News from SWU

MLK March

2012-01-25T15:58:00.001-05:00

“We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

On January 16, 2012 the city of San Antonio celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Martin Luther King March. San Antonio is known to have one of the largest marches in the country, and the number of attendees increases with each coming year, Southwest Workers Union was one amongst many organizations that participated in the march. SWU’s youth were excited and could not wait to begin the walk, some of the youth were excited to participate in the march once again, and those who had never been to the march were anxious to see and experience first hand the magnitude of the event. 100,000 people from all parts of the city came together to stand in solidarity with the beliefs of Martin Luther King Jr., all kinds of cultures, colors, and languages were unified on this day.

Labor Organizer Job Opening

2012-01-23T16:34:00.003-05:00

Labor Organizer Job Opening

Southwest Workers Union (SWU) is seeking a full time Labor Organizer to lead organizing efforts for public school worker members and to support campaign development for just economic policy and labor practices. The Labor Organizer will work with the Labor Program Coordinator to organize public school workers in 6 school districts in San Antonio and Austin, Texas as a part of SWU’s organizational goal to build grassroots power in low-income communities.

Responsibilities:

· Build and maintain relationships with public school workers

· Represent membership through the grievance process and relevant administrative meetings and hearings

· Hold regular membership meetings

· Mobilize members to participate in membership and school board meetings, campaigns, and leadership development trainings

· Develop popular education based training curriculum with member input

· Develop and implement membership recruitment plan

· Maintain member database, and administrative and reporting duties

· Work with Program Coordinator to develop a labor media plan

· Work with Program Coordinator to plan and execute direct actions, community meetings, civic engagement and other activities in support of economic and labor justice campaign goals

· Work with other staff to produce member newsletters

Required Qualifications:

· A strong commitment to social justice and organizing within low-income communities

· Comfort with public speaking

· Computer and writing skills

· Bilingual in Spanish and English

Desired Qualifications:

· At least one year of relevant organizing or campaigning experience

· Experience with the grievance process

· Personal transportation

This is a full-time position located in San Antonio, TX that is open immediately. This position is subject to a probationary training period of 3-months, after which the employee will be evaluated and eligible for a staff position with benefits. Compensation: Monthly, commensurate with experience.

Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references to Jill Johnston at jill@swunion.org. People of color, women, and LGBTQ are strongly encouraged to apply.

Southwest Workers Union is a 23-year old grassroots social justice organization of low-income workers, community, and youth united in one struggle for workers rights, environmental justice, and youth empowerment. SWU believes in inter-generational organizing, bottom-up movement-building, and the development of grassroots leaders as a means to bring about systemic social change. Please visit our website at http://www.swunion.org or contact us as 210.299.2666.

San Antonio invest in Solar

2012-01-12T11:40:00.009-05:00

This Wednesday Julian Castro mayor of San Antonio announced the companies that will create one of the largest solar farms in North America. Definitely a milestone not only for the city of San Antonio, but also for the Southwest Workers union who introduced the idea three years ago in the People's Power plan that is based on the principles of environmental and social justice that help shape the vision for a more energy sufficient San Antonio. The deal will create more then 800 new jobs not including the countless number of construction jobs it will take to build the plants. The location of the manufacturing plant will be tentatively located on the far west side of San Antonio

In 2010 the city also announced the construction of a massive solar farm on the southeast side on San Antonio. The 140 acre site is the largest solar farm in Texas that powers up to 1,800 homes. The Farm became a first in the right direction for a greener San Antonio. Although the farm only creates a small small percentage of actual energy used by Texans with the new manufacturing plant both the farm and plant will produce enough energy to power countless numbers of homes and businesses.

A much more neighborhood friendly addition then that of a nuclear power plant which CPS ,the major energy supplier for San Antonio, tried to push years back that was derailed with countless efforts of SWU and other organizations as well as concerned citizens. San Antonio in many ways will lead the state and even the nation to reduced our carbon footprint.

Express News Article on the Mega Solar Project:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/living_green_sa/article/CPS-names-two-firms-in-mega-solar-project-2471016.php#photo-2047933

Express News Article on the Solar Farm Project:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/local/article/Local-solar-farm-gets-powered-up-806187.php

1000 Durbans

2011-12-15T12:16:00.005-05:00

Youth organizers taking the lead. December 3^rd was a day of action for the youth and members at SWU, people came together to stand in solidarity with the actions happening not only in Durban South Africa but all around the U.S.

Monica Ramos (left) Ashely Terrazas (right)

At the end of the workshops the youth wrote letters to their mayor and city council asking them to better their communities, and choose green energy.

SWU youth supporting the movement in South Africa while making a change in their own communities!

By: Ashely Terrazas

YLO in da SWU House

2011-12-14T16:38:00.000-05:00

Youth community organizers work on letter to the mayor urging him to adopt community lead solutions to climate change.

1000 DURBANS: San Anto, Tx

2011-12-14T15:41:00.008-05:00

Michelle G.
Jocelyn T.
Juan A.
Juan R.
Ivan B.
Alyssa G.

(These pictures are of the youth that participated in our action - Muchas Gracias to all that showed up <3 )

A social movement that started on November 28th through December 9th that contained numerous activities around the UN ( United Nation) climate. This was the 17th conference and the year of 2011, it was held in Durban, South Africa. So on the 3rd of December there were movements breaking out all over the world in solidarity for Climate Justice and to pressure governments for real climate solutions.
As our contribution to the action to strengthen international solidarity we we had our participants compose a letter or a drawing that explained either what they have seen in their communities and how it affects them or what they would like to see changed and their suggestions to help make it happen. These letters will be sent to the mayor and city council members in hope that it will make a difference.
-Jessica Garcia

Texas Care Congress: Trabajadoras Domesticas en Acción =Domestic Workers In Action

2011-12-14T14:28:00.005-05:00

This picture was of an Action that took place during the Conference Of Domestic Workers sponsored by the Texas Care Congress. Personally, I felt the energy level was incredible! After a long heart felt discussion in the morning everyone was ready for a little action come noon. People from every age group was present and accounted for during this action. We all had one focus. We all were working for one cause. There was no news media present, even though there should have been, but with out it we were still as strong and our voices were heard just as much as if they had come. NOTHING LIKE A LITTLE ACTION TO GET THE BlOOD PUMPING!!!!

By, Jessica Garcia

Trabajadoras Domesticas/Domestic Workers in action

2011-12-13T12:16:00.005-05:00

With all the baby boomers from the 50's rapidly aging the U.S. faces economic, and social problems unlike any others in the past. As long term care for the elderly and people with disabilities grows families will be left with little help to find the appropriate care they need for their family members. The care givers help ensure dignified health care and support, but under strenuous circumstances both care givers and patients count on one another for a good quality life. Caring Across Generation has been working towards improving the lives of both patients and the care givers with five structural pillars.

Create jobs
Quality jobs
Training for workers
Pathway to citizenship
Support individuals and families

Saturday December 10th organizations, care givers, and people with disabilities from across Texas, and even other parts of the country came together to discuss the hardships of being a domestic workers, and how a care congress in Texas would help improve the lives of the domestic care givers. We all count on one another to care for for the lives of our loved ones and members of our society with disabilities, but without a dignified treatment for our care givers who will possibly think about becoming a care giver?

By Monica Ramos

1000 Durbans "Share Your Alternative Solutions to Climate Change"

2011-12-07T14:39:00.005-05:00

Students In San Antonio, Texas came together this weekend to call to attention how city wide solutions can reduce our carbon footprint. Students who participated were educated on climate change, climate justice, and community-based alternatives trough hands on training. Along side other participating organizations we joined together to call to attention the world wide relationship between the negotiations being made in Durban, South Africa that weekend and their significance to local struggles in San Antonio. Thanks to the participants, the People's Power Plan was edited to a new version that will be sent to the Mayor in oder to catch his attention, and embrace these reals steps to reduce San Antonio's carbon footprint in the world.

By Monica Ramos

"Building Bridges to Empower a True Majority"

2011-12-07T13:56:00.005-05:00

The south by southwest this weekend has created a convening for organizations all over to come together to demonstrate trough workshops how the process of our cross country solidarity building stays strong. Participants learned our struggles our history our methods during this two day long convening. We all shared our stories and trough the south by southwest experiment we learned that our stories are not so different from each other. No matter what background we come from there is always a similar history we all share. My favorite part of this weekend was showing many adults how to actually organize with youth because afterwards the other two youth interns and myself received so many compliments on how our workshop really opened up their eyes. I'm glad i've been able to grow from a youth participant the past four years to becoming a youth organizer for the SxSW.

By Monica Ramos

Building Bridges: Closing The Gap Between Communities And Generations

2011-11-30T16:29:00.000-05:00

Southwest Workers Union (SWU) is a non-profit organization which has been around for about 23 years now. SWU focuses on 6 main areas of work them being movement building, youth empowerment, border and migrant rights, environmental justice, leadership development and economic justice. The organization was created in 1988 in Hondo, Texas and has since then moved to San Antonio while still organizing in Hondo. SWU currently has 2,500 members a number that keeps growing with each coming day, a large part of those members are kids, teenagers and young adults ranging anywhere from 5-24 years of age, most of them come from low-income, and working class households. SWU has worked with (SWOP) Southwest Organizing Project out of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Southern ECHO out of Jackson, Mississippi, but it wasn’t till about four years ago that the South by Southwest Experiment (SxSW) was created. I have attended and participated in many of these workshops, which focus on creating awareness, empowering the community, and building trust across groups of people.

The South by Southwest Experiment consists of the three organizations mentioned above, Southwest Workers Union, Southwest Organizing Project, and Southern ECHO, all of which do work around environmental and economic justice in their respective towns. The main goal of SxSW is creating acceptance between people of different cultures and races, while also empowering the community to really take part in the decisions being made by our government officials, decisions that affect the minorities in this country, and to create an alliance between black, brown and red, all of these communities have a history of being oppressed, marginalized, and discriminated against.

Not only are Latin Americans or people without the proper documentation marginalized, but also African Americans, people who are already citizens of the U.S. yet their voices are almost never heard, and it seems as if very little if anything has changed since the 1950’s and 1960’s. Americans take pride in belonging to a nation with many cultures, and kinds of people yet racism is still alive and well. So where is the disconnect? Why is it that we are living in the 21^st century and there is still prejudice, and discrimination against a person’s skin color, language and/or culture?

Organizations such as SWU, Southern ECHO, and SWOP struggle every day to make a change not only in their household, communities and cities, but in the country as a whole. It may seem as an overwhelming task to take on but if only everyone took a part in this movement, then our voices would be heard. Minorities in this country have to form bonds, and relationships with each other, we have to realize that we do have similar issues, and we can’t face them alone, there is power in numbers, and the day we realize it, will be the day that we begin to make a change. We not only owe it to ourselves, but to others who came before us, who dedicated their life to achieving equality, acceptance, and acquiring the dream of succeeding in life.

BY: Ashely Terrazas

SWU Summer Interns Excited for Summit

2011-08-08T15:19:00.015-04:00

The abience at Southwest Workers Union office is organized chaos. People, ages 15-50, organizing in sync with each other preparing for the summer program's grand finally: The People Power Summit. A 3 day summit focused on youth empowerment and community revolution.

"Back in March the YLO went to DC for a conference called Powershift which was focused on youth finding solutions to climate change. We wanted to bring that momentum and spirit to San Antonio. And this summer was a perfect time to bring people together to make change." said Bailey Perez, a Youth Leadership Organization facilitator.

SWU's youth leadership organization (YLO) holds an annual summer program which lets 5-10 youth leaders learn the ins and outs of organizing and the issues that affect San Antonio. This year the program took a slight turn. SWU youth coordinator Sandra Garcia ,23, decided to step back and let the youth group decide and organize the summer program to insure true youth leadership. This is something that little organizations can handle. Six youth leaders were chosen to lead the summer program with the mentor-ship community leaders.

" These young leaders gathered every afternoon in May to talk about the summer program. For some it was their last month in high school and its amazing that they spent that time laying out the steps to continue the program. " said Diana Lopez, SWU staff member.

Through the summer the facilitators organized and led workshops around animal care, self image, domestic violence, health and exercise, sexual education, facilitation, mural making, quilting and gardening. They also worked on outreach and media training to invite people to the program and the summit.

The last two weeks of the summit are crunch time. The group started coming to the office 5 days a week to prepare for the summit. For More information on the summit please view previous post.

"What keeps me motivated in the expectation that people will get out of my workshops. Getting to start working on the workshops and developing them and seeing how they are coming along is what its about. Its alot of work because I have never planned a summit before but its coming along good. " said Ashely Terrazas, summer facilitator and YLO member.

The summer program and summit is spearheaded by Edision HS. Youth Leadership Organization, an after school program that takes SWU into the schools to organize and empower the students along with our school members.

People Power Summit- Building Bridges and Empowering Community Revolution

2011-08-01T12:24:00.003-04:00

July 12, 2011

Dear Allies, Sisters and Brothers,

The Southwest Workers Union - Youth Leadership Organization will be hosting a youth summit and invites you to be part of it. The People Power Summit – Building Bridges and Empowering Community Revolution will take place on August 12^th-14^th at the Henry Ford Academy Alameda School for Art and Design located at 439 Arbor Place San Antonio, TX 78207.

We will focus on two tracks, Building Bridges and Community Revolution, where participants reflect on their roles in addressing issues affecting our communities and their contribution to collective solution building.

The Building Bridges track involves sharing our stories and making connections to one another. It also allows for sharing our visions for social change. Over the years we have had many victories and challenges and its important to share these with each other in order to build stronger alliances. The track also aims to build a bridge between different social justice issues and address the need for multi-issue alliances.

The community revolution track is based on building a movement of critical consciousness along side our bridge building, in order to bring youth together as one to see true leadership and change.

Throughout the weekend we will engage a multitude of issues through various popular education workshops. The goal of the summit is to have participants learn about issues, build solutions and build allies in the process.

SWU will be offering solidarity housing, limited transportation and food for the events. Solidarity housing will be with SWU staff, leaders and members. If you prefer a hotel, we will provide a list of recommended hotels but will not be able to cover the expenses. SWU will also provide and coordinate transportation to and from the airport and during your stay in San Antonio. We look forward to your presence at the Youth Summit!!

Please contact Monica or Sandra at 210.299.2666 for more information.

In solidarity,

Genaro Lopez-Rendon

Director, Southwest Workers Union

Celebrate 10 years of struggle after Kelly closed - July 22nd

2011-07-14T10:46:00.004-04:00

Join SWU and the Committee for Environmental Justice Action (CEJA) to celebrate the community victories and struggle for health, a clean environment and revitalized communities.
Since Kelly AFB closed in 2001 with their toxic legacy, the community has continued to raise their voices for justice and for a better future. We applaud all this hard work and the years of work ahead to ensure that we have a clean, health community to live and work in.

Friday July 22nd 4p - 6p
234 Baker

for more information or to rsvp call 299.2666

Frustration lingers over AFB pollution

We are PROUD and UNITED InTHE VICTORY AGAINST SB 9

2011-06-29T14:58:00.008-04:00

Overwhelming opposition through out the State of Texas defeated SB 9. We are proud to know that our elected officials and community leaders are committed to support migrant families and social justice organizations in the struggle Against SB 9.

Arizona Copy Cat Laws are being proposed in many states and it has been our communities that have stood up against them to keep our families and communities safe. We stand in unity with the community to insure that these types of racist laws will not be passed in Texas or in any other state.

“We join Mayor Julian Castro, Members of City Council and Police Chief McManus and stand in solidarity with the community to celebrate the defeat of Senate Bill 9 in Texas. Community Leaders are urging elected officials to take action by adopting a resolution against any copy cat Arizona Bill” Genaro Lopez Rendon, Director of Southwest Workers Union.

TODAY THE COMMUNITY IS PROUD FOR THE VICTORY AGAINST RACISM, RACIAL PROFILING and ANTI-MIGRANT LAWS THAT WILL VIOLATE OUR HUMAN & CIVIL RIGHTS

Food by the People for the People

2011-05-05T17:30:00.006-04:00

The first Peoples Market will take place June 4th, 2011 at 1416 E. Commerce home of the Roots of Change Community Garden. The Peoples Market is a swap, barter and sell market. It has a strong emphasis on food, health and the creation of urban gardens. We are currently in need of artist, cooks and gardeners to sell/swap their products.

We are asking a $10 donation per vendor which includes a table and one chair, this amount will be due on the day of the market before the market begins. All food must be made on the premises. We will charge $5 extra for the use of our kitchen. Vendor spaces are limited and are on a first come basis, with preferences to local vendors. You may begin setting up at 8am. The market is scheduled to start at 9 am and will run through 12pm. All vendors must be packed and all sales must be final by 1pm. There will be trashcans, recycle bins and compost bins all around the area.

For a vendor application or more information contact Diana Lopez, EJ Coordinator - dianalopez@swunion.org - 210.299.2666.

1 de Mayo y lucha por derechos de Migrantes ‘sin papeles’.

2011-04-27T17:45:00.008-04:00

El 1 de Mayo se llevaran acabo marchas por los derechos de trabajador@s migrantes y la ‘reforma migratoria’ en todo los Estados Unidos, al igual que en San Antonio, Texas.

Según el organizador de la Marcha 1 de Mayo, Che López, “vamos a salir de la plaza del sácate (Milam Plaza) a las 2PM del día el sábado y marcharemos a la plaza principal frente a la Catedral de San Fernando donde tenemos un programa muy bueno ya organizado”.

Según López, “es el día Internacional del trabajo y la clase trabajadora. Este día es importante porque reconoce el trabajo y contribución de toda la gente trabajadora” y que se celebra mundialmente.

El 2006 fue la mega-marcha del 1 de Mayo donde salieron mas de 75,000 gentes en San Antonio, Texas. En las marchas a participado un grupo de Hondo en cada una de ellas. Con esa marcha se inicio un proceso nuevo en la lucha por los derechos de los migrantes que están en Estados Unidos sin papeles. Esta es el quinto año que se organiza la Marcha 1 de Mayo por parte de la Southwest Workers Union.

Estas marchas conocidas como las Mega-marchas, contaron con la participación de millones de gentes por todo el país. Las marchas empezaron con la marcha de Cesar Chávez al final de Marzo, la gira de Border Angels, y la marcha del 10 de Abril (Zapata), y culminaron el 1 de Mayo: Día internacional del Trabajo y Trabajador@s.

Pero con todas las marchas no se ha logrado conseguir derechos para los migrantes con un camino a la legalización, y la unidad familiar. La razón porque hay gente sin papeles es porque el gobierno de Estados Unidos son les da la visa y naturalización, tienen un limite bien bajo. La gente viene de migrante a trabajar para darle de comer a sus familias. Vienen simplemente para sobrevivir.

Porque? Porque perdieron sus terrenos en su país. Porque los empleos de allí se fueron para China, como los empleos de Estados Unidos se fueron primero a México en la forma de maquiladoras y ahora están en China, filipinas y otros países donde estas empresas transnacional paguen el salario mas miserable. “La razón porque de desaloja tanta gente pobre y son forzados a migrar a otros países en el mundo entero, es porque los tratados de libre comercio y el control económico y político de el capitalista neo-liberal a forzado a la gente del campo a la ciudad, y de sus países a otros para ser una mercancía mas de consumo por la maquiladoras sin bandera ni país” dijo Chavel López quien participa en las Alternativas Bolivariana al libre comercio.

Se calcula que participaron mas de 5 millones en la jornada de marchas. Fue un hecho histórico y se escribió otro capitulo en la lucha por os derechos de los migrantes sin papeles, rompió récords.

Estas mega-marchas del 1 de mayo y la huelga general del 2006, lograron poner la lucha de los Mexicanos y latinos en el mapa político del país. El 1 de Mayo y las marchas rescatan una fecha histórica en la lucha internacional por la emancipación de la clase trabajadora que es el 1 de Mayo que irónicamente no se celebraba en EEUU aunque empezó aquí el 1899.

Las marchas reflejan lo profundo de la crisis del sistema capitalista y de la que ha dejado a Estados Unidos en deuda por 1,000,000,000,000,000 (Trillón) y que se le regalo todo el dinero a lo bancos, corporaciones y nada a la clase trabajadora. Millones de trabajadores han perdido sus empleos y sus casa y no recibieron mas que una extensión en el seguro de desempleo. Hoy el proyecto neo-liberal de ‘free trade’ nos ha dejado la dueda, desempleo y la violencia que vemos hoy en la frontera norte de Mexico.

“Demandamos derechos humanos para migrantes sin papeles y demandamos un reforma migratoria con plenos derechos para todas y todos porque como trabajador@s son creadores de riqueza, sostienen el seguro social y pagan tasaciones (Taxes) sin poder tener representación” acabo diciendo Che López sobre el porque es importante SALIR A LA MARCHA DEL 1 de MAYO!

Sandra in the white house! representing SA youth

2011-04-22T20:01:00.005-04:00

Vote for SWU - Fruit Trees for San Antonio

2011-04-20T14:14:00.004-04:00

Trees will be placed along the fence line and around the solidarity

house to reduce cost of electricity and increase food security in the area.

Please vote for Southwest Workers Union to get 40 fruit trees for our garden co-op. Go to www.communitiestakeroot.com. Click on Texas then on the Plant tab at the top. Find San Antonio and vote for Southwest Workers Union. You need to sign in to vote but that means you can vote everyday till May 31st.

An orchard in conjunction with a garden located in a community marked by poverty, pollution, and illness would increase food security among local families, provide healthy food choices and create alternatives. Currently land use in communities of color means the contamination of the local environment. The Eastside alone holds 60% of the city’s fuel tanks, toxic landfills, numerous industries, and railroad tracks with a history of deadly toxic spills. We aim to change this stereotype into one that is positive and aims for community-led gardens, food co-ops, and farmers' markets throughout San Antonio.

Please support our struggle and check back for garden work days.

On the Road Again... Thoughts on the final 13 hour streach to D.C.

2011-04-15T00:19:00.001-04:00

By Michelle G.
Edison High School

Waking up to a yummy breakfast in the morning was a great start to our Thursday of travel. We then departed heading north on the way to Washington DC. You could see the excitement in all of our faces, we were really looking forward to power shift. The anxiety was killing us and we had no patience what so ever. We just could not wait to actually get to meet the young people and actually interact with them. We were also really excited to sight see. Once we got to D.C. we were exhausted, so we quickly got into bed relaxed and prepared for a long day.

By Bailey P.
Edison High School

Before we left the hotel Thursday morning we gathered in the lobby and discussed what was to be expected of power shift; Everyone went one by one and said what they were hoping to get out of power shift. Then we left for a 13 hour drive to D.C. Everyone was pretty excited to arrive in D.C. for power shift. We got to the hotel around 3 am. There was some problems with the rooms but that was figured out.

TSCA Reform bill introduced in Senate

2011-04-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

Contact: Stephenie Hendricks 415 258-9151 stephdh@earthlink.net, experts and direct contact info below.

April 14, 2011

Chemical Reform Urgent for People of Color and Low Income Communities

Underserved communities disproportionately impacted by

Failed regulatory policy, legacy contamination, and resulting illness

Congress Introduces Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 to Reform Chemicals Law

(Washington, DC) The Environmental Justice & Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform is watching how Congress handles introduction of the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 proposed today by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) to reform the nation’s chemical regulations, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). Senator Boxer (D-CA), Senator Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) are co-sponsors of the new legislation. The Act has provisions on some long standing environmental justice concerns, including a new program to identify and specifically address communities that are toxic "hot spots" and consideration of the cumulative exposure of chemicals.

“Scientific research has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that communities of color and people living in poverty are disproportionately impacted by chemicals that ought to be regulated by TSCA but aren’t,” says Jose Bravo, Executive Director of the Just Transition Alliance in San Diego, CA. “Senator Boxer has taken courageous leadership in protecting the health of children in hot spot areas. We commend her for taking such action. Now all of Congress must act quickly and decisively to ensure equal protection to low income neighbors of polluting facilities and the workers inside who handle dangerous chemicals every day.”

“We are happy Senator Schumer has co-sponsored the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011. We are watching other members of Congress to see if they will support addressing toxic hot spots across America or not.” says Cecil Corbin-Mark, Director of Policy Initiatives for WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a New York based Environmental Justice Organization. Hot Spots are places of heightened air, water and soil pollution that occur most commonly in economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color that present heightened toxic exposures for residents. “Much of this pollution is well known to government representatives and imperils the health of children and adults across generations. Legacy chemicals, those left behind without cleanup by polluters who refuse to remediate their contaminated land are contributing to asthma, low birth weight, and cancers in our communities.”

“Illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer have contributed to large health inequities in environmental justice communities as the amounts of poorly regulated chemicals linked to these illnesses has increased,” according to Mark Mitchell, MD, Chair of the National Medical Association’s Environmental Health Task Force. NMA is the oldest and largest association of Physicians of Color. “The numerous routes of chemical exposure – from polluting facilities, trash incinerators, highways, landfills, pesticide sprayings and chemical-laden products in the home – must be addressed urgently to save this generation and the next from avoidable illnesses.”

Martha Dina Arguello, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility — Los Angeles, says, “We applaud Senator Boxer for co-sponsoring the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011. We believe this legislation can address the cumulative and synergistic effects of exposure to hundreds of unregulated chemicals. It must be a top priority for ultimate TSCA reform. In conjunction with our work in California we can achieve immediate action to address known bad actor chemicals and their associated health effects.”

The Environmental Justice & Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform is working with Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, which has identified environmental justice priorities as among the essential hallmarks of meaningful TSCA reform. Safer Chemicals Healthy Families is committed to supporting EJ efforts to provide equal health protection for people living on the fenceline of polluting facilities, working people, and their families.

“TSCA reform has got to focus on the communities and families that are shouldering the biggest impact,” says Richard Moore of Los Jardines Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Lately some members of Congress seem in the mood to put at risk the most vulnerable people through massive budget cuts. It’s time to protect workers and their families on the frontlines of chemical exposure: the people who actually make our economy go.”

Monique Harden, Esq., co-Executive Director of Advocates for Environmental Human Rights, based in New Orleans and Washington, DC, adds: “For too long Congress has enacted environmental laws that don’t protect our human right to health, but instead codify the status quo of industrial operations. As a result, the United States lags behind numerous other countries that have established environmental human rights standards. Congress now has the opportunity to enact a law that respects our human right to a healthy environment.”

“Indigenous Arctic peoples are among the most highly exposed people on earth to toxic chemicals, because these chemicals—DDT, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and perflourinated compounds, to name a few—are persistent, and drift hundreds and thousands of miles north on wind and ocean currents from where they are manufactured from more southern latitudes. These chemicals contaminate our traditional foods and affect our health and the health of our children,” says Vi Waghiyi (Yupik Eskimo) Tribal Member, Native Village of Savoonga, Yupik community on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, and Environmental Health and Justice Program Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics. “We call upon Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich to take a leadership role in protecting the health of our people in co-sponsoring this important legislation.”

Tom Goldtooth (Dine' and Dakota), Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network, headquartered in Bemidji, Minnesota adds: “The legacy of petrochemical plants, mining operations and manufacturers and big users of chemicals have polluted Native Nations and generations of our people. The result is cancer and other illnesses among our people, young and old. Native communities urge all members of Congress to act now on TSCA to protect our future.”

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced The Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 today. Senator Amy Klobuchar (R-MN), Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) are original co-sponsors. Environmental and Health Advocates across the spectrum are demanding a focus on under served communities most harmed by chemical exposure.

Available for Interviews

Martha Dina Argüello, Executive Director, Physicians for Social Responsibility — Los Angeles, CA. 310.261.0073, marguello@psr-la.org. Martha can address a variety of toxic chemical exposure issues — to communities of color, about educating physicians, and what has happened in California regarding reforming state chemical regulatory policy. She has been involved in the California Green Chemistry Initiative.

Jose T. Bravo, Executive Director, Just Transition Alliance, San Diego, CA. 619.838.6694, jose@just-transition.org. Jose works with communities contaminated with chemicals, which occurs mostly where people of color and low-income residents live.

Monique Harden, Esq, co-Executive Director of Advocates for Environmental Human Rights in New Orleans, LA and Washington, DC. 504.799.3060, mharden@ehumanrights.org. Monique is an attorney with expertise on human rights and environmental legislation and judicial decisions in the U.S. and abroad. Her organization’s litigation on behalf of African American residents of Mossville, LA has led to a precedent by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States, which decided for the first time to take jurisdiction over a case of environmental racism in the United States.

Cecil Corbin-Mark, Director of Policy Initiatives and Deputy Director for WE ACT for Environmental Justice (WE ACT) in New York, NY. 212.961.1000 ext. 303, Cecil@weact.org. Cecil can address environmental justice and chemical exposure issues.

Pam Miller, Founder and Executive Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics. 907.222.7714, pkmiller@akaction.net. Pam can address the drift of POPs chemicals from lower hemispheres, putting Indigenous peoples in the Arctic at great risk for illness from chemical contaminants. She can also address the several hundred toxic waste dump sites in Alaska, now leaking chemicals due to global warming, and contaminating water, soil and air near communities.

Mark A. Mitchell M.D., MPH, Co-chair of the Environmental Health Task Force for the National Medical Association, the oldest and largest association of Physicians of Color. 860.794.9497, mmitchell@enviro-md.com. Mark can talk about health disparities linked to environmental issues, as well as hot spots, legacy chemicals, increased susceptibility and unanticipated exposures in environmental justice communities.

Richard Moore, Los Jardines, Institute in Albuquerque, NM, 505.301.0276, ljinewmexico@gmail.com. Richard can talk about environmental justice issues and organizing in the Southwest.

Vi Waghiyi, Environmental Health and Justice Program Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics. 907.222.7714 or 907.444.9194 (cell). Vi can speak to the shocking chemical test results of the St. Lawrence Island, Alaska traditional foods and human health bio-monitoring results of Alaska native people.

Resources

Senator Lautenberg’s announcement

Letter to Congress on TSCA Reform, 2010

Principles of Environmental Justice

Toxic Wastes and Race and Toxic Wastes and Race at Twenty

Safer Chemicals Healthy Families

Youth Mobilizing for CLimate Change Solutions

2011-04-11T13:53:00.005-04:00

In less than four days young people from San Antonio will be hopping on vans to take a 24 hour drive to Washington DC for the 3rd Power Shift Conference. The conference is a gathering of young people from all over the nation who will be learning and sharing solutions to climate change.

Over 10,000 young students, community members and educators will come together to share their local victories and issues. San Antonio youth are going as community members who experience climate change hands on as low income youth of color. They have become leaders in the movement by voicing their options and being part of different campaigns around dirty energy, lack of green spaces, food justice, and demanding sustainable, efficient solutions from the city of San Antonio and Education Facilities.

These young people have spend hours in gardens, workshops and discussions about how San Antonio can truly be a sustainable, clean energy, food justice community that focuses on young people, low income neighborhoods, education and health in order to achieve true change.

We will blog daily about our adventures, thoughts and ideas. Please check back to read all the exciting things that will happen on our trip.

SAISD starts hunt for savings - With state revenue cuts looming, trustees delay tough decisions.

2011-01-19T17:36:00.006-05:00

By Lindsay Kastner
lkastner@express-news.net
Published: 12:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Trustees of the San Antonio Independent School District discussed a slew of budget-cutting measures Tuesday night brought on largely by the anticipated $27 billion state budget gap.

The meeting included the first round of probably several attempts to slash spending, as the district plans for a revenue loss of between $37 million and $61 million in the coming fiscal year.

“Even getting to the bottom of that is going to be excruciating for our district,” Associate Superintendent for Financial Services Steve Bassett said.

Trustees discussed at length an incentive for employees who give early notice of their plans to retire or resign from the district, but ultimately delayed action on the concept until Jan. 27.

The idea is intended to help the district plan for turnover. That could be more important than ever this year, because another plan to eliminate roughly 145 curriculum department jobs means the district could be scrambling to find in-house teaching vacancies for those employees.

“The sooner we know, the sooner we'll be able to start planning for our displaced — potentially displaced — employees,” Associate Superintendent for Human Resources Toni Thompson said.

She said the district isn't trying to encourage staff to leave but wants employees who are already planning to quit their jobs to give notice sooner than they otherwise might.

“We're strategically trying to put money in places where it's going to allow us to keep our employees,” Superintendent Robert Durón said.

Also Tuesday night, the trustees were scheduled to discuss proposals to explore options for outsourcing district services and reorganizing the district's curriculum and instruction department, including the elimination of 120 curriculum instructional coordinators and 25 teacher specialists and the creation of 40 instruction coaches, intended to support teachers and replace some of the functions of the eliminated positions. Both of those items were also tabled.

Earlier in the evening, Shelley Potter, president of the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and Support Personnel, told trustees the district should steer clear of outsourcing.

“Don't subject our students to risky schemes such as privatization,” said Potter, who suggested the district gather ideas for savings from school staff instead. She described a cafeteria worker who donates school uniforms to students in need and another who buys desserts for kids who earn good grades.

“You will not get that from a private company,” she said.

Trustees also heard from the Southwest Workers Union, which showed up with banners and posters to protest outsourcing and a proposal to work with a consultant to find energy savings.

Trustees had planned to discuss a proposed agreement with Energy Education Inc. during closed session Tuesday. The company would help the district reduce its energy costs in exchange for a portion of any savings realized, but Chavel Lopez, an organizer with the union, said district high school students have the skills to help identify best practices for energy use without taking a cut of the savings.

Also Tuesday night, trustees approved the purchase and installation of playground equipment for 45 schools, the first project of the 2010 bond issue.

The playgrounds will cost the district about $2.9 million, not including money set aside for contingency costs.

Board members also appointed a citizens committee to oversee bond projects. The 24 members — nominated by trustees and the superintendent — will serve staggered terms as they monitor the progress of the $515 million bond program and make recommendations to the board.

An organizational meeting has been scheduled for Feb. 2.

Day of 1000 Cancuns

2010-12-08T12:08:00.003-05:00

Southwest Workers Union took to City Hall on December 7th as part of a international day of action for climate justice. As the U.S. administration meets in Cancun to negotiate our climate’s future, grassroots peoples across the world call for local solutions to reduce our addiction to fossil fuels and dirty energy. As SWU demanded the U.S. stop its dirty tricks to avoid committing to real reductions in carbon dioxide, they also targetted the Mayor, City Council and CPS Energy to start taking real action with real community leadership and participation to increase energy efficiency, promote renewable power and support homegrown solutions, like the Roots of Change Community Garden. The youth delivered a letter to the Mayor and City Council calling on them commit to the following:

Formalization of the vision of Mission Verde, complete with concrete resolutions and laws;
Establishment of community participation in CPS through a Green Jobs Leadership Council;
Freezing CPS rate hikes until CPS becomes more transparent and redirects its efforts toward progressive energy programs;
Providing vouchers--not rebates--for low-income residents to purchase energy efficient appliances.

Sandra Garcia of the Youth Leadership Organization, explains, “Community-based groups and networks are leading a global climate justice movement in confronting the root causes of climate change at home, while defining community priorities and self-determination pathways for a new energy economy. In San Antonio, this looks like green jobs cleaning up and weatherizing homes, while increasing the funds for social services and community gardens to increase local food self-sufficiency.”

See coverage in the San Antonio Current

Up with the Youth - Video Blog

2010-12-08T10:41:00.003-05:00

The State of Climate Change - UNFCCC Day 1

2010-12-07T07:34:00.002-05:00

Cancun Day 1 – Monday, December 6, 2010

By Diana Lopez

Social movements from around the world are mobilizing for the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that will take place in Cancun from November 29 to December 10, 2010. Originally held in Rio in 1992, the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference is the biggest and most visible meeting of minds around the problem of global warming.

After a dreadful plane trip from San Antonio, TX to Cancun, Mexico I finally made it to the meeting. My initial thoughts were “I need to get to my hotel. Now!” One because the airport seemed more like a small shopping mall, lights and advertisements for margaritas as domestic beer adorned the walls. Two, I was hungry for an update in regards to the conversations on climate change that are taking place in Cancun. So, I was put in a collective taxi because I refused to bay 600 pesos for a personal one and thus began voyage into the belly of the beast (the other one). The trip to my hotel will be one I will never forget.

The drivers name was Pedro and he drove a Volkswagen with 6 passengers through was seemed to be a recreation of Las Vegas strip minus the gambling and plus the military. I expected people taking the streets in order to take back their land and was ready to leap out of the van in solidarity. Instead I realized that this environment was much different from Copenhagen. It was actually very similar to home.

San Antonio’s main pockets of money come from tourism and militarism. Cancun is home to both. On each side of Kukulcan Blvd there are miles of extravagant hotels, bars, restaurants that specifically cater to those with large pockets. Large buildings decorate the beach side and a police station is silently nuzzled in between.

The workers are people of color trying to make a living. And since large majorities of San Antonian’s have a genetic link to our neighbors in south, we also have the same body types. I knew I wasn’t far from home. My first language is Spanish and I have used it in every step of my life especially when organizing. This week is no different.

The story of my community is so similar to those around the world. No matter the color, race country. Traveling and getting to COP16 is very difficult but 1,000 Cancun’s means that there are thousands of solutions coming from grassroots communities. I am part of creating solutions that come from the bottom up in order to make a healthier, safer world for future generations. I’m here uprooting the struggles that we face everyday in my community in the United States.

Check out redroadcancun.com for updates on the conference. You can view live streem of some of the actions that are happening.

2010-11-29T19:22:00.002-05:00

"Mr. Gonzalez, Please take action to safeguard the health of the community of San Antonio by co-sponsoring HB 5820, the Toxic Chemical Safety Act of 2010. This bill would make our health first priority, by curbing our exposure to dangerous chemicals where we work, live, play and learn."

The number is (202) 225-3236 or you can email him here

Please Act Today -- The deadline for co-sponsoring this bill is Friday, December 3.
Call or email Rep. Gonzalez's office and ask him to take this simple action to protect our health from harmful chemicals!

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Can you believe there are over 80,000 chemicals on the market place that have never been tested for safety? HB 5820 would bring common sense fixes to this broken system! It would:
* establish a health-based safety standard to test those 80,000 chemicals that have not yet been tested.
* require chemical companies to disclose the contents of their products, so that consumers and producers can make safe decisions.
* take action to ban the worst of the worst chemicals that we already know are harmful like BPA, lead, and mercury.
* help clean up communities bearing more than their fair share of chemical burdens, living on the fence-line of dangerous chemical plants.
For more information on HB 5820 go to http://www.saferchemicals.org/resources/toxic-chemicals-safety-act.html

After 20 years of safeguarding our health, we have made several allies who share our concerns. We are joined in this effort by groups from across the nation also striving for a safe future in the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SCHF) coalition. For more information visit the SCHF website and look around.http://www.saferchemicals.org/

Action Alert! Tell Congres to Support Chemical Reform

2010-11-29T19:22:00.001-05:00

Action Alert! Tell Congressman Charlie Gonzalez to Co-Sponsor HB 5820.

Call Congressman Gonzalez's office today to ask him to co-sponsor the HB 5820 The Toxic Chemical Safety Act of 2010. Here's what you can say/write:
"Mr. Gonzalez, Please take action to safeguard the health of the community of San Antonio by co-sponsoring HB 5820, the Toxic Chemical Safety Act of 2010. This bill would make our health first priority, by curbing our exposure to dangerous chemicals where we work, live, play and learn."
The number is (202) 225-3236 or you can email him at http://forms.house.gov/gonzalez/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm

Please Act Today -- The deadline for co-sponsoring this bill is Friday, December 3.
Call or email Rep. Gonzalez's office and ask him to take this simple action to protect our health from harmful chemicals!

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Can you believe there are over 80,000 chemicals on the market place that have never been tested for safety? HB 5820 would bring common sense fixes to this broken system! It would:
* establish a health-based safety standard to test those 80,000 chemicals that have not yet been tested.
* require chemical companies to disclose the contents of their products, so that consumers and producers can make safe decisions.
* take action to ban the worst of the worst chemicals that we already know are harmful like BPA, lead, and mercury.
* help clean up communities bearing more than their fair share of chemical burdens, living on the fence-line of dangerous chemical plants.
For more information on HB 5820 go to http://www.saferchemicals.org/resources/toxic-chemicals-safety-act.html

After 20 years of safeguarding our health, we have made several allies who share our concerns. We are joined in this effort by groups from across the nation also striving for a safe future in the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SCHF) coalition. For more information visit the SCHF website and look around.http://www.saferchemicals.org/

A Thousand Cancun San Antonio

2010-11-29T08:34:00.006-05:00

Local Residents Call for Climate Justice
Southwest Workers Union Linked to CLIMATE TALKS IN CANCUN

San Antonio, TX – December 7, 2010

WHAT: In order to call attention to the relationship between local solutions to climate change and the high-stakes negotiations on global climate disruption that close this week in Cancún, México, San Antonio residents, climate change advocates, youth, community and labor leaders will gather together and join dozens of communities across the United States and hundreds around the world to call for support for local community solutions to global climate and ecological disruption, in what the international small farmers’ organization La Via Campesina is calling “A Thousand Cancúns.”

WHEN: December 7, 2010 5pm

WHERE: Main Plaza, in front of City Hall

WHY: “The San Antonio community is on the frontline of CPS’s dirty energy agenda,” says Diana Lopez, Organizer with Southwest Workers Union, who will be in Cancún, attending the talks. “We have experienced a lifetime of dirty coal, pollution, and asthma, been on the frontline of fighting nuclear power. These are human rights violations and the root causes of climate change.”

Sandra Garcia of the Youth Leadership Organization, explains, “Community-based activist groups and networks are leading a global climate justice movement in confronting the root causes of climate change at home, while defining community priorities and self-determination pathways for a new energy economy. In San Antonio, this looks like green jobs cleaning up and weatherizing homes, while increasing the funds for social services and community gardens to increase local food self-sufficiency.”

Jill Johnston, adds, “Last year in Copenhagen we called on the Obama administration to adopt standards for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that would protect human health in the United States for frontline communities. Instead, we got the Copenhagen Dis-Accord. This year, in April, over 35,000 people from frontline communities all over the world gathered in Bolivia to develop the Cochabamba People’s Accord. We believe that together, we as the communities historically on the frontlines of the root causes of climate change, along with our brothers and sisters in global social movements have the solutions to the destruction that has been caused by industries like Chevron, and they are located in the Cochabamba People’s Accord.”

# # #

Turning the Tide on Migrant Rights

2010-11-24T11:12:00.008-05:00

What: People's Movement Assembly -A conversation about migrant right to come out with strategies and tactics to battle racist laws against migrant communities.

When: December 17, 9am - 5pm

Where: 1416 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78205

Latinos and Mexicans are under attack by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Obama Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Border Patrol and right wing extremist groups like the Repulblican Party, Tea Party, Minutemen, and armed white militias. Now is the time to unite and take action across Texas and the Nation.

Texas is one of the Frontline States where repressive and racision immigration laws like 287 G; copy cap1070 and Secure Communities are being intrduced at the state and municipal levels. Other identified frontline states are Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Arizona and Louisiana.

We are making a call for you and your organization to participate in this important first step to bring Unity to the Migrant Rights struggle in Texas.

Our goals at the 'Turn the Time for Migrant Right' Assembly include:
1. Develop a define and unified strategy of 'United Fronts' for Migrant Rights and defense

2. Develop a unified plan of action for 2011 to stop this tsunami of racism coming at us starting in January 2011 state legislature.

3. Unify in struggle for migrant rights with all of the other five frontline states

4. Develop a system of communications and solidarity

5. Develop a coordinating committee at the statewide level

With at least 6 Arizona 1070 copycat bills already introduced at the State Capitol, we are going to have a difficult and uphill battle on our hands. We need you to attend because we need all of your insights, ideas, and knowledge to come out with a unified strategy to confront the racist tsunami that is going to hit the state of Texas once the legislature opens session on January 11, 2011.

The DREAMER’s have already taken the lead in the struggle for migrant rights in the hunger strike going on 21 days now, and the occupation of Senator Hutchinson’s office in San Antonio. 15 DREAMER’s and supporters were arrested on Nov. 29th. One protestor, the Reverend, is still in jail refusing bail until the DREAM Act is passed in Congress. Promises are in the Congress that the Obama administration will push for adoption. Thousands and thousands of calls are going into Congress to push for the adoption now before the Congressional recess.

Now more than ever we must not let the momentum drop. We must come together in one struggle united against racist elected officials who violate our human rights.

Contact Ruben Solis for more information about the event: ruben@swunion.org

To learn more about the dreamers please go to http://blogs.sacurrent.com/?p=2883

The Peoples Movement Assembly represents an unprecedented collaboration and consolidation amongst movement organizations and forces in the U.S. People gathered in groups of hundreds to develop clear visions, demands, and commitments to action. The Synthesis Assembly represented a paradigm shift away from fragmented, organizational agendas. Movement leaders collectively established social movement fronts for democracy, environmental justice, indigenous sovereignty, labor in the 21^st century, economic justice, immigrant justice, media justice, anti-militarism, anti-poverty, and international solidarity that calls for an end to imperialist occupations across the globe. The participatory facilitation method of the PMA represents a major advance in community engagement. The Assembly provides a compelling entry point for people new to organizing, a leadership development opportunity for intermediate organizers, and a challenge to seasoned organizers to facilitate and move with mass bases of people. See more at http://pma2010.org/

Texas Redistricting School

2010-11-18T12:36:00.006-05:00

What is Redistricting? How does it effect your community and organizing?

Come and learn about: the history of redistricting, the aspects of redistricting, time lines for effective community participation in the process, hands on redistricting map-making, to familiarize participants on how to draw your own community plans.

Southwest Workers Union with special guests Southern Echo from Mississippi, will be hosting the ‘Texas Redistricting School’. This training is for grassroots, social justice based organizations and leaders, which have an interest in being apart of the redistricting process in Texas.

What: Texas Redistricting School

When: November 19th-21st 2010

Friday: Evening Reception 6pm-8pm
Saturday: All Day School 9am-5pm
Sunday: Half Day 10am-1pm

Where: Southwest Workers Union
1416 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78205

Contact: Tanya 210.254.4253 / tanya@swunion.org Please email for Registration form.

*MUST RSVP TO PARTICIPATE.*

regulate toxics

2010-11-09T18:31:00.000-05:00

as appeared in SA Express-News 11/7/2010

Regulate toxics

Ten days ago, in San Antonio, 145 prominent scientists from 22 countries signed the first-ever consensus statement documenting health hazards from flame retardant chemicals found in home furniture, electronics, insulation and other products.

The “San Antonio Statement” documents how these chemicals can cause serious health harm, with limited fire safety benefit.

During the last Congress, strong proposals were presented to overhaul the regulations of toxics in this country. Eighty percent of Americans support tighter restrictions on chemicals. We urged U.S. Rep. Charles Gonzalez to co-sponsor the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act to protect our families and future generations from dangerous chemicals.

A strong law will address the “worst of the worst “chemicals and protect communities that are disproportionately burdened by toxic chemicals.

Jill Johnston, Southwest Workers' Union

2010-11-01T19:27:00.002-04:00

Climate Justice Organizer

Southwest Workers Union is seeking a full time Climate Justice Organizer to lead organizing and campaigning efforts for sustainable and just local energy policy. San Antonio, TX sits in the heart of the dirty energy beast and is home to one of the country’s largest municipal utilities, currently pursuing construction of the first nuclear reactors in 30 years. The Climate Justice Organizer will lead SWU’s campaign for renewable and energy efficiency solutions to climate change that are equitable and serve to lift up low-income families.

Responsibilities:
• Work with Program Director to develop campaign strategies, tactics and timelines
• Be the lead organizer and campaigner on energy issues
• In partnership with youth and environmental justice organizer, recruit and facilitate regular meetings with youth in three schools and community residents
• Plan and execute direct actions, community summits, petition drives, civic engagement and other activities in support of campaign goals
• Serve as spokesperson for the campaign and carry out media strategy
• Conduct research and writing relative to the campaign
• Conduct popular-education based trainings with membership on energy and climate change
• Represent SWU in local and national coalition meetings and initiatives

This is a 9-month part-time (20-25 hours per week) position located in San Antonio, TX that is open immediately and will be extended dependent on funding.

Required qualifications:
A strong commitment to social justice and organizing within marginalized communities
At least one year of relevant organizing or campaigning experience
Fluency in energy policy, environmental justice, and climate change
Comfort with public speaking

Desired qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field
Knowledge of Spanish
Experience in one of the following areas: organizing, working with youth, climate change and energy policy, media
Driver’s license and a car

Compensation: Monthly, commensurate with experience.

Last day to apply: November 12, 2010.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references. People of color, women, and LGBTQ are strongly encouraged to apply. Email to jill@swunion.org

About SWU: Southwest Workers Union is a 21-year old grassroots social justice organization of low-income workers, community, and youth united in one struggle for workers rights, environmental justice, and youth empowerment. SWU believes in anti-racist, intergenerational organizing, bottom-up movement-building, and the development of grassroots leaders as a means to bring about systemic social change. Please visit our website at www.swunion.org

SWU Hiring Climate Justice Organizer

2010-11-01T19:27:00.001-04:00

Climate Justice Organizer

Southwest Workers Union is seeking a full time Climate Justice Organizer to lead organizing and campaigning efforts for sustainable and just local energy policy. San Antonio, TX sits in the heart of the dirty energy beast and is home to one of the country’s largest municipal utilities, currently pursuing construction of the first nuclear reactors in 30 years. The Climate Justice Organizer will lead SWU’s campaign for renewable and energy efficiency solutions to climate change that are equitable and serve to lift up low-income families.

Responsibilities:
• Work with Program Director to develop campaign strategies, tactics and timelines
• Be the lead organizer and campaigner on energy issues
• In partnership with youth and environmental justice organizer, recruit and facilitate regular meetings with youth in three schools and community residents
• Plan and execute direct actions, community summits, petition drives, civic engagement and other activities in support of campaign goals
• Serve as spokesperson for the campaign and carry out media strategy
• Conduct research and writing relative to the campaign
• Conduct popular-education based trainings with membership on energy and climate change
• Represent SWU in local and national coalition meetings and initiatives

This is a 9-month part-time (20-25 hours per week) position located in San Antonio, TX that is open immediately and will be extended dependent on funding.

Required qualifications:
A strong commitment to social justice and organizing within marginalized communities
At least one year of relevant organizing or campaigning experience
Fluency in energy policy, environmental justice, and climate change
Comfort with public speaking

Desired qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field
Knowledge of Spanish
Experience in one of the following areas: organizing, working with youth, climate change and energy policy, media
Driver’s license and a car

Compensation: Monthly, commensurate with experience.

Last day to apply: November 12, 2010.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references. People of color, women, and LGBTQ are strongly encouraged to apply.

About SWU: Southwest Workers Union is a 21-year old grassroots social justice organization of low-income workers, community, and youth united in one struggle for workers rights, environmental justice, and youth empowerment. SWU believes in anti-racist, intergenerational organizing, bottom-up movement-building, and the development of grassroots leaders as a means to bring about systemic social change. Please visit our website at www.swunion.org

World Food Day - Oct 16

2010-10-16T10:39:00.023-04:00

October 16 is World Food Day, which is intended to increase awareness, action, and impact to alleviate the worldwide problem of hunger. In 2009, the critical threshhold of 1 billion people suffering from chronic hunger was reached, forcing us to reassess our strategies for combating this problem. Hunger is not a result of food scarcity, but of poverty, vulnerability, conflict, and the lack of sustainable practices. Hunger is a result of the deep rooted inequalities in our nation and around the world, and requires a redistribution of power in order to affect change.

It is not a coincidence that a low-income community of color, with a history of environmental injustices faces these same structural inequalities. In South Texas, 1 in 5 residents is unable to meet her/his nutritional needs; agricultural industry workers are unable to afford the healthy food they help produce; and counties are ranked among the most unhealthy in the state.

World Food Day is about action on a community level, and on this day we hope to bring awareness to a conversation that is essential for San Antonio. It is a conversation about the inequity in power, access, and participation in our food choices. We will be working more in the coming months on the issue of food justice and hope to see you in our jardin and others, claiming your right to healthy, sustainable, affordalble food!

Photo source: http://www.worldfooddayusa.org/

In the spirit of the freedom rides....

2010-10-14T10:55:00.006-04:00

42 people came together in San Anto to embark on a 3,000 mile journey to learn the meaning of hope and justice in the U.S.

Check out the SWU delegation's People's Freedom Caravan 2.0 (June 2010) report back HERE.

Thank you to those of you who helped make this journey possible, and to all of the welcoming and wise people we met along the way, you taught us a great deal.

Ruckus Eco-Justice Camp- Day 3 (Friday)

2010-09-17T08:46:00.008-04:00

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

2010-09-16T11:11:00.002-04:00

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

Adventures in Can-Kicking

2010-08-25T15:49:00.001-04:00

Richard Whittaker Tue Aug 24, 2:09pm
via The Austin Chronicle

See that thing down the road? That's the Austin Independent School District budgetary can, and it got kicked there last night by the board of trustees. If that sounds harsh, they'll pretty much admit to that themselves.

The board met last night, Aug. 23, to approve the 2010-11 budget and set the new tax property tax rate to cover that budget. It was, after last week's divisive public meeting, a quiet and sparsely-attended affair. However, with 86,000 students enrolled in the district and a total budget of almost a billion dollars, these weren't exactly small decisions on the agenda.

First up, let's look at what the board approved.

1: The 2010-11 budget

Subject	Revenue	Spending	Unexpended funds
General Funds	$837,974,727	$844,230,727	-$6,256,000
Food Services	$38,191,974	$38,708,409	-$516,435
Debt Service	$85,618,820	$91,058,764	-$5,439,944
Total	$961,785,521	$973,997,900	-$12,256,379

All three budget categories dip into their respective fund balances: However, that will still leave the district with $156,594,074 in its coffers.

The district has also stressed that its in-district general funds spending will only be $716 million for the year: However, it will also pay out $128 million in "Robin Hood" recapture payments to the state, which brings the total general fund spending to $844 million.

2: A Tax Increase
There's some confusion out there about this, so let's clarify. There will be a tax rate increase. Yup, you read that right, but calm down. There will be an increase in the Interest & Sinking rate component of the tax bill of 2.5 cents per $100 of appraised property value. However, since the average appraised value has actually dropped 3.7%, that means the average property owner won't see any change in their bill.

3: No Fight With The Business Community
After last Thursday's contentious public budget input meeting, where the threats from the business community about any other tax raises varied from subtle to out-right opposition, the board backed away from adding revenue and meekly pledged to look for other ways to find cuts.

4: A bonus for Superintendent Meria Carstarphen
For reaching most of her normal targets, the new super got a pre-agreed $19,000, plus an extra $22,500 for getting schools out of Academically Unacceptable status.

5: A Commitment to Start on The 2011-12 Budget Now
Now those with a good memory will recall that the board and administration said they were going to get a good head start on the 2010-11 budget straight after passing the 2009-10 budget. So why will this year be different? Board President Mark Williams said, "We probably were overly-optimistic last year with a new superintendent and all the other challenges we had." With immediate crises like the state-mandated Pearce Middle School re-purposing and the development of a new strategic plan, Williams said, "I think there was so much demand on her time that it really made it very difficult for her to deeply scrub everything, particularly in the Fall, which is when you want to do it."

Now, let's look at what the board didn't approve …

1: A Totally Balanced Budget
Call it semantics, but the $12 million dip into the three fund balances isn't everyone's definition of balanced. However, the reasoned counter-argument is that's exactly why you keep fund balances in the first place.

2: A Different Tax Increase
This was the controversial one. The board had been heading towards requesting a five cent increase on the Maintenance and Operations part of the tax bill. That's the bit that pays for general operations, and they were looking to do four things with this:
– Cover the lost revenue from the property value drop
– A 3% teacher pay raise
– Continued full Pre-K funding
– Extra funding for East Austin Schools.
Teachers will get a 0.85% step increase mandated by the legislature in 2009: Pre-K funding will be found elsewhere in the budget: And there is some funding for those schools built into Carstarphen's Turnaround initiative project. However, that's barely scraping the surface of the low pay and underfunding that everyone concedes plagues the district.

Now if you're confused about the 5 cent M&O versus the 2.5 cent I&S, here's the quick explanation. I&S pays for debt, and the state allows districts to shift that rate to pay off their debt without asking for voter approval. However, a change in M&O requires a ballot initiative because, well, the state never tires of making life difficult for school districts.

Since this would be a grand total of about 30 cents a day increase on taxes on an averaged-price home, why not even bring it up for a vote? Because the chamber didn't back it. The district administration and the board made the political calculation that it was better to not get into a stand-up, knock-down fight with the business community.

The downside? Even though Education Austin agreed to back down from its request for a tax rollback election, giving the board the out it needed to avoid its own awkward vote, this won't be forgotten. That the board – especially members who had made public and private statements of support for a teacher pay increase – rolled over so decisively will not be readily forgiven either.

3: Anything For Classified And Para-Professional Workers
Yup, the lowest paid workers remain as badly paid as ever. The board didn't even take up a request from the Southwest Workers Union that they give cafeteria workers an extra $50 a year for uniforms. They currently get $100 (less than half of what their uniform costs) but they have it better than bus drivers, who get nothing. The union has just filed a grievance complaint about that disparity.

Festival was a Blast!!

2010-08-03T11:01:00.004-04:00

Stepping into the garden at 8:30am (Saturday July 31) you could already smell El Cucuy (our chingon (really big) bbq pit) firing up the mesquite. The greenhouse, just watered, smelled delightful like morning dew; the seedlings basking in the glory of the sun. Busy workers shuffled through chairs, tables and garden beds carrying the items that were needed for successful day.

The Graduation ceremony honors summer interns who dedicated there time and were committed to social change through popular education, block walking, training, and direct hands on organizing. Project for this summer included participating and co organizing the Peoples Freedom Caravan to the United States Social Forum, developing the garden as an educational space by using recycled material, rebuilding the solidarity house, meeting with elected officials and creating partnerships among each other to keep organizing in our different schools and neighborhoods.

Sandra Garcia (the summer high school Youth Coordinator) and I started the graduation ceremony with an introduction and welcome. Speakers included Tommy Atkinson (County Commissioner) and Ivy Taylor (Dist. 2 Council Woman) who showed there support by speaking about solidarity, peace and youth presence in our communities. Another supporting organization were San Anto Cultural Arts Center who spoke about the murals and solidarity work that will be done that day, Peace Initiative who led a exercise about the importance of speaking about issues/ problems and letting go of the anger and bringing peace into our bodies and around us.

One by one our high school interns passionately spoke about there favorite moment this summer and more passionately eyed there $400 checks and gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. The training on Domestic Violence, conducted by the Peace Initiative, was mentioned more than once as an eye opening experience.

Next up were the College Interns, aka Think Green Avengers, who worked on the garden as well as around the office helping other organizers with their work. Highlights included building the greenhouse, the shade garden (caladium patch), the Peoples Freedom Caravan and helping families apply for weatherization programs.As a mentor for these students i felt proud to have taught them what i was once taught when i was an intern and it was so good to hear and see them passing on that knowledge.

Once the ceremony was over it was time to get working on the different projects and to eat some delicious Texas BBQ. Before the program started some volunteers and I were able to get a few beds cultivated and ready for planting. Ivy Taylor also donated a trailer full of mulch to use on our beds and within the community.

Plants and workers dancing to the music of Aniceto Molina. This was one of the highlights of the day, everything was in sync and “the now was in place”.

Over 50 people including elected officials, religious groups and social justice organizations came together to support the building of safe, violence free space. The Solidarity House was creatively painted, a healing garden was built, garden beds mulched, aluminum metal art created and over 20 seedlings given away. All in hope of turning the space and surrounding communities into one that will not be mistaken again and instead promote a violence free, healthy space for education and liberation.

Here are a few pictures of the art work we did that day:

Summer Graduation and Harvest Festival for Peace and Hope

2010-07-21T17:33:00.005-04:00

In response to the recent shooting that severely injured a young college intern at the SWU Solidarity House, we are asking our friends, allies, and community members to help us establish our space as a pillar of peace and hope in our community. As an organization committed to working with low-income, people of color, and disenfranchised communities, we must contest this physically and spiritually violent act with healing, hope, and empowerment. We want to restore what has been torn apart within the Solidarity House and our neighborhood, and show that out of this dark act of violence will come regeneration and light that reaffirms the strength of our community. More than ever, we want to reach out and welcome people to unite in an inviting and peaceful shared space on the Eastside of San Antonio.

Please join us in support and action on July 31st from 9am onward at 1416 E. Commerce (SWU office/garden) for our Summer Graduation and Harvest Festival for Peace and Hope, to celebrate the hard work of our interns on the Roots of Change community garden (including that of injured intern James Domingue) and to participate in the rebirth of the Solidarity House. We hope to transform the SWU complex on the Eastside of San Antonio with community-wide input through many forms of art and expression (including but of course not limited to, murals, house painting, public art, stenciling, altars, and a healing garden). Come be a part of this rebuilding of our community and help us reaffirm that: “Hatred paralyzes life; Love releases it. Hatred confuses life; Love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; Love illuminates it.” –Martin Luther King Jr.

Summer Graduation and Harvest Festival for Peace and Hope

Roots of Change Jardin

July 31, 2010 9am-all day

1416 E. Commerce

Carta de denuncia y de demanda dirigida al Alcalda y Jefe de Policia - Traducido

2010-07-15T13:38:00.003-04:00

Les hacemos llegar nuestra carta de denuncia y de demanda dirigida al Alcalde y Jefe de Policía de San Antonio para asegurar de que se haga justicia en este ataque violento y posiblemente racista contra la Casa de Solidaridad de La Unión donde se hospedaban l@s internados de verano y que esta localizada atrás de las oficinas.

Formato suguerido:

Alcalde Julián Castro,
Jefe de Policía McManus,
Consejera del Municipio Ivy Taylor and
Comisionado de Condado Tommy Adkisson;

Yo / Nosotr@s, ________________________________________ (tu nombre individual o como organización) estamos en apoyo de Southwest Workers Union y su reclamo por una investigación profunda y objetiva que resulte en que encuentren los culpables y que se les enjuicie. Demandamos un compromiso por parte de las autoridades para la reducción y eliminación de la violencia en nuestra comunidades y calles.

Southwest Workers Unión demanda que el Departamento de Policía de la CD de San Antonio lleve acabo una investigación profunda del ataque con balas de la Casa de Solidaridad el 11 de Julio. No podemos ni vamos aceptar declaraciones especulativas por parte la Policía que esta investigando y queremos evidencia concreta de quien es responsable por este crimen. No vamos a dejarlos que se olviden de este caso. Hacemos un llamado a desarrollar iniciativas que lleven a la reducción de la violencia y que sean dirigidas por las comunidades mismas.

En las horas de madrugada el Domingo del 11 de Julio, miembros de Southwest Workers Unión (SWU) fueron en el blanco de una balacera en la casa que dejo a un joven Universitario James Domingues un voluntario de verano herido de bala y en condición critica.

La balacera fue dirigida a la Casa de Solidaridad que se encuentra en el 311 Idaho y es parte del Complexo de SWU en la parte Este de la ciudad y allí se hospedaban 3 internos de verano mientras trabajaban en los huertos de la Unión. La casa fue objeto de ráfagas de AK 47 contando con cerca de 25-30 balazos que impactaron la casa. Las balas con poder para penetrar metales, penetrando de un lado de la casa al otro, aterrorizando las ocho personas que se encontraban dentro.

James Domingue, 23, de la CD de New Orleans, Louisiana que fue herido, es internado de verano trabajando voluntariamente en la expansión de los huertos de la Unión llamado ‘Raíces del Cambio’, que esta en el este de la CD de San Antonio y es parte de un proyecto de Justicia alimentaria y comida orgánica y además es parte de una cooperativa de jardines urbanos de la Unión. El proyecto promueve huertos urbanos en residencias de comunidades en el área y por eso viven allí cerca del jardín donde fue victima de la violencia sin sentido, que daña la comunidad entera como nos hizo daño a nuestra organización y compañero.

Le hacemos llegar nuestra petición al Alcalde de San Antonio, que apoye la victima y victimas y sus familiares en un esfuerzo unido en la investigación y para eliminar las causas de raíz de esta violencia que acompaña la pobreza en nuestras comunidades.

Demandamos áreas y calles seguras para la comunidad y las organizaciones que trabajamos para la justicia social y no vamos a permitir que este crimen tan horroroso pase desapercibido. Continuaremos alzando nuestra voces desde nuestras comunidades y organizaciones contra cualquier manifestación de odio y racismo.

Reclamamos por la Justicia, y transparencia en la investigación para que sea exhaustiva la investigación de este crimen tan violento y posiblemente mortal hasta encontrar el o los responsables. Hacemos un llamado a las autoridades de San Antonio que apoyen proyectos dirigidos por las comunidades y sus residentes para hacer posible la eliminación de esta violencia y sus raíces y NO la criminalización de nuestra juventud.

Atentamente,

Tu Firma

Contact Emails:
(Alcalde) Mayor Julian Castro: mayorjuliancastro@sanantonio.gov
(Jefe de Policía) Chief McManus: brian.bielefeld@sanantonio.gov
(Concilio de SA) Council Woman Ivy Taylor: district2@sanantonio.gov
(Comisionado de Condado)County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson: tadkisson@bexar.org

Por favor CC: Genaro L. Rendon genaro@swunion.org

Please send this letter of support to our city officials calling for a justice and peace in our streets in response to the recent shooting at the SWU

2010-07-14T16:49:00.006-04:00

July 14, 2010

Mayor Julian Castro, Police Chief McManus, Councilwoman Ivy Taylor and County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson;

I / we, ________________________________________________ (individual name or organization) are in support of Southwest Workers Union’s call for a thorough investigation of the July 11th shooting at the SWU Solidarity House and a commitment from city officials to reduce violence and promote safe streets.

Southwest Workers Union calls on the City and the Police Department for a full and complete investigation of the July 11th shooting at the SWU Solidarity House. We will not accept speculative answers without concrete evidence, nor allow the case to simply be written off. We further call for a commitment to safe communities and neighborhood-led initiatives to eliminate violence and promote peaceful streets.

During the early hours of Sunday, July 11th members of Southwest Workers Union (SWU) became the targets of a shooting that left a young college intern, James Domingue, in critical condition. The shooting took place at the Solidarity House on the 300 block of Idaho Street, which is part of the SWU complex on the Eastside of San Antonio, and is home to several college students interning at SWU for the summer. The house was sprayed with at least 25 metal-piercing bullets from an AK-47, some of which went completely through the house’s front and back walls, terrorizing the 8 people that were inside at the time.

James Domingue, 23, of New Orleans, Louisiana was interning this summer with Southwest Workers Union, working on expanding the Roots of Change Eastside Community Garden into a food justice urban farm co-op. The project brings healthy, organic food to local residence and promotes household gardening initiatives. Living near the site, he fell victim to senseless violence that harms the community well being.

We ask the Mayor and the City for support for the victims and their families and movement towards a unified effort to eliminate the root causes that breed violence and poverty in our neighborhoods. We need safe streets and safe peaceful spaces for people and organizations working towards social justice, and we cannot allow such ruthless acts to go unnoticed. We will continue to raise our voices for real justice in our communities and against all manifestations of hatred. And while we call for justice, accountability and a full investigation of the ruthless and horrible attack, we simultaneously emphasize the need for city support of community based efforts aimed at root causes and reconciliation rather than further criminalization of youth and people of color.

Earnestly,

Contact Emails:
Mayor Julian Castro: mayorjuliancastro@sanantonio.gov
Chief McManus: brian.bielefeld@sanantonio.gov
Councilwoman Ivy Taylor: district2@sanantonio.gov
County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson: tadkisson@bexar.org

Please CC: genaro@swunion.org

We appreciate your support

Drive-by shooters target SWU intern house, injuring one

2010-07-12T14:47:00.000-04:00

Drive-by shooters target SWU intern house, injuring one

James Domingue playing the part of the oilfield worker in a recent SWU clean-energy demonstration in front of San Antonio City Hall.

Greg Harman
gharman@sacurrent.com

A college intern is in stable condition after being shot in a drive-by shooting at the Southwest Workers’ Union intern house in East San Antonio early Sunday morning. Several interns and staff, eight in all, were gathered at the Solidarity House on Idaho Street when a spray of bullets hit the front of the building at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

At least 25 bullets hit the front of the house, several of which passed through both the front and back walls, said SWU Director Genardo Rendon. Intern James Domingue, 23, of Southern Louisiana, was hit in the hip and suffered shattered pelvic bones, Rendon said. “It’s incredible, when you look at all the holes in the house” that more people weren’t injured, he said.

Police are blaming the incident on a gang-related drive-by, suggesting the assailants hit the wrong Idaho Street house. According to a preliminary SAPD incident report, the assailants called out “gi gi” while they fired on the house.

Domingue came to San Antonio to work in the Roots of Change Community Garden behind the SWU office on East Commerce Street. A fund has been established to help offset medical and travel expenses.

Donations or cards can be sent to:  
Peace & Solidarity Fund
 Southwest Workers Union
 PO Box 830706  
San Antonio, TX 78283

Donations also can be made online.

Rendon said the union is calling on the community to support the Domingue family, press for a full investigation of the shooting, and recommit itself to working for peace and justice across the city.

A vigil for peace will be held at 4 p.m. today at 1416 East Commerce.

From the SWU press release:

We call on the Eastside, the City and local and national organizations to join together to condemn this act and work towards the creation of safe, healthy communities. We ask for support for the victims and their families and movement towards a unified effort to eliminate the root causes that breed violence and poverty in our neighborhoods.

We need safe streets and safe peaceful spaces for people and organizations working towards social justice and cannot allow such ruthless acts to go unnoticed. We will continue to raise our voices against all manifestations of hatred and for real justice in our communities.

Join us in solidarity and prayers for the shooting victims and to demonstration support for peaceful communities across San Antonio and the world.

Over the past year, the 22-year-old SWU has fought against the citing of a diesel-fuel storage facility on the East Side, organized against SB1070 and for immigration reform, and worked to stop San Antonio from participating in the construction of new nuclear power plants outside Bay City. Other campaigns have included closing the family-detention ICE facility in Hutto and for better educational opportunities for low-income students in San Antonio.

Vigil for Peace, Against Hatred

2010-07-12T14:11:00.002-04:00

PRESS ADVISORY

Vigil for Peace, Against Hatred

Solidarity for shooting victims at Southwest Workers Union

July 12^th, 4pm

SWU Office

1416 E. Commerce

During the early morning of Sunday, members of Southwest Workers Union, in our Solidarity Home behind our office, were targeted in a violent drive-by shooting that left one young college intern in critical condition. As a 22-year-old organization working toward dignity and justice for families and workers in San Antonio, we are in mourning as a result of the senseless violence directed at our members, our organization and youth.

We call on the Eastside, the City and local and national organizations to join together to condemn this act and work towards the creation of safe, healthy communities. We ask for support for the victims and their families and movement towards a unified effort to eliminate the root causes that breed violence and poverty in our neighborhoods. We need safe streets and safe peaceful spaces for people and organizations working towards social justice and cannot allow such ruthless acts to go unnoticed. We will continue to raise our voices against all manifestations of hatred and for real justice in our communities.

Join us in solidarity and prayers for the shooting victims and to demonstration support for peaceful communities across San Antonio and the world.

SWU Solidarity House fired on with machine gun last night; one intern critically injured

2010-07-11T16:27:00.009-04:00

Dear SWU members, allies, and friends,

It is with sadness that I reach out to the friends and allies of Southwest Workers Union to invite acts of solidarity, remembrance and prayers. During the early hours of Sunday morning, the Solidarity House on SWU’s complex in San Antonio's near Eastside, where workers and volunteers were staying during the summer campaign, was attcked by a violent drive-by shooting that left one young college intern in critical condition. The intern was working this summer on the Roots of Change community garden, is in critical but stable condition with a bullet wound to his pelvis. Fortunately the seven other folks in the home are safe.

We call on the Eastside, the City and local and national organizations to join together to condemn this act and work towards the creation of safe, healthy communities. We ask for support for the victims and their families and movement towards a unified effort to eliminate the root causes that breed violence and poverty in our neighborhoods. We need safe streets and safe peaceful spaces for people and organizations working towards social justice and cannot allow such ruthless acts to go unnoticed. We will continue to raise our voices against all manifestations of hatred and for real justice in our communities.

Join us in solidarity and prayers for the shooting victims and to demonstration support for peaceful communities across San Antonio and the world.

SWU set up a Peace & Solidarity Fund for the victim and his family. Donations or cards can be sent to:
Peace & Solidarity Fund
Southwest Workers Union
PO Box 830706
San Antonio, TX 78283

Donations can be made online here

In Solidarity,
Genaro & members of SWU

People's Freedom Caravan: the road home

2010-07-07T12:13:00.010-04:00

After much discussion and debate, the U.S. Social Forum culminated on the final day of events with the National People’s Movement Assembly, a forum for collectively developed resolutions that demonstrate action steps to affect change on both local and systemic levels. As resolutions on topics such as immigration reform, climate justice, food sovereignty, and gender justice (among many others) were read aloud to the crowd at Cobo Hall, the solidarity and excitement were pulsating through the space. Standing ovations, chants, hollers, applause, cheers. The momentum was riding high from the entire People’s Freedom Caravan and U.S.S.F. experience, and a sense of restored community, purpose, and hope filled the air.

As we piled back on the bus the next day, with the lack of sleep still not having set in, we decided to reflect on our personal favorite and most impactful moments. One by one, the caravanistas walked to the front of the bus and got their turn on the mic. We listened to these meaningful personal reflections that in reality were just beginning to be digested and processed as Detroit faded from view.

The People’s Freedom Caravan landed back in San Antonio one week ago in the middle of the night. Exhausted and renewed, the caravanistas parted ways. But it was at this moment that the challenge began– the personal and communal challenge to live up to our commitment to affect change, and the challenge to live up to our own belief that another world is possible and another U.S. is necessary. We must add on to the tightly woven fabric of our shared experience but others must also continue it.

But how will these changes, actions, and commitments manifest themselves? How will we keep our renewed hope and solidarity alive? And what will it take to keep it alive in our communities and the communities who shared their stories with us along the way? How do we create meaning for those who could not make the journey? As fighters, activists, organizers, community members, and sisters and brothers, we must ask ourselves these questions because we are aware that we are all connected and that our change and action will create reaction.

One week of being home is not enough time to understand what will ultimately be set in motion, but for me, I know it starts with us and it starts at home, wherever that may be, and from there it spreads, expands, and runs....

Si se puede!!

Come join the SWU crew and local delegates from the People's Freedom Caravan/U.S.S.F. for a community report back gathering, Friday July 9 at 1414 E. Commerce (SWU office) from 5-8pm. We invite everyone to come share their experiences and ideas, and for community members to ask questions, and together, to begin the process of discussing What Is Next.

200 Protest in Downtown for Tobacco Field Workers

2010-07-06T16:35:00.004-04:00

Article published June 23, 2010 in the Toldeo Blade
Toledoblade.com

About 200 people gathered in front of downtown Toledo's One Government Center on Tuesday afternoon to rally against alleged inhumane treatment of tobacco field workers.

Groups from New York and the Southwest stopped in Toledo to show solidarity with the Toledo-based Farm Labor Organizing Committee, or FLOC, before continuing on to Detroit, where they plan to protest against RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. and JPMorgan Chase at 9:45 a.m. Friday.

The group waved red flags and banners and chanted for workers' rights.

"The people are under attack. What do we do? Fight right back," the crowd chanted. "Up with the people. Down with the banks. Down with Chase."

Emma Rollenhagen, a University of Toledo student doing an internship with Campaign for Migrant Worker Justice, said she came to show support for FLOC.

"[Problems include] the hours and the lack of protection against the pesticides and the nicotine poisoning," Ms. Rollenhagen, 22, said. "I don't feel it's acceptable for that to still be occurring in the United States today."

FLOC President Baldemar Velasquez asked those in attendance to sign a pledge and divest from JPMorgan Chase "to send a message that you can't have our money to take advantage of us."

Mr. Velasquez said the Toledo rally went well and plans to lead about 4,000 to 5,000 in protesting the bank in Detroit on Friday.

Residents: Dangerous toxins in Leon Creek come from Air Force base

2010-07-04T22:28:00.000-04:00

by Brian New / KENS 5

kens5.com

Posted on July 1, 2010 at 6:52 PM

Updated Thursday, Jul 1 at 7:31 PM

South-side residents want the government to clean-up a potential deadly health risk after the discovery of dangerous toxins in Leon Creek and a warning not to eat the fish you catch there.

Robert Alvarado says the creek he has lived by for 40 years becomes more and more toxic every time it rains.

This past week the Texas Department of State Health issued a warning for Leon Creek after tests found levels of the chemical compound -- known as PCB's --to be nearly three times what the state considers a health threat to people.

"The big question that all of us want to know is what is the source of the contamination - where is it originating from." said Tommy Camden of the Metro Health Department.

However, while health officials may not know where it's coming from, residents said they do.

South-side resident Diana Lopez said she has evidence showing the toxins are coming from the old Kelly Air Force Base.

"Independent reports, Air Force reports, have said that the same chemicals that are in the fish, in the creek, have also been present, and are still present on the Air Force Base," she said

While the Air Force awaits the results of a federal investigation, residents, like Alvarado, said they have waited long enough.

"Right now we're finding fish. Later on we're going to find people down the stream dead," he warned.

Atenco Vive!

2010-07-02T06:33:00.001-04:00

On June 29th the National Day of Action for the Release of the Political Prisoners of Atenco, Southwest Workers' Union protested outside the Federal Building in San Antonio, TX. It was one of many solidarity actions. After leaving the US Social Forum in Detroit we resolved to act in solidarity with the Political Prisoners of San Salvador Atenco.

Also present were community representatives from Arizona, ground zero, where there is a low-intensity war and militarization against our communities there.

The action took place after the People's Freedom Caravan returned from the US Social Forum from Detroit, and after having acted in solidarity with numerous communities in resistance along the way to Detroit. The People's Freedom Movement continues.

We were overjoyed to hear that Today, June 1st 2010, after years of protest and struggle for their release, the Twelve Atenco Political Prisoners including Ignacio del Valle were ordered freed from their unjust inprisonment. The hardship that their families have faced can never be forgotten and the struggle continues. The crimes against women who were sexually assaulted, the beatings, the injuries and the deaths that occurred during the raid of the community of resistance in San Salvador Atenco will never be forgotten. The crimes against communities of resistance by officials of the State of Mexico (el Mal Gobierno) continue and must continue to be denounced with the support of the international community.

We know that the impunity of the currupt and unjust mal gobierno is not invincible.

Zapata Vive y Vive! La Lucha Sigue y Sigue!

-Anayanse Garza
Southwest Workers' Union

Reflections from the Peoples Freedom Caravan 2 and the US Social Forum

2010-06-28T00:12:00.004-04:00

Well the time has come to say good by to all those we love, hate, learned and had fun with. The People's Freedom Caravan is on its way back home with filled with happy and full hearts (some might say overwhelmed with information.) The USSF has been over for a day and was a great experience that will say in the souls of the caravanistas for years to come. Here are their experiences and reflections:

Day 3 Haiku

Danielle Lacoutu
Florida

First pool adventure

Today off to Louisville

No music on bus

Arrive EST

Meet Project South & ATL

No subs, more pizza

This morning we left St. Louis, MO after epically protesting outside of Peabody Coal and made a five-hour drive to Louisville, KY full of repose time. When first arriving in Louisville, we ultimately assembled with Project South and another caravan from Atlanta, GA. For dinner, we made our way to the antiquated Yearlings Club Inc. where there was a super sub-making buffet, but we came to a food dilemma and ran out of sub supplies. We were forced to relocate to another building where we were to receive bountiful amounts of Pizza Hut pizza filled with toppings galore. Once and for all, we landed back at Spring Hill Suites Marriott prepared to take on the next hotel pool.

Snapshot of the U.S. Social Forum: Workshops

2010-06-26T16:06:00.003-04:00

You may be wondering, what actually goes on at the U.S. Social Forum? Sure it’s a convergence of community organizations and social movements, but what do you actually do once you’re together?

The Social Forum offers thousands of opportunities to learn through workshops, People’s Movement Assemblies, local tours, performances, film screenings and actions, among other activities. Workshops, which make up the largest portion of the forum, offer a large variety of self-organized topics that facilitate discussion and sharing strategies to make change happen.

The workshops range from 2 to 4 and a half hours and follow 14 tracks, which include topics such as Capitalism in Crisis, Climate Justice, Organizing a Labor Movement for the 21^st century, and Misplacement, Migration, and Immigration, among others.

Delegates from the South by Southwest People’s Freedom Caravan attended workshops that covered a variety of topics. George Lujan of the Southwest Organizing Project said his favorite workshop was Cultural Organizing for a Just Society, which focused on involving art and culture in the social justice organizing and movement building processes. Mass Transportation for the Massess, another highly attended and well-received workshop, opened a discussion on mass transit’s role not only in climate justice, but also in economic and social justice. Several SWU delegates also attended Lideres Campesinas: Farmworker Women’s Movement, Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Campaign, and The Zapatista’s Other Campaign Breaking Down Borders. My personal favorite was Borders, Buildings, & Bounding: Cross Cutting Solutions to Displacement and Devaluation of Communities of Color, which discussed how our community spaces, from a household to national level, continue to oppress and marginalize certain groups and must be contested. We hope that we can incorporate the new points of view, ideas, and strategies we've learned in the workshops into our work in our own communities and keep the knowledge sharing and the movement going.

While there are too many individual workshops to name, this snapshot of the workshop component of the U.S. Social Forum already reveals how SWU’s 6 areas of work are interrelated to these global movements and struggles. We hope to share more of what we have taken away from our workshop and overall forum experience as we wrap it up here in Detroit!

Back on the road to San Antonio tomorrow morning!

Photos of the USSF Opening March

2010-06-24T18:19:00.007-04:00

Reaching the U.S. Social Forum

2010-06-24T10:39:00.003-04:00

After 5 days on the road, the People's Freedom Caravan made its way into Detroit for the opening march and ceremony of the U.S. Social Forum. And the caravanistas did not arrive empty handed. The 5 days on the bus stopping from community to community, meeting our brothers and sisters in the struggle had left its mark. As we winded our way up from one U.S. border to the other, we had gained a sense of freedom - freedom from silence, freedom from hopelessness, and freedom from isolation. We heard the stories of the indigenous Ponca people, who stressed that our ancestors had made the way for our current path and purpose, and the stories from the Kentucky Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression who carry the torch for a long line of freedom fighters, and stories of ongoing struggles in St. Louis, Chicago, Toledo, and the communities we could not reach but word had gotten out. Once we finally reached Detroit, a city that was once one of largest stopping points on the Underground Railroad, we felt invigorated with a sense of purpose and history. We hope to keep reinvesting this energy into Detroit, now known as the most segregated city of the U.S. metro areas. We also hope to reinvest this energy on the journey home to each and every one of our own communities and beyond, reinforcing the fabric of shared community and shared hope for the possibility of better world and better United States.

Feel free to keep sharing your stories and positive thoughts with us!

People's Freedom Caravan Day 3- Get on the Bus- Project South

2010-06-21T23:38:00.008-04:00

David Ortega
Youth Leadership Organization
San Antonio, TX

“ We awoke on the day one less than a fortnight and one week into the month of June, which was the sabbath, in the year of two-thousand and ten, anno domini. A digital time keeping device with the ability to emit sound at a predetermined hour blared us from the world of sleep and thrust us into the world of consciousness at 4 hourglasses before the time that the sun was directly above us in the sky. My brethren and I prepared for the day's activities with a ceremonial brushing of the teeth. At the first meal of the day, we were given the option to choose from potato, bacon, fruit, bacon, cereal, bacon, and orange juice. I feasted, not sure when we would eat again.
After getting on the bus, an finding everyone that was supposed to be there, we departed slightly late. After an indefinite amount of time, we arrived at our first destination in St. Louis, an intersection in front of the Peabody Coal building. A blond lady with a ponytail and megaphone greeted us. After we got our banners set up, she told us to fill the intersection in the middle of the street. At this point, we were nearly 150 people, so her plight was definitely possible. so we walk into the street, and right away, a little grey car pulls up, thinking that we were just crossing the street en mass. When he realized our wishes to stay he seemed irked, he was just trying to get to where he was going, after all. One of the people on our bus started a chant. “Hey hey, ho ho. Peabody coal has got to go.” When the driver of the grey car heard the rest of us chant, he started backing up, in preparation to circumvent our human blockade. He cut across a corner that was

slightly lacking in fleshy wall. His actions inspired other drivers to do the same, and the two streets leading into the intersection slowly began to empty. The blond lady told us to spread out, an walk in a circle. With the beat and the relaxed pace, I almost felt at home, almost broke out in dance for this psuedo-quinceañera. After a few minutes of this circle of shouting, a police car showed up, and the officer driving it talked to the blond lady. After their interchange of words, she got on the megaphone and reluctantly told us to go to the sidewalk in from of the Peabody Coal building. We continued our task of raising awareness for what must've been at least 45 minutes, with each chant getting louder. We retreated to our bus for food, where we enjoyed chicken wings and macaroni on our drive to Louisville, KY.

After what seemed like a day on the bus, we exited at a rather impromptu location, a grassy empty lot with dozens of people from Project South waving us down with smiling faces and banners in hand. In foresight, I decided to ask Diana for a camera, so I can document this event for the very reason of writing this blog post. Because of that, I wasn't really able to connect with people on an individual level, but I gained a rather interesting perspective, that of the observer. It was breathtaking, seeing how people opened up without really knowing people, but trusting them, because they were both here, both looking forward to the USSF. After our meet up with Project South, we entered the bus once more, and instead of tired, sleeping faces, everyone was buzzing about the people they met, and the struggles that they've gone through. After a few minutes, we arrived at our destination a massive house where we were to eat. As the photographer, I arrived first, and saw the dormant house at an empty state. Once I got set up and started taking pictures, I was sucked in a time vortex, before I knew it, the house was full to the brim, peoples talk lightened the humid air. After people relaxed and talked for half an hour, we realized that food wasn't being served. There was a shortage of food. But that was fine, the organizers had a backup plan. We went to a community youth hangout spot that was nearly as big as the first house. Pizza was ordered, and we feasted over the stories that make us who we are. When the food was gone, a representative talked about the struggles of racism in this part of the city.

We loaded up onto the bus, and headed towards our next destination, the hotel. We were given most of the night to enjoy ourselves. And so, we relaxed. The youth took the pool and turned it into a volleyball court, where we played for hours. The elders took a seat in the lobby, and talked about the trip, I suppose. After the pool, the SWU youth retreated to the boys' room, where we watched TV and after awhile came up with the idea to go to McDonalds. We took a shuttle, which was an experience within itself. After talking over chicken nuggets, I felt the need to work some of them off, so Monica and I went to the gym room, where we walked on the treadmill, having a friendly competition. Afterwards, we retreated to our individual rooms and went to sleep, ready for a happy morning, relaxing morning... or so we thought!"

Mike Brennan
San Antonio,TX

“As we move along on this long road to Detroit, we have been learning more about each other's struggles. This collective knowledge seems to constantly grow as time marches on. Our stay in Louisville last night was enlightening to say the least. I met an organizer from Mississippi by the name of Courtney and I really value the conversations we had. The first thing that she told me about that got me fired up would not compare to what I would later hear from her.

When their bus pulled up to the Spring Hill Suites airport location, the group of predominately African American delegates were asked to sign a document promising many things, including but not limited to: no more that five people in the pool, they would not be in the halls, they would not be in the lobby, they would not play loud music, they would not take the towels out of the room, etc. I will also add that they were the only bus asked to sign this “agreement”, which they rightfully so declined. Throughout the night, Courtney told me of her experiences and encounters with racism in her home-state [Mississippi] as well. Not only do African Americans deal with racism on the level of name-calling, but they also deal with more extreme forms of hate. What I am talking about is physical harm being done right now in the year 2010.
Courtney told me about a teacher from when she was in high school dragging her across a row of lockers for the simple reason that she “made the teacher sick”. She told me of clansmen terrorizing her mother, a strong woman born into the movement, with death-threats and breaking out all of the windows in her house. I was told of the bedsheet-wearing buffoons being able to have a march down the street shouting out the most ignorant racist trash, all with the protection of local police. What I'm learning though is that what is happening in Mississippi can be directly linked to what is happening in other places. What is happening in Juarez with the women is also happening in Guatemala and in many other places. Everyone is starting to realize that all of these struggles are one in the same. Our neoliberal masters should be shaking in their boots because a sleeping giant that has been dormant for 518 years is waking up.

When we were checking out of the hotel, a group of us approached the manager and told him of the Mississippi caravan's experience with the front desk the night before. He seemed mostly indifferent to the whole situation and even had the cojones to smirk at us and accuse us of “playing the race card”. Seeing that we were getting nowhere with this cretin, we all left the hotel and returned with banners and ganas. “Boycott Boycott Springhill Suites!!” was heard ringing throughout the halls of the obviously discriminatory business and Joyce, one of the obvious backbones of the Mississippi caravan, proceeded to describe what had taken place and why we were not going to stand by and let it happen. The man behind the counter, who I might add was seen on the telephone most likely talking to the boys in blue as we were walking in, disappeared sometime between when we marched in and Joyce finished talking. Proving his cowardice and saying what we wanted to say, we marched back out chanting “We're fired up! Can't take it no more!” and proceeded to board the bus to join our Boricua brothers in Chicago.

It is no longer the time of sitting back and hoping. It is a time of bravery, action, education and solidarity. Mother earth and her peoples are in distress and every able body needs to answer the call and join the fight.”

PFC Hits Chicago!

2010-06-21T23:22:00.006-04:00

Today the People's Freedom Caravan reached the Cabrini Green Housing Projects in Chicago, whose residents are being evicted as their neighborhood becomes more gentrified. Today we marched in solidarity to say that housing is a human right!!! And we will not tolerate the privatization of our human rights!

Thank you for hosting us Chicago, and inviting us to share in this momentous event!!

People’s Freedom Caravan Day 2 – Garbage in the hills on Tribal Lands

2010-06-21T22:26:00.007-04:00

Written by:
Ashely Terrazas
Youth Leadership Organization

“We left Oklahoma early, everyone woke up gathered their belongings and was on the bus by eight. After leaving the hotel, the folks from Oklahoma took us on a toxic tour of Ponca City - the stolen land of the Native Tribes. It was incredible to see land-fields and other parts of the city with toxic materials being disguised as parks. The toxic tour ended, we said goodbye to our friends from Oklahoma, and took off on the road again, this time to St. Louis, Missouri. We arrived in St Louis after a long day on the road and we met up with our friends from Southern Echo, and once everyone was settled in settled in, people from Missouri showed their hospitality by cooking a nice wonderful dinner for us. After dinner we arrived at the hotel and all the youth from every state and organization came together and hung out by the pool. It was great seeing a lot of our old friends and getting to hang out with them. I can tell that this will be a wonderful journey, not only because of why we are here, but also because of the people that will be walking besides us.”

Experienceing the Ponca Nation

Written by:

Mike Brennan

San Antonio, TX

"So far the People's Freedom Caravan has been quite a journey, to say the least. We have only travelled as far as Indiana and my life has been changed by the different people I have met and the different struggles that they have shared with us. The first night's stop in Ponca City was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. We arrived and were given a very warm reception by the Coyote Creek Center for Environmental Justice, the Tulsa Indian Coalition Against Racism and the American Indian Movement of Oklahoma. Our meat, corn, rice, bean and fried bread dinner was very welcome after such a long ride and the cold well-water was equally as refreshing. Mikasee honored us all with a song and the rest of the gathering consisted of the Ponca Tribe as well as all of the traveling groups sharing their struggles in front of the group.

Some folks as well as myself were invited by Mikasee to join him and his family in the sweat-lodge later on that night. This was the first time for me to do a sweat, and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. We met outside the lodge while the rocks were being heated in the fire nearby. When the time was right, we all gathered inside the lodge and the rocks were brought successively into the middle of the lodge. Mikasee then told us that it would be very hot but that we were allowed to leave at any time by simply uttering the phrase “all my relations”. When all of the rocks had been brought in, the entrance was closed and the ceremony began. We were told that this ceremony was designed to make us suffer and to prepare us as warriors to take the people's struggles onto our shoulders and deal with it. When the first cup of water was dropped onto the orange-glowing rocks, the hot steam licked our skin and filled our noses, mouths and lungs with a burning sensation. Songs and prayers were led by Mikasee and this lasted three times around. After the second round of songs and prayers, some of us found ourselves uttering the words “all my relations” and crawling the correct direction out of the sweat-lodge. While we were recuperating a little outside, Mikasee then told us all a story about his great-grandmother that was forced from her lands in the north to travel great distance to Oklahoma. He told us of her having to watch her family fall and die along the way as she carried on to be strong for the rest. She had to leave all of her belongings except for the clothes on her back and some of the sacred sweat-lodge stones, which she carried on her back all the way until Oklahoma. She did this so the tradition could be carried on and that the tribe and their sacred ways would not die. He told us that women are the backbone of the family and made us understand that without them as the catalyst that keeps everything together, the tribe would fall apart. She was strong for those who had no strength. After being told this story of strength, we re-entered the lodge and were present for the last round of song and prayer. It was very hot but I kept thinking of those who die everyday crossing the deserts of the south in order to try to make something for their family that has nothing. After the ceremony was over and we exited the lodge, I felt new again. I felt as if some new life and strength had been breathed into me and that I was stronger because of it. We cooled of by jumping into the nearby creek and there I contemplated what had just taken place.

This is only one experience that I have had so far being a part of the People's Freedom Caravan. I am sure that it will not be the last. I have already met new people within our bus and we have been bouncing ideas off of each other whenever we get the chance. Much good will come out of this caravan and it is our responsibility as the privileged delegates we are to bring back all of this newfound knowledge and wealth of experiences back to our homes and start putting it into action."

Roots of Change Cooperative Awarded $5,000

2010-06-20T11:47:00.000-04:00

VERMONT & SAN FRANCISCO –Roots of Change Cooperativa has been awarded $5,000 from the Brighter Planet Project Fund, a micro-granting platform focused on fighting climate change. The grant will help fund the further development of an organic community garden in San Antonio, Texas.

The project is committed to providing healthy food choices for the community and increasing the food security of local families, 30% of whom cannot afford to purchase organic foods. Funds will go towards the expansion of the garden into an urban farm, which will turn the space into the foundation for a city-wide gardening cooperative. The plan also includes the development of the garden into the city’s first locally-grown food market, as well as a center for teaching sustainable gardening techniques.

Powered by Brighter Planet’s social website to nominate and vote on projects of merit, the Project Fund seeds the growth of the climate movement from the ground up. With six worthy projects nominated this month, members cast the most votes for the Roots of Change Cooperativa. Brighter Planet customers endow the Project Fund by using the company’s products and services.

Brighter Planet community members vote for the next grant recipient starting August 1st. Submissions are now open for August’s Project Fund grant of up to $5,000.

About Brighter Planet

Brighter Planet provides technology-driven climate change solutions that help people and businesses manage their environmental impact. Its suite of innovative tools range from debit and credit cards that build renewable energy to crowd-powered community climate projects to a technology platform that integrates carbon emissions modeling with business operations. Brighter Planet has engaged over 150,000 customers to date. www.brighterplanet.com.

Snapshot of Ponca City, Oklahoma

2010-06-20T09:59:00.003-04:00

As the bus left Ponca City and the generous people of the Ponca nation, there were many stories to reflect upon. The Ponca people shared their history, which dates back to the High Plains prior to their forced removal to more southern lands. This environmental racism, which has been in practice for hundreds of years, continues today as we witnessed on a Ponca City “toxic tour.” On this tour our bus followed a path dotted with coal plants, oil refineries, and toxic runoff on former tribal lands, cumulating with the city dump that sits across from the Ponca Tribal cemetery. It is stories and histories of survival in the face of such disrespect and disempowerment that we hope to share with friends across the nation at the U.S. Social Forum.

Que viva La Ponca!

SWU Words - The Launch of the Peoples Freedom Caravan

2010-06-19T09:27:00.008-04:00

June 18, 2010
by jocelyn terrazas

Today was the first day of the peoples freedom caravan and my first time out of Texas.
The Peoples Freedom Caravan is when all these organizers from all over the US come together
to form this huge caravan to go to Detroit. We are going on a caravan to the USSF which stands for United States Social Forum, it happens every four years and its verry important to all of us.
The whole thing lasts about 11 days, because since where going on buses it takes a long time to get there.The main point of the U.S.S.F is for new organizations to come together for the future of the US. There's going to be alot of people so we are going to meet people from all types of backgrounds. Today we had to wake up very early so we wouldn't waste anytime, lukly we all got to sleep in the bus. Once we got to oklahoma, we meet people from SWOP (Southwest Organizing Progect) and then we all went with our friends from Oklahoma, where then they cooked this amazing food and they showed us a little part of their culture and sang some songs for us, they also told these crazy stories about what has happened to them due to racism.
As the days go on it gets even more exiting for me because every day we get closer and closer to the USSF.

And they’re off!

2010-06-18T09:20:00.003-04:00

The People’s Freedom Caravan riders gathered in San Antonio in the early dawn hours this morning to embark on their 11-day epic journey to the U.S. Social Forum in Detroit. The “social forum on wheels” has begun, and on the bus together are both new and seasoned organizers, school workers, immigrant rights and environmental justice advocates, independent media-makers, youth and grandmothers.

“We’re on the road again, because there is still so much to fight for,” says Tanya Garduño, who recently returned from the historic immigrant rights marches in Phoenix, AZ.

Along their journey, caravanistas will connect with over 100 grassroots organizations, sharing culture, comida, history, and struggles through shared action. They will arrive in Detroit with new relationships and understanding of the work of fellow organizers struggling for indigenous, worker, immigrant, and environmental justice all across the Midwest.

“I hope to get knowledge about social issues that are going on in the world. It’s the sort of knowledge should be in schools, but it’s not,” said Juan Atilano, 17-year old caravanista and summer intern with SWU.

Next stop: Ponca City, Oklahoma!

People's Freedom Caravan II

2010-06-17T14:53:00.004-04:00

People’s Freedom Caravan II

Thousands participate in caravan to Detroit, bringing a new grassroots vision for overcoming the democracy divide

06.16.2010 – Albuquerque, NM ♦ San Antonio, TX ♦ Jackson, MS ♦ Ponca City, OK ♦ St. Louis, MO ♦ Louisville, KT ♦ Chicago, IL ♦ Toledo, OH ♦ Detroit, MI  

Some folks are walking. Some are biking. Some are taking buses and cars. And, yes, a few of us will be flying. But all are headed to Detroit this summer for the US Social Forum.

  In the spirit of the freedom rides launched a half century ago, progressive grassroots organizations from across the country are embarking this week on the “People’s Freedom Caravan” to the United States Social Forum June 22-27, 2010, in Detroit, Michigan. Hundreds of activists and ordinary people from over 25 cities are packing their bags to take part in the historic “social movements on wheels,” made up of dozens of buses, vans, cars and even bikes. The Caravan builds on a similar effort in 2007, when over 80 grassroots organizations joined forces en route to the first U.S. Social Forum – a gathering of progressive movements modeled after the World Social Forums – in Atlanta, GA.  

In response to the financial collapse, growing economic and social inequality, the recent resurgence of thinly veiled racism across the country and attacks on immigrant communities, caravan organizers are coming together with a clear message: “Another world is possible and another U.S. is necessary!”   

"We are facing crises on all fronts – social, economic, and environmental. This movement is an effort to bridge the democracy divide from Arizona to the Gulf Coast to Detroit," says Diana Lopez, one of Hispanic Magazine's top 15 Latin@s under 30 and recipient of this year's Brower Youth Award, who will be jumping on a bus leaving San Antonio, TX on Friday.

"We will be meeting and taking action with local social justice organizations at every stop in order to show the reality of hardship and inequity in this country – to lift up the voices of those struggling in the face of the oil spill, foreclosures, the greed of Wall Street and racist immigration policies."

  Route and stops:

 Albuquerque, NM – Friday June 18th – SWOP office (211 10th St NW) – 5am   

Communities will launch the People’s Freedom Caravan. Indigenous, immigrant and youth participants will share the vision and intent of this traveling forum for social change.   

San Antonio, TX – Friday June 18th – SWU complex (1416 E. Commerce) – 5am

 In this low-wage, NAFTA city hundreds of people will call for just immigration policy that respects the human rights of all workers. The caravan will bring ideas for climate justice, food sovereignty, living wages and a non-militarized cooperative border region. A strong delegation of youth will bring the S. Texas failed education system reality to Detroit.  

Ponca City, OK – Friday June 18th – Marland, OK – 7pm 

Oklahoma is the home of forty different nations of indigenous people that come from all over the United States. A cultural event with local food will welcome the caravan. An Environmental Justice “toxic tour” will expose the effects of same polluting industries that have devastated our Gulf Coast on local communities.   

Jackson, MS – Saturday June 19th – Southern Echo (2009 N. Simmons) – 5:45 pm  

Local civil rights leaders, workers and migrants will join the caravan to demand equal education, a fair count in the census and redistricting with strong models of accountable governance where communities are encouraged to participate and have a voice.  

St. Louis, MO – Saturday June 19h – St. Mark's Church – 1pm

 In St. Louis we will converge with the caravan from the Gulf Coast and learn about historical and present day workers rights struggles   

Louisville, KT – Sunday June 20th – St. Genevieve Catholic Church (58203 Highway 433) – 4:20pm

 The caravan from Atlanta and Alabama will connect in Louisville for a rally at the gates of Rubbertown industrial complex, where 11 chemical plants tower over a local school and poison the community with 43% of emissions in the county. The rally calls for strong air pollution control, strict and effective monitoring, good energy policy and more communication with residents.  

Chicago, IL – Monday June 21st – Cabrini Green Housing – 1:30pm

Cabrini Green housing residents will welcome the caravan on the same day their evictions notice says they need leave. These residents are fighting a wave of gentrification that is driving them out of their neighborhoods. A march to city hall will follow with a focus on the need for jobs, followed by a rally at Humbolt park to call for the release of Puerto Rican political prisoners.  

Toledo, OH – Tuesday June 22nd – Rally at One Government Center – 7pm  

One hour outside of “ The D”, we gather in an action for immigration rights in Toledo, Ohio. The Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign Caravan and caravan-ers from the Northeast will join the Peoples Freedom Caravan in solidarity with the people of Toledo and immigrants across the US.  

Detroit, MI – Tuesday June 22nd – Cobo Hall – 2:00pm 

The caravan, over 1000 strong, will arrive in Detroit for the US Social Forum opening march, bringing inspiration and seeking to deepen relationships with the progressive movements of the Midwest in order to bring about national change.   

La Caravana de la Libertad del Pueblo II

Miles de personas participan en caravanas a Detroit, que se trae una visión nueva de base para vencer la brecha de democracia

Albuquerque, NM ♦ San Antonio, TX ♦ Jackson, MS ♦ Ponca City, OK ♦ St. Louis, MO ♦ Louisville, KT ♦ Chicago, IL ♦ Toledo, OH ♦ Detroit, MI

Algunas personas están caminando. Algunos están andando en bicicleta. Algunos están tomando autobuses y coches. Todos están haciendo su camino a Detroit esta semana para el segundo Foro Social de los EE.UU.

En el espíritu de los viajes por la libertad lanzado hace un medio siglo, las organizaciones de base progresistas de todo el país están embarcando esta semana en "La Caravana de la Libertad del Pueblo" al Foro Social Estadounidense el 22 al 27 de junio 2010, en Detroit, Michigan. Cientos de activistas y gente común de más de 25 ciudades están haciéndose las maletas para participar en la histórica "movimiento social sobre ruedas", compuesto por decenas de autobuses, camionetas, coches y hasta bicicletas. La Caravana es una continuación del esfuerzo similar de 2007, cuando más de 80 organizaciones de base se unieron en el camino al primer Foro Social de los EE.UU. – un encuentro de movimientos progresistas siguiendo el modelo del Foro Social Mundial – en Atlanta, Georgia.

En respuesta al desplome financiero, la creciente desigualdad económica y social, el reciente resurgimiento del racismo apenas disfrazado a través del país y los ataques en las comunidades inmigrantes, los organizadores de la caravana se están uniendo con un mensaje claro: “Otro mundo es posible y otro EE.UU. es necesario!"

"Estamos enfrentando a crisis en todos los frentes - sociales, económicos y medioambientales. Este movimiento es un esfuerzo por cerrar la brecha de democracia desde Arizona a la costa del Golfo hasta Detroit", dice Diana López, uno de los 15 mejores Latin@s menores de 30 de Hispanic Magazine y ganador del Premio Juventud Brower de este año, que se va a montar en el autobús que parte de San Antonio, Texas el viernes.

"Vamos a reunirnos y tomar medidas con las organizaciones locales de justicia social en todas las paradas para mostrar la realidad del apuro y desigualdad en este país – para levantar las voces de aquellos que luchan en el frente del derrame petrolero, las ejecuciones hipotecarias, la codicia de Wall Street y las políticas de inmigración racistas. " Ella agregó.

Ruta y paradas:

Albuquerque, NM – viernes 18 de Junio – SWOP oficina (211 10^th St NW) – 5am

Comunidades se van a embarcar en la Caravana de la Libertad del Pueblo. Indígenas, inmigrantes y participantes jóvenes compartirán la visión y la intención de este foro ambulante para el cambio social.

San Antonio, TX – viernes 18 de Junio – SWU complejo (1416 E. Commerce) – 5am

En esta ciudad TLCAN de bajos salarios, cientos de personas se van a declarar para una política migratoria justa que respete los derechos humanos de todos los trabajadores. La caravana traerá ideas por la justicia climática, la soberanía alimentaria, salarios dignos y una frontera cooperativa y no militarizada. Una delegación fuerte de jóvenes se va a traer la realidad del sistema educativo fallido del sur de Tejas a Detroit.

Ponca City, OK – viernes 18 de Junio – Marland, OK – 7pm

Oklahoma es el hogar de cuarenta países diferentes de pueblos indígenas que vienen de todas partes de los Estados Unidos. Un evento cultural con comida típica se va a dar una bienvenida a la caravana. Un Justicia Ambiental "gira tóxica" se exponen los efectos de las mismas industrias contaminantes que han devastado la costa del Golfo en las comunidades locales.

Jackson, MS – sabado, 19 de Junio – Southern Echo (2009 N. Simmons) – 5:45 pm

Líderes locales de los derechos civiles, los trabajadores y los inmigrantes se unirán con la caravana para exigir igualdad en la educación, un recuento censo justo y la redistribución de distritos con modelos fuertes de la gestión pública responsable, donde las comunidades se les anima a participar y tener una voz.

St. Louis, MO – sabado 19 de Junio – Congo Square (718 N Rampart St) – 1pm

En St. Louis vamos a reunirnos con la caravana de la costa del Golfo y aprender sobre las luchas históricas y actuales de los derechos de los trabajadores.

Louisville, KT – domingo 20 de Junio – St. Genevieve Catholic Church (58203 Highway 433) – 4:20pm

La caravana de Atlanta y Alabama se va a conectar en Louisville para una manifestación a las puertas del Rubbertown complejo industrial, donde más de 11 plantas químicas alzan sobre una escuela local y contaminan la comunidad con el 43% de las emisiones en el condado. La manifestación exige un fuerte control de la contaminación del aire, un estricto y eficaz control, la buena política de energía y mas comunicación con los residentes.

Chicago, IL – lunes 21 de Junio – Cabrini Green Housing – 1:30pm

Los residentes de las viviendas Cabrini Green dará una bienvenida a la caravana en el mismo día que su notificación de desalojo dice que necesitan salir. Estos residentes están combatiendo una ola de aburguesamiento que les está expulsando de sus barrios. Una marcha al ayuntamiento seguirá con un foco en la necesidad de empleo, seguido por una manifestación en el parque Humboldt para pedir la liberación de los prisioneros políticos puertorriqueños.

Toledo, OH – martes 22 de Junio – 21^st Rally at One Government Center – 7pm

Una hora fuera de Detroit, nos uniremos en una protesta para derechos inmigrantes en Toledo, Ohio. La Caravana de la Campana de Gente Pobre para Derechos Humanos y la Caravana de Libertad del Noreste se juntarán con nosotros en solidaridad con la gente de Toledo y los inmigrantes de todo los EE.UU.

Detroit, MI – martes 22 de Junio – Cobo Hall – 2:00pm

La caravana, con más de 1000 personas, llegará a Detroit para la marcha inicial del Foro Social de los EE.UU., que se trae inspiración y busca profundizar las relaciones con los movimientos progresistas de la región norcentral para lograr un cambio nacional.

Last Change - VOTE NOW for SWU's Roots of Change Garden

2010-06-14T21:16:00.000-04:00

ALERT: Vote up SA urban gardens

Greg Harman, San Antonio Express News
gharman@sacurrent.com

Before you break out of your cubicle and pop in your Twilight caps or whatever, donate a helpful mouse click or two to San Antonio's Southwest Workers Union to help them grab some competitive grant funds from Brighter Planet.  

From SWU's application, we read that Bexar County was "recently ranked 211 out of 221 Texas counties for accessibility to healthy food and green spaces. The creation of an urban garden network can both revitalize unused land as well as provide healthy food choices and increase the food security of local families."

  As much fun as cabbage bowling was a few weeks back, we would love to see some zucchini pins added and multiple lanes lined in lettuces. Help dismantle San Antonio’s “food deserts” with this simplest of gestures. They’re down by like 60 votes now, gente, and voting ends next Tuesday. So, hit it now. And remember, this is one contest where you really can vote twice, so make ‘em count.

Please Support our Project with Your Votes!!

2010-06-08T17:10:00.004-04:00

Help SWU's Roots of Change Cooperative WIN a grant for expansion into an urban farm.

We are in the running for a grant from Brighter Planet -- but the project needs the most votes to win. Voting is open until Tuesday, June 15th.

Please go to http://projectfund.brighterplanet.com/projects/roots_of_change_cooperativa and choose VOTE FOR PROJECT. Create an account (if you don't have one) and you will receive an email confirming your address. Then you can vote 3 TIMES!! (just choose roots of change coop and hit vote again) It takes less than 5 minutes.

To put this project into context, Bexar County was recently ranked 211 out of 221 Texas counties for accessibility to healthy food and green spaces. In San Antonio, close to 20% of individuals live in poverty, and 31.1% of adults are obese. Some of the lowest income communities are also home to the majority of polluting industries in the city, including 4 coal-fired power plants, 22 fuel storage tanks, toxic landfills, crisscrossing railroad tracks with a deadly legacy of toxic spills and one of the largest shallow groundwater plumes of chlorinated solvents in the country. In other words, San Antonio needs this opportunity!!

Thank you all for your support!

Todos Somos Arizona: Why SB 1070 Hits Home

2010-06-02T12:58:00.017-04:00

When Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070, the Arizona immigration bill giving police departments the power to identify illegal immigrants wherever “reasonable suspicion exists” for prosecution and deportation, she unknowingly set into motion a powerful campaign of solidarity among communities across the nation. “We are all Arizona” is the phrase you’ll see and hear at protests, calling to mind that we are united as immigrants, families and descendants of immigrants, and citizens who continue to struggle for civil rights. The National Day of Action Against SB 1070 in Phoenix was a chance for tens of thousands of people to join together in person to call for action against this racist law. Reflecting on the importance of participating, we present the Liberation Caravan riders who made the trek to Phoenix, in their own words:

Cuando la gobernadora Jan Brewer firmó SB 1070, la ley de inmigración de Arizona que le da el poder a los departamentos de policía de identificar a los inmigrantes cuando encuentren duda razonable para persecución y deportación, sin saberlo, ella puso en movimiento una potente campaña de solidaridad entre las comunidades de todo el país. "Todos somos Arizona" es la frase que se va a ver y escuchar en las protestas, tomando en cuenta que somos unidos por ser inmigrantes, familias y descendientes de inmigrantes, y ciudadanos que siguen luchando por los derechos civiles. El Día de Acción Nacional Contra SB 1070 en Phoenix fue una oportunidad para decenas de miles para unirnos en persona y pedir acción contra esta ley racista. Reflexionando en la importancia de participar, presentamos los pasajeros de la Caravana de Liberación en sus propias palabras:

“We represent the energies from Texas, the support from Texas, that we are against this bill SB1070, that we are against the legalizing of racial profiling, against the criminalization of brown bodies, and the criminalization of immigrant bodies.” – Roberto Flotte

“It’s important for me to go because I come from a family of migrants, and it’s important for me to go for my mom, and for my brothers, and for my cousins that can’t go” – Tanya Garduño, Southwest Workers Union

“I’m a part of this event because I feel like it is important to speak out against injustices that people in our community face, even if it’s not San Antonio, any injustice committed anywhere should really be voiced and addressed. And so I feel like I have an opportunity to speak for people who may not be able to speak out against the injustice…” – Lilliana Saldaña

“…We thought this ugly face of racism wouldn’t be so blatantly showing itself in 2010, but it has, and I’m going out there to stand up to make my voice heard. It is my responsibility.” – Maria Lopez De Leon

“Ojala…con este viaje que representa varias organizaciones podemos hacer una diferencia, o un cambio o un mejoramiento para la gente inmigrante” – Petra Mata, Fuerza Unida

“I think the reason why most people support this bill is because they don’t understand the struggle, and they don’t see how it’s unfair…” – Maribel Hermosillo

“…No one is free while others are oppressed” – Jaribu Hill, Mississippi Workers' Center for Human Rights

We would like to thank all of our supporters. All of those that were able to provide donations, housing, food, guidance, thoughts, and prayers, we thank you.

Nos gustaría agradecer a todos nuestros benefactores. Todos aquellos que podrían proporcionar donaciones, viviendas, comida, consejos, pensamientos y oraciones, les damos las gracias.

SWU at No SB1070 day of action

2010-06-01T15:19:00.001-04:00

Texans protest Arizona law

Speakers at a rally at state Capitol against immigration law say they're disappointed in President Obama.

By Claire Osborn

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Updated: 11:31 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2010

Published: 11:26 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2010

Opponents of Arizona's new immigration law had a message for President Barack Obama at a rally Saturday at the Capitol in Austin.

"Obama, you went back on your promise to promote family values," said Michael Chavez of Houston.

"Deporting and separating family members is not an American value," he said. Arizona's immigration law, known as SB 1070, makes being an illegal immigrant a state crime and requires legal immigrants to carry papers that confirm their legal status.

Chavez, a veteran, said that people should remember Mexican immigrants are fighting for the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan. Several generations of his family have fought for the United States, including his grandfather, who fought in World War II, and his son, who just returned from Iraq, he said.

The rally — National Day of Action Against SB 1070 — drew a few hundred people, in contrast to the thousands of people who attended a rally at the Capitol against SB 1070 on May 1.

Many supporters in Austin went to Phoenix to participate in the protest there Saturday, said Amalia Martinez, a member of the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition.

Speakers at the rally said Obama should have already pushed the immigration reform he promised in his campaign through Congress.

"If he wants to be re-elected, he needs to stop SB 1070," Martinez said.

People from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and even Phoenix came to the rally in Austin.

Justine Hecht said she and her boyfriend, Joe Sawinski, both from Phoenix, were just passing through Austin on a trip when they decided to come to the rally.

They had already protested against the law in Arizona, but they said it was easier to express their views in Austin.

"There's just so much tension in Arizona right now," Hecht said.

About 11 members from the Southwest Public Workers Union in San Antonio attended the rally, including Chavel Lopez, who said the Arizona law is racist.

Jeff Gillum, who also attended the rally, said he supported Arizona's law.

"Immigrants have put a drain on health care and law enforcement," Gillum said.

The Austin City Council decided May 13 to end its business and travel ties with Arizona to protest the new law.

Speakers at Austin's rally Saturday said some Texas state legislators wanted to pass the same law as Arizona.

"We will stop it in Texas, and we will stop it in Arizona," said Gloria Rubac of Houston.

"This is a civil rights issue for all of us."

Roots of Change Cooperativa [wowcrowd]

2010-06-01T08:18:00.001-04:00

Roots of Change Cooperativa [wowcrowd]

Help SWU's Roots of Change Cooperative WIN a grant for expansion into an urban farm.

We are in the running for a grant from Brighter Planet -- but the project needs the most votes to win. Voting is open June 1-15th.

Please go here, to http://projectfund.brighterplanet.com/projects/roots_of_change_cooperativa and choose VOTE FOR PROJECT. create an account (if you don't have one)... you will receive an email confirming your address. Then you can vote 3 TIMES!! (just choose roots of change coop and hit vote again) It takes less than 5 minutes.

Background Project Information

In 2006, Centro por la Justicia began an Eastside sustainability initiative in response to the struggle to defeat further development of fuel storage tanks. An integral part of our local movement for climate justice in San Antonio has been the development of home-grown solutions that are culturally-appropriate and led by those who are most affected by the local causes of climate change (coal fired power plants). While the potential for a vibrant green economy in San Antonio is growing, the grassroots communities have little understanding and education about what ‘green’ means nor how it is beneficial and accessible for low-income families. To date, the Roots of Change Cooperativa has acquired over an acre of unused brownfield land. In 2006, we began the process of transformation into a functioning community garden, the first food producing community space in the City. This will combat the carbon footprint caused by the dominant food system. We aim to build upon this success by further developing the first grassroots-level sustainability center in San Antonio. We will model alternatives and simultaneously build training and leadership of grassroots youth and families, focusing on four program goals: (1) expansion of the garden into a functioning urban farm and development of the physical and social infrastructure necessary for making this space the hub of a city-wide gardening cooperative; (2) creation of space for the first locally-grown food market in San Antonio; (3) transformation of the complex to one of accessible sustainability (via water harvesting, greenhouses, passive solar, and weatherization); (4) development of a center to train local youth and members in such sustainable techniques through a green jobs training center where the community can learn gardening skills to apply to their own homes.
The county where San Antonio sits was recently ranked 211 out of 221 Texas counties for accessibility to healthy food and green spaces. The creation of an urban garden network can both revitalize unused land as well as provide healthy food choices and increase the food security of local families. This seeks to tackle a number of serious problems we face as a community: first, 30% of families live in poverty and cannot afford organic produce; second, 31.1% of San Antonio adults are obese (nation’s highest rate). These same communities are also home to the majority of polluting industries in the city, including 4 coal-fired power plants, 22 fuel storage tanks, toxic landfills, crisscrossing railroad tracks with a deadly legacy of toxic spills and one of the largest shallow groundwater plumes of chlorinated solvents in the country.

The funds will support materials the expansion of the garden, community trainings and holding two farmers markets this summer targeting local high school youth and our low-income people of color community.

S.A. activists joining Phoenix march against SB 1070

2010-05-29T10:18:00.000-04:00

By Elaine Ayala - Express-News

Web Posted: 05/29/2010 12:00 CDT

At least 50 South Texas activists, most of them from San Antonio, are in Phoenix today for the “National Day of Action against SB 1070,” a protest drawing participants from across the United States opposed to Arizona's new immigration law.

Representing a coalition of social justice organizations in San Antonio, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley, the caravan was organized by the San Antonio-based Southwest Workers Union, which stopped in El Paso on Friday to pick up additional protesters.

Among them are members of the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, Inmigrantes Unidos Sin Fronteras, Fuerza Unida and MEChA and the Dream Act Alliance, whose members are from Our Lady of the Lake University and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Lilliana Saldaña, one of several UTSA professors attending the Phoenix march, called it momentous and key to rolling back the law, the central goal of the protest.

“It's a pretty historic march,” the Mexican American Studies assistant professor said Friday en route to El Paso. “The last largest civil protest was 2006, when you really got to see a visible immigrant community. We're hoping to see the same manifestation in Arizona.”

Opponents of Senate Bill 1070, as critics refer to the law, call it racist and unconstitutional, giving police the power to stop anyone suspected of being in the country illegally. They say such legalized racial profiling unfairly targets Latinos, U.S. citizens included. The controversy has galvanized civil rights groups, spurring several legal challenges and boycotts against the state.

“We are all Arizona,” said Anayanse Garza, a leader of Southwest Workers Union in the Rio Grande Valley, who likened SB 1070 to Jim Crow-era laws. “The law is a slap in the face to everyone who has struggled for civil rights.”

According to news reports, Saturday's march was expected to attract 50,000 to 100,000 people to Indian Steel Park and then on a five-mile trek to the Arizona Capitol.

Che Lopez, a Southwest Workers Union leader, said activists hope the march puts pressure on Congress and the Obama administration to reform the nation's complex immigration laws to address the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally, clearing a path toward citizenship for them.

Today's march is “also important because it's a stand against the militarization of the U.S.-Mexican border,” he said.

This week, President Barack Obama authorized the use of 1,200 National Guard troops to address escalating border violence. Activists worry immigrants will get caught in the crossfire.

“Our singular purpose is to bring maximum attention to the injustices codified in 1070,” said Isabel Garcia, an attorney and Phoenix-based representative of the Coalición de Derechos Humanos, one of the groups behind the march. “Our goal is to stop the entire anti-immigrant movement.”

No Troops on the Border

2010-05-28T13:42:00.001-04:00

from KSAT 12

Outspoken polar opposites on immigration, a local social activist and a local terrorism expert agree President Brack Obama's decision to deploy 1,200 National Guard troops along the 2,000-mile U.S./Mexico border is rooted in politics.

Watch video here

San Antonio Federal Building, May 26: Protesting SB 1070 and border militarization, and calling for immigration reform

2010-05-27T16:33:00.004-04:00

Events to address food, health issues

2010-05-26T07:34:00.000-04:00

San Antonio Express News

In response to San Antonio’s high rates of obesity and diabetes, a community screening of the documentary Food Inc. will be held Saturday at El Progresso Hall.

The screening will be from noon until 3 p.m. at the hall at 1306 Guadalupe St. It will be followed by discussions and workshops aimed at addressing food-related health issues. The documentary offers a view of industrial food production in the U.S. and how it has changed the American diet.

The event is being hosted by the Southwest Workers Union, San Antonio Food Not Bombs and the People’s Power Coalition. The Southwest Workers Union was selected as one of 30 organizations nationwide to participate in the Ingredients for Change Campaign, aiming to increase availability of nutritious food.

Todos Somos Arizona - SWU Liberation Caravan

2010-05-22T21:25:00.003-04:00

LIBERATION CARAVAN TO NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST SB 1070

Southwest Workers Union is proud to announce that the Liberation Caravan to the National Day of Action Against SB 1070 has confirmed 55 Delegates from various organizations that will represent the State of Texas. We will express our Solidarity with the working class and immigrant communities involved in the grassroots movements of many social justice organizations that are denouncing SB 1070 and all other Racist – Anti-Immigrant Laws being imposed in the State of Arizona. We will be in “Ground Zero” of the Immigrant Rights Struggle.

The Liberation Caravan is asking for donations to support the efforts of the delegates going to Arizona to support the front line struggle against SB 1070.

Your donations will be greatly appreciated. In exchange you will receive a full report on the National Day of Action Against SB 1070 which will include photos, video, documentation and other materials collected at the march and rally.

We need to confirm your donation as soon as possible to secure the transportation and ask that you please get us the resources by Wednesday, May 26, 2010. If you have any questions or need further details please call Che at 210.378.5132.

Thank you very much for the support.

In Solidarity,

Che Lopez y los Chic@s at Southwest Workers Union

Logistics breakdown:

· Travel

o Delegates need to arrive at SWU office (1416 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78205) at 4am on Friday, May 28^th

o Caravan departs SWU office at 5am

o We will be traveling in a 23 passenger mini bus and two 15 passenger vans (need volunteer drivers for 15 passenger vans)

o Cost per Delegate is $40

· On the road

o Expected arrival time in Phoenix is 7pm

o Stop in El Paso to pick up more delegates

· In Arizona

o Host organizations are Puente Arizona and Tonatierra

o Friday evening caravan delegates will work with local organizations to prepare for the next day March and Rally

Day of Action!

o 8am - gather at Indian Steele Park on E. 3^rd and Indian Steele Rd

o 10am – march begins (5 miles long) the march will target the Federal Building, Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE), State Board of Education and the County Sheriff’s Office

o A ‘Pozole Pachanga’ and other social events are being organized following the march

Solidarity housing

o There is some space at people’s homes and other housing arrangements are being still being coordinated with local organizations.

o There are places to camp, including a camp being set up at the Arizona State Capitol

Sunday, May 30^th

o 10am - Gathering on future plans and follow up actions.

o Depart Phoenix at 5 PM with a stop in El Paso

o Arrive San Antonio at 12 noon on Monday, May 31^st

SWU Organizer, Diana Lopez, makes headlines again!

2010-05-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

Brower Youth Award Winner Diana Lopez (from Yes! Magazine)

In 2009, Brower Youth Award winner Diana Lopez was recognized for her work renovating a dilapidated bar on San Antonio, Texas' east side into a community garden. Because the neighborhood does not have a grocery store, its residents rely on Roots of Change for fresh produce that is otherwise unavailable to them.

In addition to being a repository for fresh, local food, Diana hopes Roots of Change will serve as an educational center, connecting San Antonians back to their land.

Diana is currently working as the environmental justice organizer for the Southwest Workers' Union.