Martín-Baró Initiative provides a way to integrate human rights with community health and wellbeing, particularly among those severely harmed by political repression, structural violence and social injustice. Working closely with a group of volunteers, including psychologists, academics and activists, the Martín-Baró Initiative provides grants to community-led efforts that promote education, psychosocial wellbeing and pursuit of social reparations and a more just and equitable world.
Through grantmaking and education, the Martín-Baró Initiative complements our political grantmaking by engaging in what our partners call “buen vivir,” or living well. To support the Martín-Baró Initiative, you can donate here, or send checks to Grassroots International, with Martín-Baró Initiative (or MBI) in the memo line and send to: Grassroots International, 179 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02130.
Learn more about our 2021 grantees here.
Background: Ignacio Martín-Baró, a social psychologist, was one of the six Jesuits murdered in 1989 at the Central American University in San Salvador. Following his assassination, his friends and colleagues, many of whom were also psychologists and academics in related areas, launched the Martín-Baró Fund. Over more than three decades, individuals from a variety of other fields have brought their experience, skills, and interests to enhance the work.
In the video below, Carlos Martín-Baró speaks about the legacy of his brother’s activism, the Martín-Baró Initiative, and the important partnership between Grassroots International and the memorial fund.