Global Exchange’s Elect Democracy campaign knows that local grassroots power is what will eventually halt Wall Street’s destructive greed. We also know that every penny counts in our communities, so we want to help support *your* local organizing efforts by offering you (and 24 other groups) a $60 mini-grant for you to organize an event (with some good food) that brings people together to eat, talk, and build relationships of support and understanding.

Every BBQ will be different, but the goal is to support local communities around the country in building relationships with one another and to find common links in their struggle against Wall Street’s greed.

Whether your group has been challenging Wall Street’s undue influence in our political system for days, months, years, or you’re ready to start now, please check out our short online form and apply to be one of the 25 groups around the country to receive a $60 mini-grant to help you do what you do best: organize!

We hope this grant will be a small boost for groups impacted by (or organizing in solidarity with) local communities impacted by foreclosure, student debt, and limited social services. It may only help for one meeting, but the connections we create are important and lasting.

Deadline to apply for a mini-grant: September 15th, 2012. 5pm PST.

FAQ:

• When should the “Don’t Burn Democracy” BBQ‘s take place?

Anytime between Oct. 1-7.

• What if it is too cold for a BBQ in October where I live?

Any kind of gathering with food, inside or outside, is totally fine. Do what works for you and your groups’ needs and preferences.

• Who should we invite to our BBQ?

If your group is against Wall Street’s corporate greed, try to think of other groups who share this view, who have had enough, or who may be able to help you (or vice versa). Invite the people you want to build relationships with.

• Why is Global Exchange doing this?

Because we agree with the strategy, “Choose the place where corporations are weak and people are strong: organize there.” -Vandana Shiva
People power is strong where it is local, where it is nourished, and where people feel safe and comfortable. We hope to contribute to local groups being able to create this space to learn from one another, and potentially to find ways to collaborate.

• What tools will I receive to help with my BBQ?

In mid-September, Global Exchange will send BBQ hosts packets that include sample schedules, planning tips, stories of how other groups are challenging Wall Street’s greed in their communities, and information that Elect Democracy has compiled about Wall Street’s interference with our democracy. Use what’s useful for your local event!

• What do you want in return?

A) Follow through- please do make it happen. We will have conference calls and lots of resources to help out, every step of the way.
B) Report backs- let us know how it goes! If your group comes up with new action ideas, friendships, or photos, share these with other participants and supporters around the country.

So, are you ready to host a “Don’t Burn Democracy BBQ”? Apply today!

Welcoming the Caravan to El Paso!

Global Exchange Executive Director Carleen Pickard has joined the Caravan for Peace!

I arrived Monday night to the main square in El Paso and thought ‘oh no, we’ve double booked the plaza for the Caravan for Peace arrival!’ as Mexican rock blasted through the empty downtown streets at 8:30pm. When I arrived to la Placita it turned out that the party atmosphere was for the Caravan’s arrival, pleasing the few hundred people that had gathered with banners of bienvenidos, candles, pan dulce and hot chocolate.

When the 2 buses arrived, the worn and bleary eyed caravaneros walked through an aisle of supporters and treated to a beautiful ceremony. Representatives from Border Network for Human Rights communities presented the Caravan with:

Javier Sicilia giving testimony to El Paso Council.

• a symbol of Human Rights from East El Paso County;
• a symbol of Justice from Mission Valley;
• a symbol of Respect from Mission Valley;
• a symbol of Peace from Southern Dona Ana County;
• a symbol of Liberty from Las Cruces; and
• a symbol of Dignity from North of Las Cruces.

Tuesday morning

We rose early, boarded our buses and sat in the audience as the City Hall council heard a resolution presented by Ruben Garcia of Annunciation House and other El Paso community members. Read into the record by Councilwoman Susie Byrd, the resolution calls on El Paso to endorse a voluntary Code of Conduct for gun sales developed by mayors across the U.S. (for more info on the problems with lax gun laws, watch ‘U.S. Guns: the Awful, Shocking Truth’), discuss drug policy, money laundering and prioritize human rights.

The Caravan outside the El Paso DEA offices.

With the support of more than 50 victims of the War on Drugs in the room, many holding photos of their loved ones, dead or missing family members, Javier Sicilia spoke in favour of the resolution and appealed to the Council by stating, “The United States helped create this war, so that’s why we come to you today to help us create peace.” Despite challenges from 2 community members about the resolution’s language concerning U.S. citizens’ right to bear arms and clarification about the resolution’s intent of a discussion on drug policy, the El Paso City Council passed the resolution with 7 votes in favour and 1 abstention.

Tuesday afternoon

We protested at the DEA offices, and over lunch victims met with members of the Border Network for Human Rights, and later Javier Sicilia spoke at the University of Texas – El Paso campus.

Annunciation House with names of victims of the War on Drugs projected onto it.

After a symbolic community signing of the voluntary Code of Conduct for firearm sales in the same la Placita the Caravan was welcomed to last night, we marched to the immigrant support center Annunciation House for a closing vigil. Names of the victims of the drug war were projected onto the side of the Annunciation building, while classical music played.

It was astounding to spend 35 minutes watching hundreds of names reach upwards with classical music playing through the streets as everyone sat in silence. I believe each of us re-committed our pledge to impact the dialogue in the United States on the war on Drugs as our El Paso hosts wished us well as we travel eastwards across Texas tomorrow morning.

Watch the names projected onto the Annunciation House:

TAKE ACTION!

Follow the Caravan on…

• Twitter: @CaravanaUSA
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Caravan4Peace
• Hashtag: #Caravan4Peace #CaravanaUSA
• Caravan for Peace website:  caravanforpeace.org
• Global Exchange People-to-People blog: Caravan Road Reports or Subscribe via RSS to receive new posts automatically

CARAVAN PHOTOS

Check out Caravan photos from the road…

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/globalexchange
Facebook: Southern California photos. South-West photos.

Lend Your Support: Donations are still being accepted to help fund this important trip. Will you give?