AVSN’s 2010 National Elections Brigade to Venezuela
The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s brigades to Venezuela are a once-in-a-lifetime experience – the opportunity to see first-hand an unfolding revolution that is not only radically transforming the lives of Venezuelans, but challenging the greed, exploitation and destructiveness of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible.
A special feature of the September 2010 brigade will be observing Venezuela’s vigorous democracy in action. The brigade will coincide with Venezuela’s next National Assembly elections, on September 26th, enabling brigadistas to observe the last week of campaigning – including the traditionally huge election rallies held on the weekend before – and polling day itself.
As well as observing the national elections, brigade participants will experience Venezuela’s participatory democracy at work, with visits to communal councils and communes. They will also visit worker-run factories and cooperatives; free, high-quality public health and education services; Indigenous-run sustainable development programs; and community controlled media stations.
During the 10 days, brigadistas will have the opportunity to speak to a wide range of grassroots organisations, community activists, trade unions and government representatives about the radical changes being implemented by the Venezuelan people.
The 2010 national elections brigade is the 11th solidarity tour to Venezuela organised by the AVSN. Reports and photos from previous AVSN brigades are posted at http://www.venezuelasolidarity.org. We are also happy to put you in touch with people who have participated in AVSN brigades, if you would like to find out more.
Brigade registration and costs
The deadline for registering for the 2010 National Elections Brigade is July 1, 2010.
To express interest in participating and obtain a registration form, please contact .
Participants will need to book their own international airfares, but the AVSN can help with advice. Accommodation, transport and English-Spanish translation within Venezuela will be organised for all brigade participants.
You will need to budget for a total cost of approximately $4000. This will cover: international return airfares and taxes (approximately $2500 from Sydney); accommodation (twin-share basis); transport and basic food while you are in Venezuela; and the brigade registration fee ($500 for workers, $300 for students or pensioners).
For more information, email [email protected] or phone Lisa Macdonald 0413 031 108, Jim McIlroy 0423 741 734 or Roberto Jorquera 0425 182 994.