Programs

The Mexico Solidarity Network's Alternative Economy Program is built around principles of justice and the search for genuine alternatives to the predominant capitalist model. The Mexico Solidarity Network connects Zapatista cooperatives that produce artisanry and coffee with interns located throughout the United States. Interns receive training in the principles of alternative economy, then set up tables displaying cooperative-produced goods in public places. Interns act as the link between producers and consumers, revealing the human face behind production.

The Mexico Solidarity Network works with university professors, campus organizations, religious groups and community groups to organize specialized delegations to Mexico. Delegations can be academically accredited for students, or they can be open to anyone. MSN staff can set up itineraries in:

- Chiapas

- Guerrero

- Mexico City

Study Spanish or Tzotzil in Chiapas: El Centro de Español y Lenguas Mayas invites activists to study Spanish or Tzotzil in Oventic, located in the highlands of Chiapas, 45 minutes from San Cristobal de las Casas. Oventic is home to one of five Juntas of Good Government, established by Zapatista communities in August 2003 as an expression of autonomy and genuine democracy. Classes are offered most weeks with inscription on Monday mornings.

Guidelines for collecting medicines...
List of requested medicines...

With the initiation of five Juntas of Good Government in August of 2003, the Zapatista movement began a new phase in building alternative political power. The Juntas are meant to govern Zapatista territory - and whoever lives there - and so far they have been functioning extremely well. Even PRI-affiliated campesinos take their complaints to the Juntas, who have won a reputation for fair but firm decisions, often addressing problems that festered over decades.