Initiatives of Change - 2008 Meeting of the Americas

Honest conversations, times of quiet, sharing experience and a full account from people engaged in social work and networks, NGOs, etc., were a highlight of the 13th Meeting of the Americas. The event, coordinated by a multinational team, took place, March 8-16, 2008, in Sitio Sao Luiz, Petropolis, Brazil. The Meeting of the Americas was attended by more than 100 people from Argentina, Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, England, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Netherlands, Scotland, United States and Uruguay, as well as Brazil. In response to the question, 'In a troubled world, what are the AMERICAS called to give?', there were proposals for a common action plan: the inclusion of indigenous issues on the global website; the training of teams; work with families and how to sustain the work of Initiatives of Change throughout the continent. With a commitment to address the hurts and damage caused by existing divisions, the vision was one of hope and reconciliation.

'During this week we are finding out what the Americas can give to the world. But firstly we need to be in touch, be united, learn more about each other’s culture, each country’s problems and how we can find solutions. God has a plan for the Americas'. (Luis Puig, President of Initiatives of Change in Brazil).

The Meeting of the Americas was attended by some 70 people from Argentina, Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, United States, France, Guatemala, Netherlands, Honduras, United Kingdom and Uruguay, as well as Brazil. During the week discussions took place on general and specific themes, including a 'Tools for Change' workshop, when we could learn better about how to create and keep diverse teams. Other countries sent thoughts and messages of support.

'The Meeting of the Americas exceeded all my expectations. I had never attended an IofC meeting and for me it was an opportunity for exchange of personal experiences, acquiring new tools to apply in my community and an openness to the skills I had to offer.' (Lucas Santos, Novo Hamburgo, Brazil – Gente que Avanza Group).

Indigenous people from the Pataxó tribe (Porto Seguro, Brazil) opened the Meeting with a ritual dance (Photo: Ismar Villavicencio)

Indigenous people from the Pataxó tribe (Porto Seguro, Brazil) opened the Meeting with a ritual dance. Their song told of human change being only possible through change in the hearts and minds of people and through love and respect for one another. Everybody joined hands in a big circle, asking for peace and positive energy.

'When we start work in the village or outside it, we perform this ritual. We ask Tupa (God) for peace so everything may be done in the best way possible. From this meeting I take away all I have learned and many lessons to pass on to our people'. (Arassari Pataxó, Porto Seguro, Brazil).

"Tools for Change" workshop (Photo: Ismar Villavicencio)

'Tools for Change', a workshop spread over four afternoons, provided the development training for participants. With facilitation by Rob and Susan Corcoran and a multilingual translation, the focus was about how to create a diverse team and the needed tools to maintain them.

'The Meeting of the Americas 2008 was a big step towards integration. We could share in three languages our realities and realize that we are brothers with similar hopes and wills, suffering the same kind of problems and with a distorted image – caused by the media – of the other countries. It was possible to have a mutually enriching sharing experience with people from North America, establishing a true continental spirit. We started to walk towards working together for change in the Americas, starting with the family'. (Maria Cristina Muñoz, Bogota, Colombia).

On the subject of each nation’s political and social reality, Susan Corcoran (Richmond, USA) talked about her country being like a big elephant of the continent, which when it walks crushes everything it meets with its big feet, apart from the herd and on its own. The population of Richmond is about 60% black people and 40% white; society, now in full process of change has known segregation and carries the wounds of racism.

'The Meeting of the Americas is the ideal place for people of different countries to meet together and decide on a common project or action. I see these meetings being about involving IofC in our society. In fact Central America, USA and Canada are already involved together, because we need each other'. (John Freebury, Canada).

A group from Argentina reported on the official launching of the IofC association in their country a few days earlier. Valéria Fracchia, a teacher, first connected with IofC in November. 'I feel like I have been looking for something like this all my life – a group that shares my values.'

'I came here through a newspaper article and something on the global website, and I found myself very comfortable with the themes of discussion, with the participants and their worries about human kind, the environment and human relations. I think there is a need for the attitudes and examples we saw here this week if we are to move forward.' (Luiz Varzan, Petropolis, Brazil).

From the Special Global Consultation in Panchgani, India (January 22-30, 2008), came a message from Rajmohan Gandhi brought by the Latin American representatives there. The grandson of Mahatma Gandhi was made an Honorary Citizen of Petropolis when he was in Brazil. He is now a university professor in the USA and devoted to political and social research.

'I’m very happy to hear about the 2008 Meeting of the Américas. Unfortunately I cannot be present, but send my best wishes for its success. I am privileged to have visited many countries in Latin America between 1961 and 1965. I know the supreme importance of these countries for the whole world. I follow their development closely.'(Rajmohan Gandhi).

The Meeting of the Americas received visits from several community leaders from Rio de Janeiro. Luiz Soares, from Chácara do Céu and Manguinhos Communities, runs a programme called 'Treat someone as you would like to be treated'. The focus is on conflict mediation. All the problems which could be taken to a higher court, such as police and justice issues, are talked out in the community until they reach a peaceful conclusion – for instance, breakdown in couples’ relationships, inheritance disputes, etc. Since meeting IofC, his change has been a foundation stone for the work he does.

'I’m happy to see a new generation assuming leadership of the work of IofC in the Americas, which is so important for the whole world, and also celebrating joyfully together. This is work at a continental level.' (Elsa Vogel, France).

There is much work ahead. The place for the next Meeting of the Americas will be established in September, when the national and continental teams are able to evaluate the viability. Meanwhile, it is time to work out a common plan of action for the Americas and to proceed.

Joelina Cândida Alves

Full report in PDF (english)