2008 CALA Annual Report
January
1/31-2/2 co-sponsored the Havens’ Center Conference on Private Military Contractors in Latin America.
February
2/12 "Citizens, not terrorists" talk by members of U.S.- El Salvador Sister Cities about the criminalization of social protest in El Salvador under a law modeled after the U.S. Patriot Act. In partnership with the Madison-Arcatao Sister City Project.
2/26 “Turning Back the Clock: Do women's rights have a place in the new Sandinista era?” Talk by Nicaraguan feminists Violeta Delgado and Yamileth Mejia in partnership with the Wisconsin Coordinating Council on Nicaragua.
March
3/25 Latin American Solidarity Organizations Roundtable, in partnership with the Latin American Caribbean and Iberian Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin.
3/25 Supported organizational meeting for the Dane-Andres Eloy Blanco Sistering Alliance (DASA).
3/28 Hosted Argentine filmmaker Carlos Broun for screening of his films: “Oaxaca the power of the commune” and the “Women of Brukman.”
April
4/3 Talk: “Colombia Flower Unions, US Policy and the Struggle for Dignity,” hosted Colombian flower worker Dora Acero.
4/4 The struggle for corporate accountability at the Hermosa Factory – panel with members of the Student Labor Action Coalition
4/7 “The Fire and the Word: A History of the Zapatista Movement” hosted author Gloria Munoz for book presentation.
4/22 “Damages of development: the Xalala Dam in Ixcan, Guatemala” co-sponsored talk by Jeronimo Osorio Chen – community organizer in Guatemala – about transnational interests vs. indigenous rights.
May
5/1 May Day event: 1968 France, Mexico and Vietnam. Panel Discussion. In partnership with Peregrine Forum.
Supported the Dane Andres Eloy Blanco Sistering Alliance campaign for official recognition by the Dane County board.
5/13 CALA Board meeting.
5/17 Fair Trade University fundraiser for delegation to Guatemala.
June
6/3 Kick-off meeting for the Dane Andres Eloy Blanco Sistering Alliance.
6/17 US-Cuban foreign policy film Night at Dardanelles Restaurant: “Mission Against Terror” and “Who’s afraid of the Little Yellow School Bus. In partnership with the Madison-Camaguey Sister City Association.
6/20 Reception for the 19th Annual Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba – in challenge of the U.S. embargo. In partnership with the Madison-Camaguey Sister City Association.
July
7/8 Screening of and discussion of the movie Burn!
7/26 Screening of two films and update on current events in Guatemala and U.S. international trade and immigration policy. ‘Voice on the Mountain’ and ‘Documigrante’ with filmmaker Willy Barreno.
August
8/8 La Pena – Community gathering and musical evening. Special guest Venezuelan Consul General Martin Sanchez talked about U.S-Venezuela Sistering projects.
September
9/6 La Pena – Community Gathering and Musical evening.
9/7 CALA Board meeting.
9/19 Screening and discussion of the film “Beyond Elections” with filmmakers Silvia Leindecker and Michael Fox. A look at participatory democracy abroad and in the U.S.
9/23 Screening of the film “Missing” in remembrance of the 1973 coup in Chile. Introduction by coup survivor Adam Schesch.
October
10/14 Screening of El Inmigrante – in partnership with Peregrine Forum and the Immigrant Workers Union.
November
11/1-11/5 Day of the Dead altar and exhibit focusing on the 1968 student movement in Mexico and the 2006 uprising in Oaxaca.
11/4 Presentation of the book ‘Teaching Rebellion: Stories from the Grassroots Rebellion in Oaxaca. With photojournalist Gustavo Vilchis. Simon Sedillo expert on globalization and the effects on indigenous communities. Kathy and Hardy Will talked about their process to bring justice to their son Bradley murdered in Oaxaca.
11/6 Fair Trade University Report Back. Students talk about their experiences with Fair Trade in Guatemala.
11/20 Screening of the Film “The Guerrilla and the Hope” about Mexican popular leader and guerrilla Lucio Cabanas. In partnership with Peregrine Forum and the Immigrant Workers Union.
December
12/6 12th Annual Holiday Fair Trade Festival.
12/20 CALA Board meeting.