The objective of this delegation is to bring the revolutionary process taking place in Venezuela to light by facilitating the active participation of the delegates with several different community organizations and community-based social programs.

For nine days; July 29th to August 6th, the delegates will be able to interact with the protagonists of the Bolivarian Revolution who make up the Land committees, community media, communal counsels, farmer cooperatives, communal banks, etc. Delegates will also have the opportunity to learn about the development of many of the Social Missions in detail, as well as government- funded social programs that have active community participation and which are created to fight illiteracy, to provide medical services, to provide free education and to guarantee food security to millions of Venezuelans who were once excluded from the privileged sector of society.

The State of Lara, which is where most of the delegation will take place, is the State with the most cooperatives in Venezuela, and where civic participation increases each day through the Communal Counsels. Towards the end of the delegation, we will visit the coastal zone of the State of Falcon. Falcon's capital; Santa Ana de Coro, was founded in 1527, and was declared World Heritage City by the UNESCO.

During the nine days of the delegation, delegates will be able to visit schools, health centers, art centers, co-ops, and will also meet with the community media. Delegates will also have the opportunity to visit National Parks where they will participate in workshops about ecology and environmental preservation. Delegates will also participate in cultural exchanges, in order for them to gain knowledge of the different artistic expressions of the region, such as traditional dances, story tellers, and traditional handcraft.

In a time when the Bolivarian process in Venezuela is being the subject of an international media campaign to distort the reality, this people to people approach seeks to improve the understanding of our revolutionary process and to encourage international solidarity.

Requirements to participate in the delegation.
There will be a process of selection based on the following criteria:

* People who are over 18 years old.
* People with legal documentation (passport) and legal status to leave and re-enter the United States.
* Members of community organizations will be given priority.
* Educators, students of social sciences, health workers, cooperative members, American natives, human rights activists, minority rights activists, social workers and Union members will also be given priority.

Housing Details

-The dynamics of this delegation will require delegates to spend the night in different cities and rural towns. As consequence, housing will be dormitory-style, with two bunk beds per room. There will be no individual housing available; and there will be no hot water available in some places. It is suggested to carry light and basic luggage, a large suitcase per person preferably.

Medical conditions

All the applicants must provide a recent medical report stating overall good health.

Good physical condition is essential since the delegation includes visits to areas with different climates, such as mountainous, desert climate and coastal areas, including excursions and walks.

Application and Registration

1- The delegation has a total cost of $400 + Airfare. Upon acceptance, applicants must pay a deposit in the amount of $50 in order to reserve a place in the delegation. The remainder $350 must be paid in full before June 30th 2006. The $50 deposit is non refundable. The total fee will include in-country transportation, housing, and two meals per day. Any additional personal expenses, including medicine, must be covered by the delegates.

2- A discount will be given to delegates who donate a computer that is in good condition. These computers will be donated to the schools that we will visit. Delegates are responsible for bringing the computer to Venezuela. The discount will be according the condition of the computer with a maximum discount of $100.

Please mail all fees and doctor's letter to:

Edward Mercado
P.O.BOX 9349
Cincinnati, OH 45209

Note: There will be limited access to internet or international calling during the delegation.

The Coordinating team will have local cell phones available for rent, so that interested delegates can receive or make International calls

Online Application

Questions? write to: eamr@usven.net

Future Delegations:
Solidarity Exchange (Mid October)
Presidential Elections Observers (Late November)
Spring (Amazon Study: Social Health & Environmental Perservation)

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