Who We Are.

As a soul rockin Dominicana from the Bronx, Wendy is committed to serve as a revolutionary force of love, justice, and change among communities of Afrikan descent that have been subjected to this society's capitalistic horror show. She is on her way to pursuing a career in mental health, in which she plans to open up a community holistic wellness center that promotes the mental and physical wellness of our people. 

A global vagabond, Marly is certain she came out the womb with her fist in the air. Sensitive to the struggles of people across the world,  Marly strives to make a difference through writing and community activism. She opposes the oppression of Black and Brown people, women and the poor and envisions a world of collectivity and prosperity for people of Afrikan descent, who have been brutalized in many forms for far too long. She plans to pursue a master's degree in Urban Planning to ensure that "community development" no longer means displacement of people and the fattening of developers pockets.She strongly believes that the power belongs to the people and that we each have a responsibility to do our part for the collective betterment of each other and our future generations.

 

Why We Want To Go To Bolivia.

As members of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, we are moved and inspired by international movements for self-determination. To this end we are raising money to participate in a delegation of like minded people going to Bolivia to learn about indigenous resistance and exploring food sovereignty issues.

We feel that there is much to learn from Bolivia, the first country in the hemisphere to be governed by an indigenous president. As part of this delegation we will learn about indigenous struggles for sovereignty over food, land, and water as well as meet with farmers, community leaders, government leaders, and others. We are eager to participate in this trip in order to connect common struggles and to develop a better perspective of global oppression. We are both inspired and motivated by the revolutionary changes occurring in Bolivia and feel that by going on this trip we can discover strategies and techniques of organizing that can be applied in our own communities.

 

The Itinerary.

The delegation we look forward to being a part of is being organized by Alberto Lovera Bolivarian Circle of NY.  We will explore Bolivia’s current process of social and political transformation, including in the areas of food sovereignty, indigenous culture, education, health care, and citizen participation in the political process.  We will leave on Thursday, November 19th and return on Sunday, November 29th. Activities will include visits to social programs, cooperatives, community sites, and media outlets; meetings with farmers, community leaders, and government officials; and trips to natural areas, historic sites, and other sites of interest. The following itinerary will give you a quick glance of how we will be spending our time amongst the people of Bolivia!

Days 1 and 2: La Paz, Bolivia
Arrival.

Orientation/Welcome.

Visits to social programs and discussions with community leaders and authorities who run them.

Days 3, 4, and 5: Coroico and Coripata

Visits to food security pilot projects.

Days 6, 7, and 8: Cochabamba, El Chapare 

Visits to pilot projects for the industrialization of coca leaves.

Visits with community leaders who led the successful struggle against privatization of their water sources.

Day 9: La Paz 

Conversations with government leaders. 

Day 10: 
Departure.

Breakdown of Trip Costs.

We are asking for support from our friends, families and comrades (as well as generous acquaintances, associates, colleagues and strangers!) to help fund this important expedition. In order to help curb the cost of this very important trip, we are asking for a $20 donation from each person. While we recognize that times are hard for everyone right now, we truly believe that collective support and participation in these times is important. Your contribution will NOT be unrewarded (see below!). If $20 is more than you can afford at the moment, we will certainly accept anything you can spare. And obviously, if you are so inclined to donate more than $20 (more! more! more!) we will accept with the utmost love and appreciation! If you're an activist, you understand the political and social importance of Bolivia, if you're not an activist, this is your opportunity to do your part!

$850. Flight-Group Rate from NYC to La Paz, Bolivia

$800. Covers all lodging, all ground transportation, at least 2 meals per day, and translation.

The Math. 

$850 X 2
$800 X 2
________
$3300

Deadlines for Payments.
In order to be part of this delegation, Wendy and Marly need to raise half of the trip cost, $1650, by October 1st. The remaining $1650 is due on November 1st. These deadlines are QUICKLY APPROACHING! Please contribute... LIKE NOW!

What We Will Do For You.

To show our gratitude and appreciation for your generous contribution, upon return to the U.S, Wendy and Marly will put on a delegation debriefing. At this time, we will share with you everything that we did in Bolivia. This will be an opportunity for you to hear what we learned, what we experienced and most importantly the lessons and strategies that may be transferable to our own struggles with land use and food sovereignty. We will share pictures, videos and any other resources that could be useful in conveying what our experience was like and hopefully energizing new methods of organizing. Additionally, we will compile a curriculum with theory, practice, and multimedia based on the trip that we'll make available to folks. This will be a valuable tool for organizations to learn and organize around as well as for individuals seeking to learn more about indigenous struggles..... not to mention hugs, kisses and positive energy from our indigenous comrades in Bolivia!

Total as of October 2, 2009

Thanks to the generous contribution from so many loved ones, friends, families, community members and strangers, Wendy and Marly have raised enough to BUY THEIR PLANE TICKETS TO BOLIVIA!!! AAOOWWW!! We are only 37% short of reaching our goal of covering the cost of the program. If you've already donated, THANK YOU! This is only possible because of your generosity! If you haven't donated yet, we NEED YOU! Your donation could be the one that ends this fundraiser!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Total as of Monday, September 28, 2009

Still a long way to go! Wendy and Marly have 3 days to raise $945 more dollars! This is the amount they'll need to secure their seats on the plane to Bolivia! Thanks to everyone who has brought us this far! If you've been procrastinating, please make your contribution NOW!

Total as of September 24, 2009

So far, Wendy and Marly have raised about 9% of what we need to go on the delegation! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far but there is still a looooooong way to go! Remember, we need to raise half of the trip cost by October 1st! Less than a week ago! We still have $1300 to go! All of you who have pledged to donate, please do so before the 1st!

... and SPREAD THE WORD!