoy working with people. Although it’s not an occupation that leads to great wealth, community organizers can make a living at it. Community organizers receive salaries, pensions and health insurance. They raise families and send their children to college. They do well by doing good.

Labels: Organizing, Robby Rodriguez, SWOP, We make change

May 4, 2007

After 46 Years, Another Ride for Freedom, This Time From NM

Albuquerque – Forty-six years ago today (Friday), both black and white activists climbed on buses in Washington, D.C. to begin the historic “Freedom Rides” into the Deep South. Now, in that same spirit, grassroots organizations and activists are planning a “People’s Freedom Caravan” across the Southern U.S., beginning next month in Albuquerque and ending at the U.S. Social Forum in Atlanta. Joann Gutierrez-Bejar with the Southwest Organizing Project says the goal is to unite communities across the Southern U.S.

“You know, in this country there’s a democracy divide that really pits low-income people of color against each other. By going on this caravan, we see people struggling in the same way and that we’re no different.”

The caravan leaves on June 22nd, making stops in San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi before reaching Atlanta five days later. The U.S. Social Forum is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of progressive groups in the country. It runs until July 1st.

Gutierrez-Bejar says the caravan will arrive just as the opening march of the U.S. Social Forum is getting underway. She says the forum represents a unique opportunity for change, and she hopes others will make the trip to Atlanta.

“People really need to attend. This is our chance; this is our opportunity; and we need to just take advantage of the space that has been made for us.”

Editor’s Note: Gutierrez-Bejar is at 505.247.8832. More information at www.swop.net.
Producer: Eric Mack Phone: 888-471-1722 Fax: 303-253-8905 E-mail: nmns@publicnewsservice.org

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Mayo 4, 2007

Después de 46 años, otro viaje hacia la libertad, y esta vez parte de NM

Albuquerque – Hoy (viernes) hace cuarenta y seis años, activistas negros y blancos se subieron a los autobuses en Washington, D.C. para iniciar la trayectoria histórica “Viaje hacia la libertad” rumbo al sur. Ahora con el mismo espíritu las organizaciones de reforma social y los activistas están planeando una “Caravana libertadora de la gente” por todo el sur de los EEUU , comenzando el próximo mes en Albuquerque y terminando en Atlanta en la sede de U.S. Social Forum. Joann Gutierrez-Bejar de la organización Southwest Organizing Project dice que la meta es unir a las comunidades de las regiones del sur de los EEUU.

“Te digo, en este país hay una democracia dividida que hace que la gente de escasos recursos de color se echen los unos a los otros. El viajar en esta caravana nos abrirá los ojos para ver que hay otros que aun siguen batallando como nosotros y que no somos los únicos.”

La caravana parte de Albuquerque el 22 de junio, con paradas en San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans y Jackson, Mississippi antes de llegar a Atlanta cinco días después. En la sede del U.S. Social Forum se espera que sea la reunión mas grande de grupos del movimiento progresivo del país. La reunión continúa hasta el 1° de julio.

Gutierrez-Bejar dice que la caravana llegará justo en el momento en que la reunión del U.S. Social Forum comienza. Dice que el U.S. Social Forum representa una oportunidad única para realizar cambios y tiene la esperanza de que otras personas también vayan a Atlanta a participar.

“La gente realmente necesita asistir a esta reunión. Esta es nuestra oportunidad y necesitamos aprovechar el espacio que se nos ha otorgado.”

Nota del editor: Gutierrez-Bejar TEL. 505.247.8832. Para más información visite: www.swop.net.

Teléfono: 888-471-1722 Fax: 303-253-8905 E-mail: nmns@publicnewsservice.org
Para grabar las realidades llame al 1-888-600-9800

Labels: Freedom Rides, People's Freedom Caravan, SWOP, USSF

Voces Unidas is SWOP's own quartely news publication with a circulation of over 12,000 readers.

The next edition of Voces Unidas is due to hit mailboxes in May and we are looking for original cover art to use for the next edition.

Its focus is on "Electoral Politics & Community Power." It will include a piece from a grassroots organization who uses electoral politics while still organizing door-to-door, SWOP's stance on legislation, and our very own "SWOP legislator report card," which will reflect how the legislators' voting record for this past session measures up according to our social justice standards. Stay tuned....

If you are interested in designing something for us, please let us know. The deadline for submissions is Monday April 23rd. Please send all entries to joann@swop.net or call 505-247-8832 if you have any questions.

Are you a writer or photographer, or simply have something great to share? Let us know you may get published by SWOP!

Labels: SWOP, voces unidas

1000 protesters gathered at civic plaza today to stand up against the unjust war on Iraq and the economic draft that has targetted young women and men in poor communities of color. "Iraq is eating our generation alive" exclaimed Emma Sandoval a SWOP representative at the rally preceding the march. More than 3000 soldiers have lost their lives, 29 have been from New Mexico.


SWOP youth's campaign focuses on dramtacially reducing the number of military recruiters on school campuses, and putting an end to the pressure they recieve to join the armed forces. Youth need an education and healthcare, what they don't need is to sign a death contract that will profit Bush.

Check out more pictures from the march below.

Labels: anti-war march, Iraq, march 17th, military recruitment, peace-a-palooza, SWOP, youth

What: WSF Africa report-back and $5 spaghetti dinner
Who: SWOP
When: 6-8 pm Wednesday March 14, 2007
Where: 820 Broadway Blvd, SE - St Francis Xavier Church Multi Purpos room

The 2007 World Social Forum was held Jan 22-25, in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa. A delegation of SWOP members attended the forum as part of Grassroots Global Justice representing US grassroots social justice groups. SWOP will be hosing a reportback to members, friends and allies to talk about the global justice movement. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for SWOPs delegation to the US social forum.

Labels: SWOP, United States Social Forum, World Social Forum

SWOP is the beeeezneeez, as my mom would say.

Did you all see that video for the USSF (scroll down)? Or the plan to tour the South on the way to the forum? Have folks seen those beautiful people up at the roundhouse in Santa Fe doing that Campaign for a Better New Mexico thing and wearing those fabulous I love New Mexico t-shirts? What about in Pajarito Mesa? Carlsbad?

Maybe you've heard about all that work the youth are doing for the anti-war demos coming up?

Maybe you've heard SWOP on the radio and in the news?

And I'm just barely scratching the surface.

I'm asking folks to do a few things to keep the momentum going.



And go over to Alibi.com and cast a vote for your favorite community based organization.

Labels: Alibi, Campaign for a Better New Mexico, SWOP

This just in..



About the USSF

The US Social Forum is more than a conference, more than a networking bonanza, more than a reaction to war and repression. The USSF will provide space to build relationships, learn from each other's experiences, share our analysis of the problems our communities face, and bring renewed insight and inspiration. It will help develop leadership and develop consciousness, vision, and strategy needed to realize another world.

The USSF sends a message to other people’s movements around the world that there is an active movement in the US opposing US Policies at home and abroad.

We must declare what we want our world to look like and begin planning the path to get there. A global movement is rising. The USSF is our opportunity to demonstrate to the world Another World is Possible!

Read more about the USSF at
http://ussf2007.org

To get involved and find out about SWOP's delegation to the forum, call the office at 505 247 8832 or email monica@swop.net. SWOP is planning a social justice bus tour of the south on the way with our friends over at Southwest Workers Union.

united states social forum

Labels: SWOP, United States Social Forum, USSF