The Solution
Our solution is born out of our values of people-to-people exchange, collaboration, and cross-cultural education in order to achieve long-term, worldwide grassroots change. The tour to Mexico is an essential project leading to the strengthening of an international response to violations of community rights. Ultimately, it is this international response that will force the mining industry to refrain from further violence in any form.
The exchange in Mexico is the center of this project in which building connections is the ultimate goal. The exchange will culminate in an international conference that will bring together human rights, environmental, and mining justice organizations from around the world to create collective strategies and alliances. We've already seen connections start to happen in the following ways:
Through workshops and visioning surrounding this project, it has become clear that the delegates are going as representatives of Thailand’s grassroots movement for autonomy over community resources and not as individuals. Upon returning from Mexico, the post-exchange activities are designed to impact numerous communities and organizations within Thailand by spreading pragmatic tools and inspiration for nonviolent organizing.
Fundraising itself has brought the issues of Na Nong Bong into daily conversation with everyday people in Thailand through tabling at markets. A common response to development projects in Thailand is, "There's no way to stop it." We've been able to respond and explain that communities have stopped certain large-scale development projects for decades.
A documentary film is another essential part of this project. Distribution of the film through social media and screenings in communities throughout the U.S., Thailand, and Mexico will maximize the visibility of the campaign, ensure an increased awareness of mining-related injustices, and foster support for resistance efforts.
Outreach has brought us closer to being able to tell the story of Na Nong Bong. From videos to profiles to graphics, this project is bringing together old and new resources. The world can no longer claim ignorance.
Networking with mining and human rights organizations worldwide. The list of contacts in different countries continues to grow. Na Nong Bong is clearly not alone. These organizations are becoming allies in achieving our common goal.