Below is our archive of CASA publications and materials online in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, to support activists interested in Chiapas and Oaxaca.
Introduction
Many common questions about traveling to Chiapas and doing solidarity work are answered in Frequently Asked Questions. We also have a timeline (through early 2005) providing an overview of important events in the Zapatista struggle, and Suggestions for Ongoing Solidarity is a useful introductory read. Other helpful websites, online books and books on Chiapas and Oaxaca are listed on our Resources page.
We currently operate a public space for workshops, discussion and learning in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, and another in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca. We've made some of our workshop materials online for researchers, presentations, or hosting your own workshop. We also facilitate workshops for groups and delegations, as well as organize our own delegations. If you're interested in hiring us, Contact Us.
- Chiapas History This workshop provides recipients with a general overview of Chiapas history from pre-colonial times to the present. Discussion focuses on how the region’s history has contributed to its current social and political climate. [See PDF attachment at page bottom]
- Alternative Autonomies The aim of this workshop is for participants to explore different interpretation of “autonomy” and arrive at their own definition of the term. Each participant researches a Chiapas case study focusing on how autonomy is defined by a community or movement, as well as, the mechanisms used to maintain and protect that autonomy. [See PDF attachment at page bottom]
- Zapatista Ideology This workshop gives participants an overview of the Zapatista movement, focusing on the movement’s ideological evolution and major events. Also discussed: International Politics, Women, National Politics, Human Rights and critiques. [See PDF attachment at page bottom]
- Armed Struggle This workshop is a discussion of ideology and strategy behind the use of arms for guerilla movements as well as the U.S. and Mexican governments. Topics include: militarization in Chiapas, the U.S. role in relation to militarization in Chiapas, clandestine or illegal militarization strategies here in Chiapas, other militarized groups in Mexico, theories of non-violence. Throughout the discussion, participants are asked to reflect on the justifications for these various strategies, their personal feelings regarding armed struggle as well as non-violent alternatives. [See PDF attachment at page bottom]
- Montes Azules and Politics of Conservation Montes Azules is a Biosphere Reserve located in the southeastern portion of Chiapas that, for decades now has been the site of continued conflict, refuge and hope for thousands. Topics include: Conservation International and other transnational actors, Militarization and Conflict, Plan Puebla Panama, Lancandon People and Culture, Regional Biodiversity, Bio-Prospecting, Bio-Piracy, Land Reform and Migration. Participants are encouraged to include visual aids with his/her presentation. [See PDF attachment at page bottom]
- Globalization This workshop is an overview of the forces contributing to globalization and its effects. Topics discussed include: History of Neo-Liberalism, role of governments, corporate role, effects on Mexico and global resistance movements. [See PDF attachment at page bottom]
- OaxacaThe Oaxaca workshop provides an overarching assessment of the current political situation in Oaxaca including history, demographics, land battles, human rights, environment and immigration. The workshop concludes with a presentation on current organizing and movements in Oaxaca.[See PDF attachment at page bottom]
