Voices from Latin America is a project of the Democracy Center and our friends both North and South to bring Latin American perspectives into the U.S. debate.
It's Time to Get Involved? (From the United States)
Why get involved?
Because we need to listen – and understand our impact. If there is one thing that we have learned from the War in Iraq, it is that we need to push U.S. policymakers to listen before making foreign policy. By listening to people around the world, we and our fellow U.S. citizens can better understand our policies’ impact.
Broaden the debate. People across Latin America are affected by U.S. policies, in many cases even more than we are. While Latin Americans don’t have a vote, they do have voices – and the right to have their opinions heard in the debate over how our policies affect their lives.
Connect directly with advocates from Latin America. There is too often a gap between what we think and what Latin Americans think about the policies that affect us both. The power of video and the Internet can bring people in the U.S. and Latin America together more directly from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.
Find out what our allies are already doing! An important aspect of this project is to educate – and learn – about the many organizations across Latin America and the United States already working to create more fair and just relations between the U.S. and Latin American nations.
Build bridges. We can strengthen existing networks and create new ties between individuals, organizations, and our countries. Together, we can continue to be better advocates in the future.
How can I join?
Adopt a Story. Individuals and organizations across Latin America are submitting stories and ideas for how U.S. policy makers can improve relations with their region of the world. Either as an individual, with a group of friends, or as an organization, adopt one of those stories – on trade, the environment, human rights, immigration, or any other – and help bring it to the U.S. debate on Latin American foreign policy.
Take it to the Forums. Attend a forum near you and grill your elected official or candidate with one of the stories submitted on the website. (See How to ask a candidate a question for tips.) Videotape or take pictures and report back.
Get the Word Out! Know other people or organizations that would be interested or working on Voices from Latin America? Recommend it to your friends, family, coworkers; or suggest an organization that we should profile!
Take it to the Press. Bring your Latin American issue to public light through traditional media or through the internet and let us know about it. Write a letter to the editor in your local paper. (See How to write a letter to the editor.) Submit an Op-Ed piece. Pitch it a local reporter or news station for a story. Blog about it. Submit a guest article to a local political blog.