Far from hapless victims, Haitians have a vibrant history of resistance. On January 1st, 1804 Haiti won its independence and was the first to defeat the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. As Grassroots celebrates this movement and the victories it won, this history remains relevant for organizing around the world today.
Social movements in the Haitian countryside are dealing with the politicized challenge of climate change through methods that reach back to a rich agrarian tradition and weave in contemporary grassroots solutions. Deep in the Central Plateau, the Peasant Movement of...
Grassroots staff member Sara Mersha shares examples of the leadership of Black communities and social movements in the struggle for climate justice, in a recent article published in Third World Quarterly.
Without a doubt, 2017 brought tremendous challenges to people around the world – and also witnessed amazing feats of resilience, resistance and resolve. Together with our global partners and committed US-based supporters, Grassroots International celebrates many remarkable accomplishments.
During the tumultuous weeks surrounding the November 26th general election in Honduras, Grassroots International Board member and filmmaker, Sam Vinal, was in the country filming for the documentary BERTA SOY YO. Sam had a front-row seat as the electoral crisis unfolded and social movements mobilized in support of democracy and justice. Below is an interview with Sam after his return.
In the wake of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) announcement regarding elections in Honduras, Grassroots International and other solidarity organizations in the United States have signed the following Open Letter to US Congress and State Department. The letter points out...
In this short video, you can hear the words of three important leaders from Honduras speaking about the situation facing Indigenous peoples and their environments in Honduras: Berta Cáceres (via recorded video), renowned Indigenous rights and environmental leader who was assassinated last year; Miriam Miranda, the well-known Garifuna (Afro-Honduran) leader and advocate; and Bertha Z. Cáceres, daughter of Berta who is herself an outspoken advocate for indigenous and environmental justice.
After casting their ballots in a November 26 election, the Honduran people and Grassroots International movement partners have been bravely resisting a potential right-wing coup.
In September 2017 a delegation of 30 human rights, land, and food experts traveled around the Matopiba region of Brazil on a fact-finding mission supported by Grassroots International and ally organizations. The delegation found “high levels of agrochemical pollution, diminishing natural resources, land grabbing, as well as significant impact on the health of traditional communities, resulting from increasing soy plantations.”
November 29th is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. These days, the global Palestinian solidarity movement has deepened and grown with powerful expressions of joint struggle with other movements around the world.
Social movement activists from El Salvador, Honduras, and the United States gathered in Chelsea, MA November 8th to share lessons amid rising right-wing repression. The event featured Gaspar Sánchez from COPINH, a Grassroots International Partner.
Earlier this year, two powerful women shared their stories of struggle, community and resistance to violence, repression and injustice. The video below features their conversation with Grassroots International’s Solidarity Program Officer for Latin America, Jovanna Garcia Soto, during a standing room only event at NYU in July 2017.
Both La Via Campesina and the World March of Women have been pioneers in highlighting the myriad ways women are oppressed in the private and public sphere – which is one of the many reasons Grassroots International is honored to partner with both of these powerful global movements.
Solidarity Program Officer Lydia Simas spoke to two survivors of the 2015 Mariana dam disaster -- the greatest environmental disaster in Brazil's history. Maria and Raiane, activists in the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB), talked about the ongoing struggle to hold mega mining corp Samarco accountable.
A Littleton, MA high school student explains why she donated all proceeds from her dance recital to support Grassroots International's approach to change.