What and Where

There are different ways to do solidarity work with the Zapatistas. First off, make sure you are very familiar with the struggle. You could start here (the short version) and here (the comprehensive version).

Another way to familiarize yourself with Chiapas is through delegations. There are several organizations that take delegations to Chiapas. Some are work delegations, or delegations constructed around a specific project.

There is a school in Oventik Chiapas in which foreigners can come and stay and learn Spanish or Tzotzil (a Mayan language) with the Zapatistas. In the USA, you must go through Mexico Solidarity Network (MSN) to apply to go to the school. MSN also has a study abroad program for which students can get college credit and often federal financial aid as well.

For another (bigger) page on solidarity work/options click here

Solidarity Work Links:

Chiapas Peace House: This is a house in San Cristóbal de las Casas that hosts solidarity volunteers during their stay in Chiapas. They also have online workshops and information. They especially like volunteers who want to stay 6 months or more. They host occasional delegations.

Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Batolomé de las Casas: Spanish language site for group based in San Cristóbal, Chiapas. They recruit and train Peace Observors, who stay in the communities for 15 day sessions. One can repeat this as many times as they want or only go once.

Chiapas Support Committee: Oakland based solidarity group. Hosts occasional delegations. Organizes many fundraisers and continue implementing various projects with the Zapatistas in Chiapas.

Mexico Solidarity Network: Works all over Mexico, but does a huge amount of work in Chiapas. Hosts study abroad programs in Chiapas and all over Mexico, host some delegations, offers internships. One can go through MSN to get accredited to go either to the Spanish/Tzotzil Language School or to work as a Peace observor with Fray Centro de Derechos Humanos Bartolomé de las Casas. Having an excellent anti-capitalist stance and analysis, their site is a good place for information about the Zapatistas and capitalism/globalization.

Schools for Chiapas: Hosts volunteer programs and delegations to Chiapas, mainly works to support autonomous education centers and schools in the “misty mountains and steamy jungles of the Mexican southeast.”