Ruckus Eco-Justice Camp- Day 3 (Friday)

They say third days the charm. The sun is out, music is blasting from the cooking bus and almost ninety eco-justice activist and trainers are ready to learn and share talents. I think i believe it.

For the past two days I’ve spent my time and energy at the Advanced Ruckus Camp on Eco-Justice in Harmony Park, Minnesota. I am one out of around 85 organizers who are the best of the best in the field; of coarse this includes the Ruckus staff that is exceptionally good at what they do.

The training is based on three tracks: climbing, blockade and arts & communications. Though this year the training incorporate workshops in the morning which share stories, techniques and tips on campaign framing and planning. The evening workshops are focused around community building, allies and empowerment and respect for the communities on the frontline.

Wednesday, local youth from the local Dakota tribe joined us for dinner and discussion. During dinner another thunderstorm/ tornado warning came through to visit. It brought the flooded but that did not stop the Dakota youth from sharing a meal, the history and struggles of the land. Mel from BC followed by sharing a song from his tribe.

The discussions that followed was powerful because everyone was either an ally or from a frontline community. It was obvious that those who were on the frontline were mainly organizations of color dealing with an organizations or entities that are much larger and wealthier. As the facilitators closed the discussion a massive windstorm kicked in which was followed by intense rain and lightning. The temperature drops and we were stuck under a covered area that was perfect for a chilly wind tunnel. Non the less we finished the day cold and wet but with more knowledge and respect for the land we were staying on.

Yesterday’s (Thursday) discussion was turned to organizers who shared case studies from frontline communities. This talk followed and enforces the need to collaborate and acknowledge the power and difference of impacted communities. The talk highlights the need for community lead organizing and the roles of supporting organizations. These success stories are sad but extremely empowering to hear.

Marty spoke about a campaign he worked on with a local community in Portland, Oregon the battle with the second riches man in the world. The campaign was the biggest dam removal project in human history.

Scott Parken (Rainforest Action Network and Rising Tide NA) talked about the endless and inter-generational movement to stop mountain top removal in the Appalachian community.

Nadine spoke about differences of working with child activist (3^rd – 5^th graders). She stressed that the is need to connect children with something they care about by using trainings and popular education techniques that have the children moving and always thinking.

The day ended with participants sharing the worst-case and best scenario's on non-violent direct actions they have attended. It was quite the experience.

Bicentenario Reflection

2010 marks a momentous year for Mexico as it celebrates both the 200^th anniversary of its independence from Spain as well as the 100^th anniversary of its revolution. Because of the many social and political implications, these historic events are of great importance to all Mexican citizens living in Mexico or abroad, Mexican descendents, and all people who share in the vision and struggle for freedom from oppression.

While it is a time of great celebration and remembrance, it is important to acknowledge that the struggle is ongoing. 100 years after Father Miguel Hidalgo’s Grito de Dolores that called for Mexico to unite and revolt against Spain’s oppressive colonial government, a large part of the population was still oppressed but this time at the hands of a different master. At the turn of the 20^th century, Mexico’s president turned dictator pushed for industrialization and wealth at the expense of human rights, and especially at the expense of the rights of the large working class population. The Mexican Revolution brought public consciousness to the struggles of workers, peasants, and mestizos, and radically changed the political landscape of the nation, ultimately resulting in the Mexican Constitution of 1917 which gave many additional rights to the people and is still in use today.

It is in this progressive and people-centered spirit that we must continue to fight today. While the Mexican Independence and Mexican Revolution marked great strides in the fight for freedom, the legacy of domination and oppression still exists in the form of terrible inequality, poverty, and violence (especially gender violence). We must speak out about and resist these forces, and support the movement toward reclaiming our human rights. Thus the celebration, remembrance, and consciousness-building extends outward from Mexico. This is an important time for all people to reflect and connect in order to build momentum towards a more just world.

"The People and Its Leaders" Jose Clemente Orozco

Palacio Gobierno, Guadalajara