Special Initiatives
The Martín-Baró Initiative
An introduction
Grassroots International recognizes the deep wounds wrought by colonialism, militarism, and other systems of oppression. And we believe in the power of social movements to work towards healing these wounds, developing resources through which those directly affected can re-story their lives as they create transformative change and achieve liberation.
We are therefore honored to host the Martín-Baró Initiative for Wellbeing and Human Rights (MBI). Working closely with a group of volunteers – including psychologists, researchers, teachers, students, and activists – MBI provides grants to grassroots efforts in communities affected by institutional violence, repression, and social injustice. These projects promote psychological wellbeing, social consciousness, political resistance, and social justice – often drawing from ancestral knowledge and practices.
Sobre Ignacio Martín-Baró
Ignacio Martín-Baró fue un psicólogo social, académico, activista y sacerdote jesuita conocido por su trabajo de vanguardia en torno a la psicología de la liberación. Fue uno de los seis jesuitas que, junto con su ama de llaves y la hija de ésta, fueron asesinades por los militares salvadoreños en 1989 en la Universidad Centroamericana de San Salvador. En el momento de su muerte, era vicerrector y director del Centro de Opinión Pública de dicha Universidad.