by ElizabethVelasquez with Larry Mosqueda, OlympiaCISPES

We are writing this article toreflect on how an older generation of CISPES activists have been role models.

Since the 1980s many activistshave joined CISPES to organize against U.S.economic and military intervention in El Salvador and to help in thebuilding of a new society with participatory democracy, respect for human andlabor rights, and economic justice. CISPES has an incredible history oforganizing, carrying on successful campaigns, and the most solid, consistent,and long-standing international solidarity movement with the people of El Salvador. Itis the work of each of the CISPES activists that has constructed this history.However, as an older generation of activists moves on to other areas oforganizational support, they take with them important experiences and history.This needs to be shared with the younger generations to help them to developtheir organizing skills, strengthening the longevity of the organization, andbuild cross-generational movement. We are all together in this struggle.

In the Olympia CISPES chapter,Larry Mosqueda has continued to participate in meetings, educational nights,fundraisers, summer camps, national conventions, and other public events. Alongwith other long-time committed CISPES activists such as Don White of LosAngeles CISPES, this has shown young activists in Olympia how to integrate their everyday lifewith activism and how to participate in the struggle in a sustainable way.There is great insight to be gained from cross-generational organizing. Olderactivists have learned to listen, support, and encourage young activists intheir work.

For example, before the 2006delegation to El Salvador,Larry and I met with several young activists interested in going to El Salvador. Weexplained to them how they could get involved with the delegation, and wehelped them to develop fundraising events that brought the struggle of thepeople of El Salvadorinto the local communitys conversations. This gave young activists a goal towork for, helped them to develop their organizing skills, and consolidated newmembers into the organization. They felt part of the struggle. In the end wehad nine people on the delegation from Olympia,the vast majority of them young people.

By working together on educationalnights, fundraisers, and other events, young and older activists are building across generational movement. While the older activist mentors, the youngactivist learns, flourishes, and embraces the work of the organization. Thiscreates common knowledge for both. It strengthens the solidarity work withinthe organization, and builds on the struggle for social justice. At the sametime this working together invites new and young people to get involved withthe organization, feeling that there isspace for all to organize against U.S.economic and military intervention in El Salvador. The intelligence andyouth of our leadership and the experiences of our older members are mutuallyreinforcing strengths that can help the people of El Salvador as well as people herein the belly of the beast.

[note: this article is part of a forthcomingproposal by Olympia CISPES leading up to the Convention]