Reflections from the 6th World Social Forum in Caracas, Venezuela
Energy. Participation. Creation. Spending almost 2 weeks in the capitol of Venezuela, it is evident that things are happening and the people are actualizing their visions in this time called the Bolivarian Revolution. From turning repression police jail into community centers and local radio stations to forming worker-owned factories to transforming trash dumps into community gardens, local folks are creating space for change in their communities. Dialogue among the people was happening everywhere, on the buses, in long lines waiting for government services or in restaurants discussing new measures, the constitution, next steps, etc. There is a strong sense of pride of their accomplishments, the recovery of local spaces and ability to continue on a revolutionary path in spite of well-financed opposition.
Southwest Workers Union participated in the World Social Forum as part of the Grassroots Global Justice delegation of over 100 people from the US to join the more than 100,000 people from across the Americas that converged that last week of January in the sprawling metropolis of Caracas. In spite of broken bridges that almost halted transportation between the city and the airport, the local organizers welcomed arrivals with food, shelter and conversation while we waited overnight for buses that would bring us through the winding mountain roads to the city.
A huge march against war and imperialism kicked off the forum and showcased chants, banners and flags from around the world. Our GGJ block was lead by energetic chanters along the 3 hour route as we were allowed a space at the front of the march. Workshops were held throughout the city, as we learned to nativigate the mobs in the metro and buses. Fortunately, local people would always willing help us find our way. The forum offered a unique space to network with people in the global south, share strategies and develop partnerships for future collaborations. For the first time, US organizations had a US Tent, a central point for workshops and distributions of stories and information about the struggle against imperialism inside the belly of the beast.
A highlight was a joint press conference held to announce the Social Forum of the Borders in Cuidad Juarez, May 1-6th 2006, call for participation and denounce the increasing violence against migrants and the construction of the 'death wall' along the entire US-Mexico border. More information and details are to come.
We also had the opportunity to hear a speech by Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president to a full house. Chavez recognized the history of revolutionaries fighters in the americas and held firm to the vision of integration and independence of the americas from imperialist powers. Well criticing the acts of Mr. Danger (Bush), he poignantly asked, "What would happen if the US declared peace? Imagine if the army was used to fight poverty?" He called for action that goes beyond rhetoric, for a forum that reaches conclusion and actions and for the construction of a revolutionary democracy.
In the end, I think its the spirit and energy of the people that you carry after everything. It truly seemed that the movement was being carried in the hands of the people. The communities offered a message of hope, of tireless struggle, of the ability to create community visions and a sense of popular power.
SWU would like to thank GGJ, COMPA, FEDEFAM and all the people who warmly welcomed us.
