Schedule of Delegations Sponsored
by Our Region

The following delegation to Colombia sponsored by our region and the Northwest region is being planned for June 12-23, 2008:

Corn for Coca: A Raw Trade

This year, the Bush administration is taking delegation after delegation of congressional representatives to Colombia to see how good a free trade agreement with Colombia would be.

Come to Colombia to see what your reps are missing.

Since 2000, the U.S. has spent more than $5 billion, mostly in military aid, to eliminate Colombia’s coca production. Beyond fueling the brutal civil war, the aid has failed to diminish the coca supply.

Now the U.S.’s big push is for passage of the Colombia free trade agreement. Meanwhile, Colombian civil society has resolutely condemned the pact, saying that it will decimate small farmers, endanger indigenous lands, and allow the murder of unionists to go unchecked.

Ironically, many predict that if the pact passes, the Colombian farmers displaced by it will likely resort to producing...you guessed it, more coca.

Sound ludicrous? See just how ludicrous it gets. Come to Colombia.

As a delegate you will:

• Visit a famers' movement resisting the trade agreement
• See impacts of US supported fumigations
• Meet unionists and human rights activists who are risking their lives
• Talk with Colombia military and US Embassy officials
• Plan actions in solidarity with Colombians
• End delegation with a grassroots conference in Washington DC with activitists from across the US.

The price for the 12-day delegation is $1,200, which includes meals, lodging, interpretation, and reading materials. The cost of the airfare is not included. Space is limited, so please apply early.

Click here to see the flyer (pdf format):

For more information call Ben Beachy at (202) 403-1752 or email him at wfpma@witnessforpeace.org.

If you are interested in serving as a delegation coordinator (or co-coordinator) to the following countries, contact Ben Beachy

• Mexico

• Nicaragua

• Colombia

• Venezuela