The Zapatistas

[novemba]

I was just curious if the Zapatistas recruit anyone?

More specifically a 17 year old Arab-American kid with no experience what so ever...

[novemba]

bump

[codyvo]

I don't think they go out of their way to recruit people but if you offered to, I am they would gladly except your help, that is, if you are talking about yourself.

[More Fire for the People]

The Zaptatistas are more of an indegenious rebellion against a Euro-centric government. It would really dampen their spirits if they had Americans or Canadians or Euros in their bunch.

[coda]

I'm sure if you showed up at their camp, necro, they wouldn't turn you away.

[novemba]

Is there anyone here that knows for sure? Anyone affilated with them know?

Redstar maybe?

[cormacobear]

I've never heard of them accepting foriegn fighters into their ranks. They usually allow aid workers, and sometimes press into the region but that is about it. The risk if anyoneelse being an enemy agent or asassin is too great, so I doubt they would accept you, or any foriegner. But who knows if they have palns to annex more territory... it's possible but it's unlikely. :( sorry I'm sure lots of people would love to run off and fight in the jungle, but how hard would a couple of CIA agents be to plant.

[Gust]

What are the Zapatistas?

[Anarchist Freedom]

Wiki EZLN (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EZLN)

[Gust]

Originally posted by Anarchist [email protected] 12 2005, 06:41 PM
Wiki EZLN (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EZLN)
Wow awesome, so how succesful is this group, and what do they stand for(besides overthrowing the Mexian gov't)?

[Gust]

Originally posted by Gust+Jul 12 2005, 10:40 PM--> (Gust @ Jul 12 2005, 10:40 PM)
Anarchist [email protected] 12 2005, 06:41 PM
Wiki EZLN (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EZLN)
Wow awesome, so how succesful is this group, and what do they stand for(besides overthrowing the Mexian gov't)? [/b]
Nevermind I read on.

[Phalanx]

Originally posted by [email protected] 12 2005, 04:23 PM
The Zaptatistas are more of an indegenious rebellion against a Euro-centric government. It would really dampen their spirits if they had Americans or Canadians or Euros in their bunch.
That seems almost a bit racist.

[violencia.Proletariat]

most of their units are 100% indigenous, and the probably dont need extra help anyways. the only time i would expect them accepting outside help when it comes to the actual army is if they were being annihilated by the mexican army. continue the struggle somewhere else, advance it to where there are militias

[chaval]

i can't see the EZLN recruiting outside of thir own. their cause though, noble as it may be seen, is a lost one. when marcos entered the D.F. for negotiations with Zedillo..well maybe then something might have happened but their days are waning. i've got family that lives down in chiapas. they say no one really supports them. they see them as unorganized bunch with a sort of dead dream. also the mexican gov doesnt provide much aid to chiapas because of them so it ends up screwing everyone else down there as well, thats another reason they arent taht great. my relative down there is a vet and hes had to go into the bush where the EZLN camp out. he says that they dont really do anything. if there is ever another mexican revolution then it has to be one that starts in the cities. im pretty sure though that if there is another one it will be one that demands justice, order and peace

[Anarchist Freedom]

Ineresting. The EZLN has just kinda died it appears. But there anti globalization message is a good and strong one.

[novemba]

if it comes down to it ill bring my jordanian passport and speak in arabic so they don't know i'm american...but theyd like kill me if they found out i was...but i dunno, i mean a harmless looking 17 year old kid with nothing but the bag on his back coming to them and asking them to let me help in the fight...why would they?

[coda]

I don't think they died as more that they don't want to remain isolated and rather want to reach broader and work with the larger leftist community. Can only be good either way. Good move.

[violencia.Proletariat]

Originally posted by [email protected] 12 2005, 09:18 PM
if it comes down to it ill bring my jordanian passport and speak in arabic so they don't know i'm american...but theyd like kill me if they found out i was...but i dunno, i mean a harmless looking 17 year old kid with nothing but the bag on his back coming to them and asking them to let me help in the fight...why would they?
the question is, why would you want to. the zapatistas arent in amred conflict right now, they dont really need more soldiers.

[novemba]

wouldn't they give me training? thats a large part of it...

[Paradox]

There are Zapatista Coalitions, and their members do travel to Chiapas, though I'm not sure they train anyone who visits how to fight. They'll let you in, I'm sure- as a supporter. Take into their army? I don't know about that. Anyway, there's a Zapatista Coalition here, well 40 miles from here, and a couple of their members are in Chiapas right now. I've never been to any of the coalition's meetings, but dad goes to them pretty regularly. My dad said that they can get us into Chiapas, as long as we got the money to pay for the trip. We hope to go next year, if everything goes as plans.


wouldn't they give me training? thats a large part of it...

You just want to train? Where do you live? Just go target shooting, read books on guerrilla warfare and tactics, etc.. You don't need to go to Chiapas for that.


if it comes down to it ill bring my jordanian passport and speak in arabic so they don't know i'm american...but theyd like kill me if they found out i was

They will not kill you because you are american. That's insane. If you support them, they will welcome you, I'm sure.

[anomaly]

As I've told necro, I think training with the Zapatistas is quite a good idea. In Chiapas, they have a cease fire with the Mexizan army of course, so there's no chance of participating in any real guerrilla conflit, if that's what you're looking for, necro. But if you just went there and said 'i support your group and would appreciate some basic arms and guerrilla training so I can become a revolutionary', they'd probably gladly accept you. Besides, does anyone know exactly if one can simply walk into Chiapas? It would seem to me that the Mexican army would isolate the zapatistas even during the cease fire, to make sure they can't spread the revolution.

At the same time, it would be much cheaper to just do what Paradox suggests. Of course, that would be much less fun haha.

[novemba]

I think someone with a contact should ask for sure cause if they would except us, we could rally together around 10-20 people to go down there and train and then stay together and go somewhere to start our own revolution...

[Paradox]

we could rally together around 10-20 people to go down there

Ummm... Interesting suggestion. Where exactly do you live? I currently live in West Texas. El Paso to be specific. We'd need a rallying point obviously, where we'd meet to make our trip to Chiapas. As I said before, the Zapatista Coalition here in California where my dad lives, make pretty regular trips down to Chiapas. Provided we work together and come up with the money to pay for the trip, I'm sure they could help us get into Chiapas. My father and I are already hoping to make it next year, with help from the Coalition.

Perhaps this a workable suggestion. Interested members could keep in contact through mail maybe? Or just PM each other? I don't know. But it's an interesting suggestion.


and train and then stay together and go somewhere to start our own revolution...

Stay together and start our own revolution somewhere? I don't know about this part. It would be much harder to follow through on. There would be a lot of intelligence gathering that would have to be done; Where do we go? What's the current situation? What groups are already in operation, if any? How do we get into the country? How will we handle logistics? What's the history of the movement in that country? How receptive are the groups there to foriegners joining their ranks? Many questions to be answered. We can't simply train with a few rifles during a ceasefire in Chiapas and be ready to jump into a fullblown revolutionary offensive in some other, as of yet, undecided country.

Anyway, I'll see if my father would be willing to ask at one of the Coalition meetings whether or not the EZLN would actually train us while we are there. I'm sure they'd give us basic weapons handling training, in case of an attack. But all out guerrilla training? I'm not sure about that.

But for now, you can act on the training suggestions I gave in my other post. There are plenty of books you can buy from places like Barnes&Noble on intelligence gathering, combat techniques, camouflage, etc. And you can order books like Che's Guerrilla Warfare through their website, if it's not in their stores. If you're old enough, buy a decent rifle and work on your aim shooting soda cans or bottles. As you get better, try from longer distances. Practice camouflage if you can. I live in the desert, so I have some desert fatigues and practice shooting out there. Things like that will be good enough for now.

[southernmissfan]

For those interested in going to the Chiapas:

http://www.zmag.org/chiapas1/gotochiap.htm

Most of the groups are peace advisors and/or aid workers, but I would imagine those would be need much more than ragtag teenagers from America wanting to be revolutionaries.

[Paradox]

we could rally together around 10-20 people to go down there and train and then stay together and go somewhere to start our own revolution...

I asked my father about the training thing, and he brought up another good point. He said that if the Zapatistas were to train outsiders how to fight -especially ones who intend to use the training to start insurrections in other countries- they would be welcoming attacks on their ranks. The government could use such training as proof that the EZLN is "spreading revolution," or "instigating violence." Needless to say, that would be bad news for the Zapatistas. I doubt they'd be willing to risk a government offensive to train a few foreigners to fight guerrilla warfare.

This doesn't mean we can't go to Chiapas, it just means we should be realistic and not get upset we aren't being trained to fight. We can still help out down there, I'm sure, which should be the real reason to go. If we go, we go to help, in whatever way we can. So keep this in mind if you are interested in visiting Zapatista territory.

And remember, you can still train and study tactics outside of Chiapas.

[novemba]

if the Zapatistas were to train outsiders how to fight -especially ones who intend to use the training to start insurrections in other countries- they would be welcoming attacks on their ranks. The government could use such training as proof that the EZLN is "spreading revolution," or "instigating violence." Needless to say, that would be bad news for the Zapatistas. I doubt they'd be willing to risk a government offensive to train a few foreigners to fight guerrilla warfare.

I know it's not really my place to say but isn't that the whole point of marxist revolution?

Anyways, I agree with you on the rest, I'll help in whatever ways possible. I'm really excited about this and hope to hear from you when you have further details...by the way, the speak spanish opposed to the indignious language in chiapas, right? Cause if so I'm really looking foward to learning how to speaking spanish also...

EDIT: add 'learning'

[violencia.Proletariat]

Originally posted by [email protected] 14 2005, 12:22 AM

if the Zapatistas were to train outsiders how to fight -especially ones who intend to use the training to start insurrections in other countries- they would be welcoming attacks on their ranks. The government could use such training as proof that the EZLN is "spreading revolution," or "instigating violence." Needless to say, that would be bad news for the Zapatistas. I doubt they'd be willing to risk a government offensive to train a few foreigners to fight guerrilla warfare.

I know it's not really my place to say but isn't that the whole point of marxist revolution?

Anyways, I agree with you on the rest, I'll help in whatever ways possible. I'm really excited about this and hope to hear from you when you have further details...by the way, the speak spanish opposed to the indignious language in chiapas, right? Cause if so I'm really looking foward to learning how to speaking spanish also...

EDIT: add 'learning'
yeah they speak spanish. but you dont know how? i think thats kind of a necessity for going down there if no one else in your group knows how

[Paradox]

I know it's not really my place to say but isn't that the whole point of marxist revolution?

Given that they have proclaimed their dedication to an offensive ceasefire, training outsiders how to fight would contradict that declaration. Notice, in the Sixth Declaration of Selva Lacandona, they have said they will help others around the world by sending maize, crafts, and coffee, etc.. They do not say, "Here. We've sent you rifles, ammunition, and oh yeah, some foreigners we trained to fight guerrilla style."

If they were to train us, and we were to utilize that training in some foreign country, the government of that country, if they found out, could make the claim that the Zapatistas are instigating insurrections internationally. They could demand a Mexican government crackdown on the Zapatistas because Zapatista territory was being used as a "terrorist training ground."

It's far too risky in my opinion. Not so much for us, but for the Zapatistas themselves. It would be potentially damaging to their movement.


the way, the speak spanish opposed to the indignious language in chiapas, right?

They speak both. The Zapatista communiques are in Spanish, yes. Because obviously, as a result of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, the main language is Spanish. But in their communities, which are predominately Indigenous, there are many who speak Native languages, mostly Maya dialects, of which there quite a few. However, I wouldn't worry about learning Maya, as I don't think books on that are easy to find, and the only one I can remember seeing cost just under $100. So focus on Spanish. The Maya, they can teach you a few words when we get to Chiapas.

:ph34r:

[rikaguilera]

The main concearn should be for their (Zapatistas) fight. They are not dead, and are not dis-banding in any way. I have some friends that I stay in contact with who are involved with their fight in Mexico. And I am one who has provided funds to aid them in their fight so far. I would not insult their cause by wanting to join for selfish reasons. It is not a training ground, nor is it a school to learn how to be a revolutionary. It is a human rites fight that should not be taken lightly. If you are genuine in wanting to help, wanting to bring the evil Mexican govt. to their knees, then participate. Or at least take the first steps to help. I applaud a "real" want and need to help. But don't look at it as a way to learn for your own needs. Any revolt comes from the heart first. It comes from an oppresion, and a denial of life. It is real, it is not a movie. Learn more of what their struggles are, then if you feel that you are of the same belifs, then help. If you feel that heart felt anger and need for change, then go and help. Trust me, they are fighting for a reason, and any attention (on a global scale) will help their fight in many ways that you may have not even realized. It is a first step at least.

[pogue_mahone]

There are people such as the journalist John Ross who have been adopted into Zapatista society because of their value to the struggle. To be brutally honest, your real value is at home challenging the ideas of your society, not becoming a burden to inspirational people like the Zapatistas of Chiapas.

[novemba]

we'll I'm just sick and tired of sitting on my ass amist all the injustice going on. Maybe you guys can deal with, but I can't.

I have to do something.

[anomaly]

Perhaps they're right necro. Such a move would really endanger the zapatistas....so, who wants to go transcontinental? In Nepal, guerrillas are fighting for a new Nepal. Not only would they probably accept recruits, but they're already labeled as terrorists by the US government! There's no risk in damaging that group. Of course, this is just a suggestion. We could also just train ourselves, as paradox suggests.

But in any case, I'm with you, necro, that we should do something.

[Phalanx]

Same with FARC. The US is actively supplying the Colombia military with helicopters and advanced rifles to 'take care of the problem'. Although I'm not sure how welcome they would be to an american. They would probably keep a wary eye upon any outsider.

[novemba]

agreed. i just think we need somewhere to train before go start our own revolution

[violencia.Proletariat]

Originally posted by [email protected] 15 2005, 01:17 PM
agreed. i just think we need somewhere to train before go start our own revolution
you might want to build a base for the revolution to work upon. as the few attempts of guerilla groups in america proved unsuccesful, it is better you build a foundation before you start the gun toting stage of a revolution.

[Paradox]

agreed. i just think we need somewhere to train before go start our own revolution

So, are you still interested in going to Chiapas?

[aztecklaw]

Originally posted by [email protected] 13 2005, 03:29 AM
wouldn't they give me training? thats a large part of it...
This is a group to people that reacted to NAFTA with guns raiding government offices with the message of "Ya Basta!" enough is enough. The American puppet regime planted in Mexico and Americans responded with quick violence killing many indigenous people with relative ease. EZLN was forced to evolve. They quickly recognized that they didn't win enough support from the people to spread the revolt so what they did was protect their homeland within the jungles of the Chiapas.

I'm very confused what EZLN plans next because after sounding the alert, I don't see where the focus of the rebellion is being focused on.

What people don't understand is this is a very active revolution. But when people think revolution they think guns and burning buildings. As the world has evolved so has warfare. Just as Che introduced new warfare tactics against imperialism, EZLN has evolved into a media revolution. A full blown revolution is impossible without more support from the public. EZLN knows to have any impact there had to be a war on information, a war on biased information.

With their own radio transmissions and strong advocates voicing opposing views of the social structure hammered down that keeps Mexico from becoming a successful nation. They reach out to many third world country organizations and through media the attempt is to bond with other anti-imperialist groups.

So if you think that if you join EZLN you may be shown war that is very different from what you may expect.

I'm very confused because from a rebellion trying to reach out to others, I'm very confused why the alarm was sounded and why it seems that this next phase has brought them into a state of isolation. This is just me trying to decipher what's going on and I only wish I had some inside info as to what is going on with the Zapatistas.

[violencia.Proletariat]

Originally posted by [email protected] 15 2005, 01:45 PM


I'm very confused because from a rebellion trying to reach out to others, I'm very confused why the alarm was sounded and why it seems that this next phase has brought them into a state of isolation. This is just me trying to decipher what's going on and I only wish I had some inside info as to what is going on with the Zapatistas.
theres newer communiques telling why, check ezln.org, part of the reason they called everyone in was to reorganize so they can function even under attack.

[pedro san pedro]

I had a friend do this one or two years ago, i believe that he is at least partly responible for the GMO sections of this years schedule. I'm sure they'll be taking people in 2006 aswell. Search thru MJM's posts on this board for some feedback on the time he had there. you have to pay to go, but it was 'the best thing he had ever done'. He was also able to digress from the schedule quite a bit.


Chiapas Update / Noticias de Chiapas
Spring 2005, Caracol de Oventic y Roberto Barrios

Index to Chiapas Update
Noticias de Chiapas: Información en español mas adelante.

1.* ZAPATISTA SUMMER 2005 – weeklong education and service trips to Chiapas,
Mexico.
2.* Grow Zapatista corn in your home, community, or milpa!
3.* Educational sports centers and mini-clinics of health expand.
4.* Internet access for Mayan students.
5.* Invitation for monthly pledges.
6.* Subscription / Un-Subscription Information.
7.* Contact information.

1.* ZAPATISTA SUMMER 2005
Living and learning with the Mayan rebels of Chiapas, Mexico!

Introduction to autonomous Zapatista Education
Sunday, July 17, 2005- Friday, July 22, 2005
Painting Murals for a Rural Zapatista School
Sunday, July 24 to Friday, July 29, 2005
Chiapas Schools Construction Team ~ Summer 2005
Sunday, July 31 to Friday, August 5, 2005
Mother Seeds in Resistance from the Lands of Chiapas
Sunday, August 7 to Friday, August 12, 2005
Students Constructing Schools for Students (Details to be announced)
Sunday, September 25 to Friday, September 30, 2005
Day of the Dead in the Highlands of Chiapas (Details to be announced.)
Saturday, October 30 to Thursday, November 3, 2005
******
Delegation 41 Title:
Introduction to Zapatista Education
Dates:
Sunday, July 17, 2005- Friday, July 22, 2005
Delegation 41 summary description:
Delegation participants will sleep in comfortable hotels in the beautiful,
international tourist destination city of San Cristobal de las Casas. From their
hotel they will join daily trips to autonomous Mayan communities throughout the
highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. Ground travel will be in modern, safe vehicles
with experienced drivers, guides, and translators. Meetings are scheduled with
local Zapatista officials, community-run schools, autonomous health centers,
woman's cooperatives, a refugee camp, and a Zapatista civilian center.
Participants will have the option for an overnight stay in an indigenous Mayan
community center. Additional activities will be arranged based on participants'
interests. Co-sponsored by the Peace and Justice Caucus of the NEA (National
Education Association) of the USA.
Delegation 41 summary objective:
The delegation objective is to visit a variety of Zapatista directed education,
health, and community development projects and to participate in face-to-face
meeting with Mayan people. Our goal is to gain familiarity with the progress of
the contemporary indigenous communities of Chiapas, Mexico. In general, Schools
for Chiapas encourages individuals of conscience everywhere to support the
efforts of the autonomous indigenous communities of Chiapas in the efforts to
promote dignity, democracy, and justice through the creation of freedom-loving,
community-controlled schools.
Delegation 41 Registration Deadline:
Participants must register and send all fees at least 60 days before the trip
begins. There will be a 10% fee reduction for delegates who register and pay 90
days or more before the trip begins.

******
Delegation 42
Painting Murals for a Rural Zapatista School
Dates for Delegation 42:
Sunday, July 24 to Friday, July 29, 2005
Delegation 42 summary description:
Participatory program based on collective work under the direction of autonomous
Mayan education teachers, parents, and students. Fulltime translator/guide plus
artistic leaders will live and learn along with the delegation. Respect for
Mayan community authorities and processes are vital. No special linguistic
skills or artistic experience are required.* Delegates should have the ability
to walk short distances (1 to 2 miles) up and down steep hills in forest and
agricultural territory and to travel in hot sun in the back of pickup trucks for
up to two hours. Sleeping and eating will be in rustic buildings in rural,
Zapatista civilian centers. Basketball skills and a sense of humor are very
useful; patience and resilience are required!
Delegation 42 Summary Objective:
The delegation's objective is to work with a local Mayan community to complete
painting of a community-directed, Mayan school. In addition, the Delegation will
meet with a variety of Mayan community projects in order to learn more about the
Zapatista movement. In general, Schools for Chiapas encourages individuals of
conscience everywhere to support the efforts of the autonomous indigenous
communities of Chiapas in the efforts to promote dignity, democracy, and justice
through the creation of freedom-loving, community-controlled schools.
Delegation 42 Registration Deadline:
Participants must register and send all fees at least 60 days before the trip
begins. There will be a 10% fee reduction for delegates who register and pay all
fees 90 days or more before the trip begins.

******
Delegation 43
Chiapas Schools Construction Team ~ Summer 2005
Dates for Delegation 43:
Sunday, July 31 to Friday, August 5, 2005
Delegation 43 summary description:
Participatory program based on collective work under the direction of autonomous
Mayan education teachers, parents, and students. Experienced, fulltime
translator/guide will live and travel along with the delegation. Respect for
Mayan community authorities and processes are vital. No special linguistic
skills, construction, or artistic experience are required; but this delegation
will travel deep into rural, indigenous Chiapas and live under very rustic
conditions. Delegates should have the ability to walk three to five miles up and
down steep hills in forest and agricultural territory and to travel in hot sun
in the back of pickup trucks for long periods (6 or more hours) over very rough
roads. Delegates will sleep and eat in rustic buildings or tents in isolated
rural, Zapatista civilian centers and communities. Basketball skills and a sense
of humor are very useful; patience and resilience are required! Successful
participants may be able to arrange extended volunteer work in Chiapas.
Delegation 43 Summary Objective:
The delegation's objective is to work with one or more extremely isolated Mayan
communities to upgrade, decorate, and repair their community-directed school. In
addition, the delegation will meet with the local community in order to learn
more about the Zapatista movement. In general, Schools for Chiapas encourages
individuals of conscience everywhere to support the efforts of the autonomous
indigenous communities of Chiapas in the efforts to promote dignity, democracy,
and justice through the creation of freedom-loving, community-controlled
schools.
Delegation 43 Registration Deadline:
Participants must register and send all fees at least 60 days before the trip
begins. There will be a 10% fee reduction for delegates who register and pay all
fees 90 days or more before the trip begins.

******

Delegation 44
Mother Seeds in Resistance from the Lands of Chiapas
Dates for Delegation 44:
Sunday, August 7 to Friday, August 12, 2005
Delegation 44 summary description:
Fully participatory program based on collective work under the direction of
autonomous Mayan education teachers, parents, and students. Fulltime
translator/guide will live and learn along with the delegation. Respect for
Mayan community authorities and processes are vital. No special linguistic
skills, construction experience, or artistic experience are required. Ability to
walk short distances (1 mile +/-) up and down steep hills in forest and
agricultural territory. Participants will sleep and eat in rustic buildings in
rural, Zapatista civilian centers.
Delegation 44 summary objective:
The delegation's objective is to observe and participate in the Zapatistas'
efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and protect their native corns from
contamination by genetically engineered seed imported from the United States.
This delegation will also participate in the second anniversary celebrations of
the founding of the civilian good government boards. Delegates will meet with
local Mayan officials, community-run schools, Mayan health centers, woman's
cooperatives, a refugee camp, and a Zapatista civilian center. Additional
activities will be arranged based on participants' interests. In general,
Schools for Chiapas encourages individuals of conscience everywhere to support
the efforts of the autonomous indigenous communities of Chiapas in the efforts
to promote dignity, democracy, and justice through the creation of
freedom-loving, community-controlled schools.
Delegation 44 registration deadline:
Participants must register and send all fees at least 60 days before the trip
begins. There will be a 10% fee reduction for delegates who register and pay all
fees 90 days or more before the trip begins.
**********
**********
More information about each delegation is available on our web page
www.schoolsforchiapas.org* Individuals wishing to participate in one or more of
these programs can call 619-232-2841 or email
<[email protected]>.* A Schools for Chiapas representative
will contact you within several days. Thank your for your support of autonomous
Mayan education in the Mexican southeast. Dignity, democracy, and justice.
Libby Navarro: Schools for Chiapas Delegation Coordinator
1631 Dale Street, San Diego, CA 92102, USA
(619) 232-2841* * Fax (503) 296-2637
[email protected]

2.* Support the Mayan people from your home by growing GMO-free Zapatista Corn&#33;

Mayan corn seed is now available for sanctuary planting during the 2005-growing
season.* Sow GMO-free Mayan seeds of resistance and join the growing movement
against transgenic contamination of Mayan corn from Chiapas, Mexico.* You can be
a part of preserving a genetic heritage that has evolved over thousands of years
by planting these powerful seeds in your community, farm, home, school, or
family garden.* Grow one plant or a thousand and plan a sanctuary corn party for
when you harvest.* Invite friends, family, and co-workers to eat great corn in
celebration of the dignity, democracy, and justice promoted by the Zapatista
movement&#33;

Zapatista farmers have donated this seed in hopes that people of conscience
around the world will provide respectful sanctuary for this living part of their
cultural heritage.* Each package contains approximately 100 seeds and growers
should indicate if you want white, yellow, purple, or mixed color (all varieties
are dent corn).* Please let us know if you have the technical ability and
interest to maintain a genetically pure seed line that could be used to replace
seed in Chiapas.* This technical skill is not a requirement to grow Zapatista
Corn.

This seed is free to people of good heart everywhere&#33;* Donations of &#036;3 to &#036;300
per package of seed will be enthusiastically accepted to cover project, postage,
and handling expenses.* Please indicate how many seed packages of each type of
seed you would like to receive.* Pass the word and plant your corn&#33;

Photos available at www.schoolsforchiapas.org and
http://groups.msn.com/SchoolsforChiapasSpr...resistance.msnw (http://groups.msn.com/SchoolsforChiapasSpring2004/motherseedsinresistance.msnw)

Snail mail to:* Mother Seeds at Oceansong Farm and Nature Center
P.O. Box 96, Occidental, CA* 95465, U.S.A.
(619) 232-2841* * Fax (503) 296-2637
[email protected]

3.* Basketball and Health in the Community of Agua de Leon

"Now that all the construction is completed and the lights are installed, have
the girl students started to use the new basketball court down there at
elementary school?" asked the visiting Schools for Chiapas organizer known
locally as Cristobal.

The handful of young Zapatista health promoters standing in front of the "mini"
health clinic in the highlands Tzotzil community of Agua de Leon nodded their
head in unison and glanced down at the school grounds that are now dominated by
the basketball court. "Sure, the girls are always out there playing," replied
the most senior of these inspirational barefoot doctors.* "It&#39;s the girl
students&#39; right as Zapatistas to use the court just as much as the boy&#39;s do."
Once again all of the health promoters nodded in agreement.

Agua de Leon is a tiny community of humble wooden homes with tin roofs nestled
up against a mountain range now occupied by Mexican federal troops and home to a
massive long-range communications antenna.* The indigenous people who live below
the antenna have no telephones and are no longer allowed to cross the mountains,
increasing their travel time to town many hours; without any support from the
Mexican government Agua de Leon obtained electricity late in 2004.

Schools for Chiapas has cooperated with the Larson Legacy to help build a
basketball court and improve a tiny health clinic which provides services to
thousands of indigenous families living around Agua de Leon.

4.* Internet access now available for Mayan students and teachers

Thanks to the generous contributions from individual members of the Peace and
Justice Caucus of the National Education Association, individuals studying at
CCETAZ (Centro Cultural Educativo Técnico Autónomo Zapatista) now have access to
the World Wide Web on a daily basis&#33;* Although the area is too remote to have
ordinary telephone service, access to the Internet is accomplished with the use
of a high-speed satellite connection.* The newly constructed Internet classroom
is open for business every day from 8-10am, 1-5pm and 8-10pm; everyone who
visits during the summer of 2005 is encouraged to send an email directly from
the Zapatista education center&#33;

This new two story, internet classroom is located in the rapidly growing
"Caracol" of Roberto Barrios, a Zapatista civilian administrative center in the
steamy rain forest region in the north of Chiapas near the world-famous, ancient
Mayan city of Palenque.* Roberto Barrios is the site of CCETAZ, a vital center
for the training of autonomous, indigenous education, health and
ecological-agricultural teachers (known here as promoters), which was also
funded by individuals of NEA&#39;s Peace and Justice Caucus) and inaugurated on
April 10, 2004.* The Chol and Tzeltal promoters / teachers of CCETAZ (Centro
Cultural Educativo Técnico Autónomo Zapatista) thank the NEA members for their
continued support and invite everyone to share their Internet center.

5.* Appeal for Monthly Pledges

We at Schools for Chiapas are always grateful for your generous donations, but
at this moment we could really use your help.* Take a look at the upcoming
Zapatista Summer 2005 program and if you&#39;ve been thinking about donating (or if
this little note has triggered a new thought) PLEASE ACT NOW&#33;* Whether you can
afford a few dollars or a few thousand each month, your pledge will make a big
difference at this moment.

One excellent way to donate is through a monthly pledge automatically paid by
your credit card.* Monthly (or annual) credit card deduction pledges allow
Schools for Chiapas to distribute additional resources to the autonomous
communities because of this guaranteed base of support.* To participate all you
have to do is to phone, fax, email, or snail-mail the following information and
we&#39;ll take care of the rest&#33;

Name ____________________________

Billing Address* ___________________________

City* ___________________ State* _____Zip* _________

Credit card number* ___________________________

Credit Card Type: Master Card or Visa

Expiration date ____
Annual Pledge ________
Monthly Pledge* _________
One time contribution __________

6. Subscribe / Un-Subscribe

You may subscribe or unsubscribe to this periodic newsletter about indigenous
education in Chiapas, Mexico by sending an email with appropriate instruction to
[email protected]

If you wish to receive a twice-a-year printed newsletters, please be sure to
include your snail mail address.

7.* * Contact Information:
a. To join a Chiapas travel program:
Schools for Chiapas / Escuelas para Chiapas
Attn: Libby Navarro
1631 Dale Street, San Diego, CA* 92102
619-232-2841
[email protected]

b. To order GE-Free Zapatista Corn Seed:
Mother Seeds at Oceansong
P.O. Box 96
Occidental, CA 95465 USA
619-232-2841
[email protected]

c. Mayan Music Program, USA:
Santa Cruz, CA (831) 425-7097

d. The Little Yellow School Bus for Peace in Chiapas
Oakland, CA* USA* (510) 938-4522

[Guerrilla_Warrior]

I think the Zapatistas would recruit people because they can use all the support they can, and there message to the world has actually worked "Our World is Our Weapon" hell i would go and help them but i don't think they would all be happy because they have to trust you...you never know that person could be an agent.

:star3:LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION!:star3:

[apathy maybe]

You do realise that this thread is over two years old ...