Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution led by President Hugo Chavez is shaking up global politics and inspiring millions of ordinary people with the evidence that a better – a peaceful, democratic and socially just – world is possible.
* Whereas in Australia, health, education and public infrastructure is being privatised, in Venezuela, major industries are being nationalised and put under workers’ control, and universal access to health, education and social welfare is now guaranteed.
* Whereas in Australia, workers are being sacked, wages and conditions are being eroded and trade unions are under attack, in Venezuela, wages are increasing, and union membership and organisation is growing.
* Whereas in Australia, the government sends troops into Indigenous communities, and Aboriginal people continue to live in Third World conditions and are killed in custody, in Venezuela, indigenous people have Constitutionally guaranteed land rights and representation in parliament, and are exercising self-determination.
The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s brigades to Venezuela are a unique opportunity to see first-hand an unfolding revolution. Participants in the April 2009 solidarity brigade will visit worker-controlled factories and cooperatives, free public education and health programs, and community media outlets. They will observe “popular power” at work in the communal councils, and speak to a range of grassroots and government organisations about the radical changes being implemented by the Venezuelan people.
In the last five years, the AVSN has organised eight solidarity brigades from Australia to Venezuela, involving more than 150 participants. These study/solidarity tours are inspiring experiences, providing an opportunity to observe and understand why Venezuela’s goal of creating “socialism of the 21st century’’ is transforming the world.
And after the Venezuela brigade… While you’re in the neighbourhood, why not visit revolutionary Cuba and join the millions of people who will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution at the huge May Day rally in Havana on May 1, 2009?
VENEZUELA SOLIDARITY BRIGADE ORGANISATION AND COSTS
The deadline for registering for the Venezuela solidarity brigade is March 1, 2009.
Participants will need to book their own international airfares, but the brigade organisers are able to help with advice. Airfares should be booked as soon as possible, as they often become more expensive closer to the departure date.
Accommodation, transport and English translation in Venezuela will be organised for brigade participants.
You will need to budget for a total cost of approximately $5000. This includes: international airfare and taxes; accommodation (twin-share basis); transport and food in Venezuela; and the registration fee (for details see the brigade registration form).
TO FIND OUT MORE
For more information about the brigade, or to indicate your interest in participating, please email brigades@venezuelasolidarity.org, or phone Lara Pullin 0433 449 024, Roberto Jorquera 0425 289 394 or Lisa Macdonald 0413 031 108. Visit http://www.venezuelasolidarity.org