Experience a revolutionary election this year

September 13, 2013
Issue 
Join the tour to Venezuela in December this year.

Are you sick of elections that primarily involve a choice between two pro-capitalist parties?

Well, here's your chance to experience an election involving a mass mobilisation of revolutionary-minded people determined to bring about socialism of the 21st century in their country.

The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network (AVSN) will host its 14th solidarity brigade to Venezuela over December 4-13. The registration closing date has now been extended to October 1.

A highlight of this year's brigade will be to observe the mayoral and municipal election campaign in Venezuela, leading up to polling day on December 8. Candidates for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), founded by the late former president Hugo Chavez, and other progressive parties, will be running against candidates of the right-wing parties of the Venezuelan oligarchy.

The AVSN brigade will join rallies and marches supporting the revolution, as part of a 10-day program of activities, including visits to social missions, communal councils and communes, as well as production cooperatives, public health and education services, sustainable development projects, community-controlled media, and women's and indigenous organisations.

This year's brigade is also special because it will be the first since the tragic death of Chavez in March this year, and the election of new socialist President Nicolas Maduro in April.

It will be a unique opportunity to assess the progress of the Bolivarian revolution, initiated by Chavez after he came to power in 1998, under the new leadership of Maduro and his government.

It will give brigade participants the chance to see how the revolution is faring in the face of ongoing attacks by the right-wing opposition and its US backers.

Despite many economic and social challenges, there are positive signs that the people-power Chavista revolution is making significant progress tackling the problems of Venezuela, and making steady inroads into the control of the oligarchy and its US masters.

The December solidarity brigade will be a priceless opportunity to observe first-hand, learn about and be inspired by a grassroots mass movement that is transforming not only Venezuela, but all of Latin America, and challenging the greed and destructiveness of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible.

Brigade participants will meet with a wide range of grassroots organisations, community activists, trade unions and government representatives to learn more about the participatory democracy and 21st-century socialism being created by the Venezuelan people.

This year's brigade will be led by experienced Latin American solidarity activist and author Fred Fuentes. The itinerary is being planned in consultation with AVSN's partners in Venezuela, but interested people can read accounts of previous brigades.

Accommodation and transport in Venezuela, and English-Spanish translation throughout the brigade, will be organised for all participants by the AVSN.

To obtain a registration form, or for more information, email info@venezuelasolidarity.org, or phone Jim on 0423 741 734, Roberto on 0425 182 994 or Lisa on 0413 031 108.

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.