The Chiapas Media Project (CMP) provides tools and training that enable marginalized indigenous communities in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas to create their own media.

Working bi-nationally, CMP provides video cameras and editing equipment along with appropriate training to communities in Chiapas. The project also provides computer technology and training.

With the equipment and instruction, communities are empowered to tell their own stories in their own words.

Our delegations offer participants the chance to experience life in the indigenous communities of Chiapas. The delegations demonstrate solidarity with the people in the communities by delivering video cameras and computers. No experience with video equipment or computers is necessary to participate in a delegation.

In all cases, you have an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand about day-to-day community life in Chiapas. You share the struggles and dreams, and return to the US with a broader understanding of the lives of indigenous Chiapanecos.

Michael Digioia, a delegation participant, has made a website about his experiences with the delegation.

The cost of the delegation is $600 excluding plane fares. The cost covers ground transport, lodging, most food and program. Please send your check made payable to the Chiapas Media Project, 4834 N. Springfield, Chicago, IL, 60625.

The Media Project offers a special scholarship to enable youth and students of color to travel to Chiapas and participate in media training delegations. People of color under the age of 30 are encouraged to apply.

To make flight reservations, we suggest that you call our travel agent. You can reach Scott at 800-328-1332. If a delegate is already in Mexico, he or she should meet the rest of the group in San Cristobal on the start date. During our trip, we will be staying in various indigenous communities. The exact communities will depend on the conditions when we arrive.

Please be sure to bring a sleeping bag, hammock (cost: $10 in San Cristobal), water-proof boots and rain gear. Expect warm days and cool nights. We carry our own water and food. We also interview community members and document the events of the past few months. Please bring writing materials and be prepared to take notes in preparation for writing a report on the trip.

August 9-17, 2003

Media and the Struggle for Autonomy in Chiapas (Produced in Conjunction with the Chiapas Media Project and Chiapas Indymedia)

The MSN teams up with the Chiapas Media Project to host its 5th annual summer delegation to support alternative media in the indigenous autonomous regions of Chiapas, Mexico. Delegates spend 2-3 days in San Cristobal de las Casas meeting with human rights activists, women's organizations and indigenous video makers to gain a greater understanding of the conflict and the role of indigenous media in Chiapas and Latin America. How have communities applied video and other technology to strengthen their autonomy and defend human rights? We will meet indigenous video makers and other media workers in Chiapas to discuss these important themes.

The delegation will then travel to autonomous regions, meet with video makers and discuss the role of media technology in self-representation, cultural preservation, the construction of autonomy. All delegates should be prepared to spend at least three days in autonomous communities. This trip will focus on threats to forcibly dislocate autonomous indigenous communities in the Montes Azules.

The Chiapas Media Project provides tools and training that enable marginalized indigenous communities to create their own media. Working bi-nationally, the CMP provides video cameras, editing equipment, and computers along with the appropriate training to communities in Southern Mexico. Through the work of the project, indigenous and campesino communities are empowered to tell their own stories in their own words.

Please be sure to bring a sleeping bag, hammock (cost: $15 to be purchased in San Cristobal), waterproof boots and rain gear. Expect warm days and cool nights.

The Chiapas Media Project offers a special scholarship program to enable low-income youth of color to travel to Chiapas and participate in these delegations. Students of color and working youth of color under age 30 are encouraged to apply.

The cost of the delegation is $550. The delegation fee covers ground transport, lodging, translation and program. Airfare and all food is additional and the full responsibility of the delegate. To make flight arrangements you may call Scott (he's got the best deals): 800-328-1332.

For more information, contact the Mexico Solidarity Network at 773-583-7728 or msn@mexicosolidarity.org. To reserve a space on the delegation, please complete the application and return it with a $100 deposit to Mexico Solidarity Network, 4834 N. Springfield, Chicago, IL 60625.

Or register on-line at:
www.mexicosolidarity.org/delegationform.html.

A limited number of scholarships are available to youth of color under the age of 30. The deadline for scholarship applications is four weeks prior to the first day of the delegation. The maximum scholarship is $275. Scholarships should not be considered a substitute for community-based fundraising.

Applications are available at:
www.mexicosolidarity.org/scholarshipform.html.

Write to msn@mexicosolidarity.org if you have questions.