International Women’s Day Film Festival 2010

 Three award-winning films. One day. March 6th

In Celebration of International Women’s Day, you are invited to Cobourg’s annual International Women’s Day Film Festival.

Entre Nos – 1:00 pm  (refreshments served after this film and before the next)

Brick Lane – 4:00 pm

Bread and Tulips – 8:00pm

Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.  It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women.

This event will take place Saturday March 6^th at the Cobourg Public Library (200 Ontario Street) with the first film starting at 1:00pm.  Refreshments and popcorn will be served at all films, and light snacks will be provided by Northumberland Heights Restaurant and Retreat Centre after the first film is shown. 

This is a free and accessible community event, and ALL are welcome!  Donations will be accepted to help defray costs.

You can read about all three films below, and click on the link to view the video trailers.   Come for one, or all three films! (please feel free to bring a pillow to make sitting for the films as comfortable as possible).

Entre Nos by Directors Gloria La Morte & Paola Mendoza, United States

Winner Best Film at the Traverse City Film Festival 2009(Michael Moore’s Film Festival)-Rated PG-13

Click here to view the film trailer

 Mariana’s children, Gabriel 10, and Andrea  6, have grown up in Colombia without their father. He immigrated to the United States in order to make a better life for his family. Finally after many years of separation the family is reunited in New York City. Antonio announces he has found work in Miami and will be moving there…alone. He will send for the family when he is settled. Days go by, Mariana does not hear from him, and finds out that Antonio is not coming back. The rent is due, there is no food and Mariana has fifty dollars to her name. With no one to turn to, she must find a way, in a strange city where she barely speaks the language, to provide for her family, financially and emotionally.

Brick Lane by Director Sarah Gavron, United Kingdom

Official selection at Toronto International Film Festival, nominee and winner of 6 major British film awards-Rated PG-13

Click here to view the film trailer

Nazneen, from rural Bangladesh, leaves behind her home and beloved sister at 17 and moves to Brick Lane in London to an arranged marriage with a man who is twice her age and she does not love. She receives letters from her sister about her carefree life and lives vicariously through those letters. After living with her husband in a small flat for 18 years and having had two daughters, Nazneen’s world is turned upside-down when she meets a young, good-looking clothing worker. The movie is set during the 9/11 period when racial tensions in Brick Lane were heightened.

Bread & Tulips by Director Silvio Soldini, Italy

Official Selection at Cannes Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, winner of 19 international film festival awards-Rated PG-13

Click here to view the film trailer

An Italian housewife finds herself left behind during a family vacation. Instead of waiting for her controlling businessman husband and self-absorbed children to realize she is missing, she hitchhikes her way home, only to impulsively detour to Venice. She finds work in a restaurant, the maitre d’ gives her a place to live and friendship and she soon finds herself enjoying her new life. Meanwhile, her husband sends out a bumbling plumber as a private detective to find her.

Job Title:        Events and Communications Assistant                        

Organization:         Horizons of Friendship                                         

                                50 Covert Street, Cobourg, Ontario

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to:                  Shirley Moebus, Homes, Gardens & Music       Coordinator &   Rachael Currie, Community Outreach Coordinator
• Supervises:                 n/a
• Liaises with:                HGM Committee, Horizons staff, sponsors and public
• Location:                      Cobourg, Ontario.
• Probationary Period:    n/a
• Term:                             35 hours per week
• Compensation:             $11.50 per hour
• Starting date:               early May to mid August (14 weeks)           

 INTRODUCTION

Horizons of Friendship is a Canadian non-profit, international development agency committed to eliminating the root causes of poverty and injustice through the cooperation of people from the South and the North.

 Horizons of Friendship supports Central American and Mexican partner organizations that undertake local initiatives, which further this goal.

 In Canada, we raise awareness on global issues and work with Canadian organizations at the local and national levels to bring about positive and lasting change.

 POSITION SUMMARY

This position will serve two functions within Horizons of Friendship:

1)    Administrative, communications and logistical support to the Homes Gardens and Music Fundraising event, held each summer and scheduled for July 11^th, 2010. A volunteer committee and coordinator run this event.

2)    Assist in preparation, promotion and communications  of Horizons of Friendship’s community outreach activities, in particular the Latin Film Festival & Speaker series.

 MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1)    Homes, Gardens & Music

• Attend executive coordinating committee meetings and produce minutes;
• Provide administrative and logistical support to committee;

• Produce publicity material for event including flyers, posters, tickets, maps;
• Assist in distribution of publicity material throughout Cobourg and target market areas;
• Assist in seeking sponsors for event as required; distribute promotional material to prospects;
• Assist with photography for promotional materials and program;
• Production of program as required, including layout, design, photocopying, folding and stapling;
• Assist committee with purchase and organizing of supplies, food and beverages for event if/ as required;
• Sell and track ticket sales for event in coordination with Victoria Hall. Reconcile ticket revenues with bank deposits;
• Full availability on event weekend (July 10-11th) to provide full logistical support to event (ex., signage, balloons, distribution of food, drinks as required) also, teardown and cleanup;
• Organize home tour and reception for volunteers and homeowners on day after the event;
• Produce and deliver thank-you notes for sponsors and homeowners;
• Ensure receipts and thank-you letters are issued to ticket purchasers promptly;
• Track expenses and revenues from sponsorships and ticket sales.

 2)    Community Outreach and Communications Assistant

• Assist in preparation and promotion of the Latin Film Festival & Speakers series;
• Assist in preparation and promotion of other community outreach events, with emphasis on youth involvement;
• Assist with production of material for Horizons of Friendship’s website.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Eligible to participate in federal or provincial summer job programs;
• Superior English skills, both written and oral;
• Familiarity with MS Office and Publisher an asset;
• Accurate and detail-oriented with a high level of initiative;
• Excellent team, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills including layout, design and data management;
• Eligible to work in Canada (permanent resident or Canadian citizen);
• Valid drivers licence. Use of car an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typically 5 days per week, will require some flexibility;
• Occasional evening and weekend work required;
• Collegial, supportive atmosphere in small community-based office;
• Living and/or travel expenses not included.

 Cobourg is located approximately one hour east of Toronto.

 Qualified candidates are invited to direct their applications to Shirley Moebus, Coordinator Homes, Gardens & Music by March 31^st, 2010.

Via e-mail to: info@horizons.ca with Summer Student 2010 in the title or

via fax: 905-372-7095

For more information on Horizons of Friendship see www.horizons.ca

Horizons of Friendship is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Founders Award.

Click here to download the nomination form

Nomination forms can also be picked up at Horizons of Friendship office, located in Cobourg at 50 Covert Street.

The purpose of the award is to recognize those individuals in Canada who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and leadership in addressing social inequality and injustice. 

Please take the time to recognize a community volunteer or community leader, who in Canada, has been working ‘under the radar’ to help improve the lives of others.  Now is the time to acknowledge their commitment to social justice with the Founders Award.  

Horizons of Friendship invites the general public to nominate a person who they feel meets the award criteria and whose volunteer accomplishments and leadership deserve to be celebrated. We encourage people from across Canada to nominate those outstanding diverse citizens for the Founders Award who, no matter their age or background, are setting a positive example for others by bringing about meaningful contributions through their volunteer activities.

Nomination deadline is Friday April 30th.

Please submit all nomination materials to: 

Horizons of Friendship

P.O. Box 402

Cobourg, Ontario

K9A 4L1

Electronic submissions:

info@horizons.ca

(Subject line: The Founders Award)

Note: You may use additional space as required and may attach additional documents to the nomination form such as photos, newspaper articles, CV, etc.)

The award has been given out since 2004 to commemorate the three founders of Horizons of Friendship (the late David Stewart, Christine Stewart and Father Tim Coughlan) who founded the organization on the spirit of volunteerism over 30 years ago.

The 2010 Founders Award recipient will receive a one-of-a-kind commemorative bronze medal, specially crafted by renowned Northumberland artist Frances Gage, and a certificate of recognition. The recipient will also be recognized at a ceremony during the Horizons of Friendship Annual General Meeting.

Award Criteria:

1. Evidence that the spirit of volunteerism has played a significant role in the individual’s lifetime.

2. Demonstration of leadership in addressing social inequality and injustice in Canada, and elsewhere, consistent with the ideals of Horizons of Friendship.

For more information, please contact:

Rachael Currie

Community Outreach/Communications Coordinator

rcurrie@horizons.ca

Phone:    905-372-5483   x24

Fax:  905-372-7095

Writers & Friends

Sunday April 11, 2010

14^th Annual Gala Afternoon

Kingston City Hall, 1:00 pm.

Featuring Ian Brown, Linden MacIntyre, Erna Paris, Lawrence Scanlan and Sarah Harmer.

Readings, music, gourmet delectables and silent auction. “Writes of Spring” benefit on behalf of marginalized communities in Central America and Mexico. For information call 613 546- 9199.

For early bird tickets contact Horizons of Friendship 1 888 729- 9928 or 905 372- 5483, ext. 10 or e-mail info@horizons.ca.  Visit www.horizons.ca.

Writers & Friends April 11 th, 2010

Kingston’s Friends of Horizons are delighted to announce their Annual Gala Afternoon for Sunday April11th at Kingston City Hall, featuring outstanding guests. Joining us will be Globe and Mail features writer

Ian Brown, radio and television host  and author of The Boy in the Moon and winner of the B. C. National Award for literary non- fiction and nominee, Charles Taylor Prize 2010; Linden MacIntyre, writer, and television host of CBC’s Fifth Estate, and author of the 2009 Scotiabank Giller winning novel, The Bishop’s Man;  Erna Paris, award winning writer and historian, and author of The Sun Climbs Slow: The International Criminal Court and the Struggle for Justice; and acclaimed journalist Lawrence Scanlan,  author of the upcoming spring release, A Year of Living Generously .

Writers & Friends musical contributor Sarah Harmer is the one of Canada’s favourite musicians and previous Writers and Friends musical guest.

The afternoon of “literary schmoozing” on behalf of the charitable organization, Horizons of Friendship begins at 1:00 p.m. with readings, music and finger foods provided by some of the Kingston area’s finest chefs.  Book sales will be provided by Novel Idea, and there will be a Grand Silent Auction of gifts, services and art. Funds raised by Writers & Friends will help address problems in marginalized communities in Central America and Mexico struggling to improve their living conditions and to access the basic human rights of health, education and citizen participation. For more information on Horizons of Friendship, visit www.horizons.ca

For Writers& Friends Early bird tickets ($110; income tax receipt $90.00), available by credit card order; call Horizons at 1 888-729- 9928. After mid March, tickets will be available at Novel Idea.  For more information call 613- 546- 9199. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:    Resource Development Coordinator

Reporting Relationships:

      Reports to:        Executive Director

      Supervises:      Event coordinator, fundraising volunteers such as interns and contract employees.

     Liaisies with: Administrative/Donor Assistant, Mesoamerican team, communication committee, contract staff, events coordinators, Board members, volunteers, funders and donors.

• Location:     Cobourg, Ontario. 
• Probationary Period:   6 months.
• Term:           Full-time staff position, two-year contract, renewable upon successful completion.
• Salary:         Salary range $ 35,000 to $44,000 commensurate with experience (plus benefit package).

Starting Date:   April 2010.

Introduction

Horizons of Friendship is a Canadian non-profit, international development agency committed to eliminating the root causes of poverty and injustice through the cooperation of people from the South and the North. 

Horizons of Friendship supports Central American and Mexican partner organizations that undertake local initiatives, which further this goal. 

In Canada, we raise awareness on global issues and work with Canadian organizations at the local and national levels to bring about positive and lasting changes.

Summary

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring sustainable revenues and continued growth of Horizons of Friendship’s program by developing and implementing fundraising strategies with foundations, institutional funders, major gift prospects and government agencies.   The incumbent also collaborates in other fundraising activities such as donor development, planned giving strategy and fundraising events. 

Responsibilities:

Donor Relations 

• Support the Executive Director to maintain timely communications and on-going relations with donors by drafting correspondence, in coordination with the Administrative/Donor Assistant;
• Respond to donor requests for information; 
• Prepare appeal letters;
• Maintain and foster relationships with existing foundations/institutional supporters via effective stewardship and regular contact and visits (with southern partners when possible);
• Coordinate major gift and planned giving strategies in collaboration with staff and Board;
• Refine and maintain donor files. 

Proposal and Report Writing 

• Liaise with staff to gather relevant information for proposals and/or reports;
• Prepare specific project proposals for foundations, and other institutional and major gift donors;
• Prepare reports, adhering to the relevant guidelines and requirements of the foundation;
• Prepare financial reports to accompany narrative reports; and budgets to accompany proposals;
• Research and identify new foundations/institutional funders. 

Communications 

• Contribute to drafting organizational descriptions and annual reports to foundations and donors;
• Edit and/or proofread texts;
• Contribute written articles to newsletters and assist with media releases, marketing, promotion and advertising;
• Responsible for developing and writing fundraising materials. 

Organizational Processes 

• Research and design strategies for fundraising and financial sustainability;
• Actively contribute to the setting of targets and planning of annual fundraising activities;
• Monitor progress toward targets and contribute to the regular evaluation of resource development activities;
• Initiate and actively participate in regular meetings of fundraising team and participate in meeting of the communication committee;
• Coordinate the work of the planned giving consultant, events coordinators, through minute-taking, monitoring timelines and overall supervision;
• Participate actively in organizational meetings and committees, as appropriate. 

Institutional Collaboration 

• Help meet the objectives of Horizons of Friendship as expressed in its Statement of Purpose and strategic plans;
• Participate in and with other staff, jointly coordinate fundraising team and Board fundraising meetings:  share information, exchange ideas and report on progress and results of work;
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and, in rotation with other staff, share the role of chair and scribe;
• Work with other staff to develop and implement an institution-wide communication strategy;
• Produce annual work plan, timeline and revenue cash flow to suit institutional requirements. 

Qualifications: 

Experience 

At least 3 years of experience:

-          In fundraising and resource development in a  non-profit organization;

-          Writing grants proposals and funder reports.

Academic & knowledge requirements:

-          Graduate or undergraduate degree in social sciences or related field;

-          Courses or certificates in fundraising considered an asset;

-          Knowledge of the Mesoamerican region;

-          Proven capacity to work effectively as part of a team and individually;

-          Available to work irregular hours and to travel within Canada;

-          Valid Canadian driver license and own transportation;

-          Eligible to work in Canada (permanent resident or Canadian citizen). 

Expertise & Skills:

-          Excellent written and verbal communication;

-          Excellent organizational/project management skills;

-          Demonstrated capacity in critical thinking and complex problem solving; displays good judgment;

-          Comfortable with public speaking;

-          Excellent attention to detail;

-          Familiarity with spreadsheets, budgets, financial reports;

-          Excellent computer skills;

-          Bilingual English/Spanish required.  French an asset.

Cobourg is located approximately one hour east of Toronto, on the shore of Lake Ontario. A family community with a population of 19,000, it offers a beautiful sandy beach, quality educational opportunities and a host of recreational and cultural amenities.                                                  

Qualified candidates are invited to direct their applications to Patricia Rebolledo, Executive Director by February 26, 2010                                 

Applications may be sent by mail, email, or fax: 

Horizons of Friendship

50 Covert Street, P. O. Box 402

Cobourg, ON K9A 4L1

E-mail: info@horizons.ca

Fax:  905-372-7095 

For more information on Horizons of Friendship, see our website at www.horizons.ca 

We wish to thank all those who respond to this posting for their interest, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:    Finance /Administrative Coordinator                                 

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports to:         Executive Director
• Supervises:        Contract Bookkeeper, Thrift Shop staff.
  • Liaises with:   Administration, Thrif Shop, Fundraising, Mesoamerican and Community Outreach team, Board of Directors.
• Location:        Cobourg, Ontario.
• Probationary Period:     6 months.
  • Term:         4 days per week, staff position, two-year contract,     renewable upon successful completion.
  • Salary:       Salary range $33,600 – $40,000 commensurate with experience (plus benefit package).
• Starting date:     January 2010

INTRODUCTION

Horizons of Friendship is a Canadian non-profit, international development agency committed to eliminating the root causes of poverty and injustice through the cooperation of people from the South and the North.

Horizons of Friendship supports Central American and Mexican partner organizations that undertake local initiatives, which further this goal.

In Canada, we raise awareness on global issues and work with Canadian organizations at the local and national levels to bring about positive and lasting change.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Finance/Administrative Coordinator is responsible for the overall financial, budget and cash flow monitoring and reporting for the organization and ensures the smooth and efficient running of the organizational support functions.                               

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance

• Ensure that systems and reporting mechanisms are accurate, timely and efficient;
• Be responsible for payroll and benefit administration;
• Prepare monthly financial statements, budget comparisons and cash flow projections;
• Act as resource person to all teams for budgets and financial reports; for Mesoamerican team, provide detailed breakdown of cost-shared program with CIDA;
• Liaise with CIDA, particularly with regard to financial matters; including the preparation of yearly and quarterly financial reports to CIDA;
  • Supervise and coordinate contract bookkeeper’s work;
  • Assist with donations processing in the absence of the Administrative Assistant or during peak work times;
  • Liase with Investor Advisor regarding investment decisions and funds transfer.
• Report to Board of Directors on the financial status of the institution as required.

 Administration

• Ensure smooth and efficient running of all organizational support functions;
• Ensure Administrative guidelines and manuals are complete and up- to- date and monitor their implementation;
• Act as a resource person for the Executive Director on personnel and employment standards matters, including preparation of annual contracts, annual evaluation and other procedures;
• Administer employee benefit plan;
• Supervise Thrift Shop staff to ensure smooth running of shops and compliance with budgetary guidelines;
• Coordinate logistics and financial implications of student placement program and share responsibilities for assisting during events;
• With Administrative Assistant, jointly manage maintenance of property;
• Act as a backup for minutes taking for board meetings. 

 Institutional Collaboration

• Participate in monthly staff and administrative team meetings;
• With Executive Director, plan and implement cycle of strategic planning, including annual planning and annual job reviews;
• Participate in Board Committees as needed;
• Develop familiarity with Board procedures;
• Help meet Horizons’ objectives as expressed in its Statement of Purpose and Strategic Plans.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum three-years work experience in accounting, bookkeeping and office administration, preferably with a non-governmental organization;
• Experience in modern office systems/procedures;
• High level of competency in Simply Accounting and experience with computerized accounting in a Windows environment;
• Ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements and reports;
• Advanced computer skills in a network environment and with Windows XP, Word, Excel, and various internet tools;
• Knowledge of not-for-profit accounting practices;
• Superior English skills, both written and oral;
• Accurate and detail-oriented with a high level of initiative;
• Excellent team, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Attitude and behaviour which show respect for different cultures;
• Commitment and understanding of social justice and international development;
• Eligible to work in Canada (permanent resident or Canadian citizen).

Cobourg is located approximately one hour east of Toronto, on the shore of Lake Ontario. A family community with a population of 18,000, it offers a beautiful sandy beach, quality educational opportunities and a host of recreational and cultural amenities.

Qualified candidates are invited to direct their applications to Patricia Rebolledo, Executive Director by February 26, 2010.                                  

Applications may be sent by mail, email, or fax:

Horizons of Friendship

50 Covert Street, P. O. Box 402

Cobourg, ON K9A 4L1

E-mail: info@horizons.ca

Fax:  905-372-7095

We wish to thank all those who respond to this posting for their interest, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Central American coalition raises a clarion call to stop violence against women as Canadians remember the Montreal Massacre

This week Horizons of Friendship staff will travel to Costa Rica to join with its partner, the Central American Feminist Network to End Violence towards Women, in the release of a pivotal report on femicide; the systematic killing of women based on their gender. The study and the policy recommendations will be presented directly to The Council of Ministers for Women in Central America (COMMCA), an official body established by the governments of the region.  The study, which has been supported by Horizons of Friendship and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), will focus on six Central American countries:  Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.  Horizons Executive Director Patricia Rebolledo will be present when the report is released, and states, “it is important for Canadians to understand the level of violence towards women and to raise our voices of concern, and to support initiatives to stop this violence”.

Just as the Montreal massacre at the École Polytechnique twenty years ago helped lift the veil of silence that concealed violence against women in Canada, the Central American Feminist Network to End Violence towards Women is likewise raising the alarm bell.  According to the study, while murder rates are on the rise in many parts of Central America, women are being affected disproportionately. For example, between 2000 and 2006, killings of men in El Salvador increased by 40%, while female murders grew by 111%.  In Guatemala, the killing of men doubled from 1990 to 2004, while rates for women tripled. The most extreme case is Honduras (scene of a recent military-backed coup d’état) where from 2003 to 2007, the killing of women grew four times faster than that of men.  Most shocking, an increasing number of these slayings have been accompanied by signs of brutal torture, mutilations and rape.

Undoubtedly, part of the violence can be attributed to the legacy of civil wars in the region and a culture of impunity for abuses committed. However, the study finds that the dramatic increase in femicides is directly related to high levels of poverty and growing inequities that have resulted from an economic model which has exacerbated the social exclusion of women and other marginalized communities. The causes of this crisis are complex but are rooted in a patriarchal culture which is based on unequal power relations between men and women.

“Increasingly, women have become targets of the shady ‘businesses’ that have emerged from this model” according to Ana Carcedo, a professor of women’s’ studies at the Universidad de Costa Rica and the principal researcher of the study. “These include the trafficking of girls and women for labour or sexual exploitation, and criminal networks connected to drug trafficking, arms sales, hired assassins, and gangs operating at the national and international levels.  Gender relations and codes of conduct are being transformed in such a way that women are being viewed as ‘disposable’ and as pawns in territorial disputes”.

Corruption and the entrenchment of these criminal networks encourage the invisibility of femicide. And the failure of the authorities to adequately investigate the murders and prosecute those responsible is reinforcing an already existing climate of impunity.

Though awareness has been raised in Canada following the Montreal massacre, the issue is as pressing here as it is for our neighbours in Central America. Just one year ago, the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women issued an urgent call to the Canadian government to carry out thorough investigations of the cases of missing or murdered aboriginal women in Canada; to examine the reasons for the failure to investigate these cases, and to take necessary steps to remedy the deficiencies in the system.

 HONDURAS - Election Watch

The November 29th elections in Honduras will be taking place under a coup regime.  Send an email to the Canadian government to urge them to support democracy by not recognizing the results of these elections.

Please ‘cut and paste’ this template letter into your E-mail, and send it to Mr. Peter Kent at kentp@parl.gc.ca

You can also ’cut and paste’ the  email addresses and Cc Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, cannon.l@parl.gc.ca , Bob Rae, Foreign Affairs Critic, Liberal Party, raeb@parl.gc.ca and Paul Dewar, Foreign Affairs Critic, NDP, dewar.p@parl.gc.ca

If you would like to send this letter to your own MP, you can find their email address here.  (Click here to find your MP)

 The Honourable Peter Kent

Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)

House of Commons

kentp@parl.gc.ca

November 2009

 Dear Minister Kent,

 I am writing to urge the Canadian government to join other governments of the Americas in publicly stating that it will not recognize the November 29 Honduran elections, held under the auspices of the de facto coup regime.

 A return to democracy implies the immediate restitution of elected President Manuel Zelaya, an end to the on-going human rights violations perpetrated by the coup regime’s security forces, and a postponement of elections until all Hondurans can enjoy a full three month campaign period during which all candidates are assured safety on the campaign trail. Since the June 28 military coup, opposition candidates and their supporters have been harassed, beaten, jailed and killed, according to reports from Amnesty International, the Inter-American Human Rights Commission and Honduran Human Rights monitors. Conditions for free, fair and open elections do not exist under the current coup regime.

 The coup government mocked the US-brokered Tegucigalpa/San Jose Accords when it failed to cede power to a “government of national unity and reconciliation” by November 5, as the accords stipulated. By law, such a government must be presided over by the democratically elected President. With the demise of these agreements, it is clear that there is no political space for opposition candidates to campaign, nor for the expression of dissident political opinions.

 I urge Canada to immediately suspend political and military ties with the illegal regime of Honduras, demand an end to violence and repression and stand with the nations of Latin America and the European Union in refusing to recognize illegitimate elections on November 29. Moreover, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) should review its current state-to-state bilateral programs with Honduras in terms of their compliance with the ODA Accountability Act, including explicit assurances that continued disbursements are fully consistent with international human rights standards. To avoid indirectly supporting the illegal government, CIDA should find feasible alternative civil society channels to deliver aid to affected populations, while minimizing the impact of suspension of aid on poor people.

 Canadians need to stand with the people of Honduras as they resist brutal repression, and fight for democracy and sovereignty in their country. I look forward to seeing Canada’s determined actions to help restore democracy to Honduras and heal the damage done to the democratic process in our hemisphere.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

Cc: Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs cannon.l@parl.gc.ca

Bob Rae, Foreign Affairs Critic, Liberal Party raeb@parl.gc.ca

Paul Dewar, Foreign Affairs Critic, NDP dewar.p@parl.gc.ca

Your MP (Click here to find your MP)

SUPPORT EMERGENCY RELIEF EFFORTS IN EL SALVADOR

 The combined force of Tropical Storm Ida, which struck Nicaragua on Thursday November 5^th, together with a low pressure system off the Pacific Coast, has led to a national emergency in El Salvador. The people most affected are families in situations of poverty and social vulnerability, living in precarious dwellings close to river banks and in zones prone to flooding.

 More than 13,300 people were affected by the force of the natural phenomena in Nicaragua although there were no reported deaths. The situation is more desperate in El Salvador where flooding and mudslides have caused the death of an estimated 130 people, with a further 60 people reported as missing and 7,000 living in shelters. Many communities have lost their crops and their water sources are contaminated. Coming late in the hurricane season, the fury of both natural phenomena took the Civil Protection authorities and the Network of Early Warning in El Salvador by surprise.

The most affected departments In El Salvador are San Salvador, San Vicente, Cuscatlán, La Paz and San Miguel. Entire families have lost all their belongings and, according to information sent to Horizons by our partner, the Salvadoran Association for Health Promotion (ASPS), in the zone of San Marcelino department of La Paz, homes have been destroyed, crops flooded, highways devastated, and cattle drowned.

Several of Horizons of Friendship’s partners are engaged in providing emergency assistance to those affected by the Tropical Storm. Among the most urgent needs are for clean, drinking water, medicine, food, blankets and candles. One Salvadoran partner – the Intercommunity Association of Communities for Economic and Social Development of the Lower Lempa (ACUDESBAL) was spared from this disaster. However as an expression of solidarity with their neighbours in La Paz, ACUDESBAL is making daily trips to La Paz, bring supplies and coordinating with other relief efforts.

Horizons of Friendship has established an emergency fund to support these humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in the upcoming weeks and months. For more information on ACUDESBAL’s efforts, read  the attached letter from Jose Santos Guevara, the organization’s President.

TO CONTRIBUTE TO HORIZONS’ EMERGENCY FUND FOR El SALVADOR:  You may make a contribution on Horizons’ website (www.horizons.ca), by telephone (with a credit card), or by mailing your cheque to the following address, indicating it is for the El Salvador Emergency Fund:

Horizons of Friendship

P.O. Box 402, K9A 4L1   Cobourg, Ontario

SALVADORAN COMMUNITIES SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH THEIR NEIGHBOURS IN LA PAZ DEPARTMENT

 “In these days of mourning, of pain and so much sadness, we are reaching out in solidarity with the families that have been most affected in other parts of our country.  Our organization, ACUDESBAL, has launched an urgent campaign to collect food, clothing, medicine and anything else that our communities can gather.  In spite of the economic constraints that our population has, we know that the little that we can provide means everything to people who have been left without anything.

Fortunately, we can undertake this gesture of solidarity thanks to the fact that the Lempa River did not overflow on this occasion. This doesn’t mean that we don’t have real problems. But the organizational work that we have undertaken in these past five years to establish an Early Warning System has meant that we have been able to design alternative measures to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters.

We have absolutely no doubt, dear friends, that by channeling our efforts towards preventive measures that enable us to respond to the great vulnerability in which we live, we have been able to avoid major tragedy and loss of life in our communities. We say this with great humility and with an enormous desire to share with others the experience that we have had to date in the Lower Lempa region – a region where, despite having been totally abandoned by the national government during the past decade, we have not had to mourn a single loss of life as a result of these phenomena. Now we are in the process of building a strategy of community resilience that will strengthen our actions aimed at improving conditions for our communities in the coming years. Our strategy has four major components:

1) Political advocacy to press for improved public policies;

2) Strengthening  our own institutional capacities and those of our communities;

3) Improving basic living conditions for the population; and

4) Working to improve gender equality in our communities”.

With warm regards,

Jose Santos Guevara,

President of ACUDESBAL

As Canadians watch the worst Latin American political crisis in decades unfold in Honduras-a military coup d’état that overthrew democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya in June- fears and speculation about a potential civil war are increasing in the international media. Under the de facto government of Roberto Micheletti, repression and human rights abuses by the military have been widespread.  In this context, it is more important than ever for Canadians to reflect on the past atrocities committed in El Salvador during the 12-year civil war, and to acknowledge that the same larger issues that gave rise to this armed conflict, are also deeply rooted in Honduras social fabric: the disproportionate concentration of wealth and the lack of access to land and basic services for all citizens.

Twenty years ago today, six Jesuit priests, their cook, and her teenage daughter were murdered, making newspaper headlines around the world. The priests were killed because of their work to promote human rights, democracy and social justice for all Salvadorans. Although these 8 murders represent only a fraction of the 75,000 casualties produced by El Salvador’s civil war, the killing of six prominent priests contributed to bringing the international pressure needed to put an end to the conflict.

2008 Educational Tour delegate Sandra Snider from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union visits the place where the priests were killed 20 years ago.  Rose bushes have been planted in their memory.

Though two decades have passed since the vicious killings, the victims and the impact of the tragedy have not been forgotten. Dr. Miguel Orellana, Director of the Association for Health Promotion in El Salvador and a long-standing partner of Horizons of Friendship, remembers the day of the Jesuit murders as a turning point in the fighting and recalls the importance of the international community in helping to end the conflict: 

“The Salvadoran government immediately reported that it was the guerrilla fighters who had murdered the Jesuits in an act of desperation, but in the following 24 – 48 hours the international press clarified the truth, that it was the National Military.  Many of us said it (the murders) was the final depraved act of an army of the verge of collapse.  The international community responded immediately, condemning the multiple murders and therefore isolating the government further.  This showed the true face of the military dictatorship and strengthened international solidarity with the Salvadoran people”.

Today in El Salvador, President Mauricio Funes will publicly ask for forgiveness from the families of the murdered Jesuits, and for all those who were killed in the civil war, on behalf of the Salvadoran State.  El Salvador’s highest award will be posthumously presented to the Jesuit martyrs who had worked for a peaceful solution to the 12 year armed conflict, and dedicated their lives to the principles of social justice. As Dr. Orellana states, “after twenty years, we are finally seeing a government that is seeking to expose what happened and to ask the questions: Who gave the orders to commit these crimes and for what reasons?  It is only by revealing the past and seeing justice done that we can really begin to move forward as a society”. Horizons of Friendship and its partners in Central America and Mexico will continue to honour the vision to which the Jesuit priests devoted their lives, by addressing the root causes of the conflict. 

In 1992, the civil war ended in El Salvador with the signing of the Peace Accords. The Accords include provisions intended to cement the necessary social and economic systems to address the ongoing human rights abuses and poverty. However, they have not been fully implemented. In 2009, an estimated 40 percent of El Salvador’s 5.7 million people are living in poverty.  Despite the challenges of this small country, Horizons of Friendship and community grassroots organizations are working on socio-economic development projects that provide a viable alternative to poverty and injustice.

Similarly, 36 percent of the Honduran population lives on less than US $2 per day. The struggle for democracy in Honduras today reveals that the issues at the heart of the uprising remain that of economic injustice and the abuse of human rights. International media attention helped to bring about an end to the El Salvadoran civil war and can be an important influence in building pressure to reinstate the democratically elected government of Honduras.  As Canadians we can also pay tribute to all those killed during the civil war, by recognizing the connections between their struggle and the ongoing crisis in Honduras.