Raising Change in Ecuador

March 4-9th 2007 No Bases Quito, Ecuador

by Diana Lopez

As I reflect on the outcome of the No Foreign Bases Conference in beautiful Quito, Ecuador, I realize that more than half of the people attending were active youth from Ecuador who want change in their life. I went to this conference to show the impacts of military toxics from former bases in my community, and to have not only white representation at the conference. The most difficult/saddest part was that we (SWU) were the only grassroots, non-profit organization that went from the US, the rest was rich, white ladies who are all talk and no action (political tourist), other countries think that is our representation and it shouldn’t, so our message got across that we are people of color who have been impacted directly and are representing our people. It was hard, and I was shy but overall the practice of the process was much needed. I learned so much about Ecuador history, Plan Colombia, the military impacts on almost 40 other countries, cool fun ice breakers, what other countries think about the US, and the experience was unforgettable. Being in another country, breathing their culture, and the fact that the youth were there for a reason, surprised older folks and it rejuvenated them to know that when they are gone the fight will not stop it will go on strong, in the hands of powerful youth.

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A new network forms to close US overseas military bases - commondreams