Working in solidarity with the people of El Salvador and the new FMLN administration

In the coming months and years, the people of El Salvador will be charting a new path.  In this pivotal moment, the FMLN will use its first presidential term to create new alliances, lay new foundations of national autonomy, and create alternative systems that truly benefit the people. 
     We are already seeing complex reactions from foreign administrations and power-holders. In the United States, we were pleased that our representatives embodied neutrality during the election process, and officially expressed support to the newly-elected Salvadoran government. On the other hand, in the mainstream U.S. media we have seen signs of a more critical, even damning analysis of the FMLN, red-baiting the new administration and even going so far as to warn of terrorist tendencies. Given the long history of U.S. intervention in the affairs of other countries, we know how high the potential for such intervention is, especially when a progressive government takes a stand for its own political and economic interests. 
     In this context, there are many roles for those who want to work in solidarity with the Salvadoran people in this challenging process. For those who feel inspired by the progressive movement in Latin America as a whole, and for those who understand the momentous importance of El Salvador joining into that wider shift, CISPES has compiled a few concrete ideas for how you can express your support and contribute to the movement.
 
*  Learn about the real face of the new administration:
Read and distribute media: Dont let mainstream media shape your understanding of the FMLN. Check out the Links tab on the CISPES website. Share articles and CISPES news updates with friends and     colleagues.

*  Attend CISPES events: Find out about summer events and come hear about the plans of the new Salvadoran government.

*  Participate in CISPES educational nights:  Contact your local CISPES office to find out when the next ed night is in your city.
   
*  Help create the public image of the new administration:
Create your own media: Talk to your local CISPES committee for ideas about getting info out in media outlets in your city.   Schedule a presentation for your group or organization:  Are you part of a church, union, or other community organization? Invite CISPES to give a presentation to your group about its work and the historic opportunity for change in El Salvador.

*  Meet with your government representatives:
Schedule congressional visits: Thank your representatives for their commitments to neutrality toward El Salvador's democratic process, or demand that they make such a commitment next time!

*  Support the new administration and the social movement: 
Contribute to material aid fundraising: Check out the amazing projects that we are supporting this year, and make out a check!

* Support your local CISPES committee: CISPES has active committees in cities throughout the U.S.  Check the CISPES website for contact info: www.cispes.org