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CASA hosts delegations on social justice issues in Oaxaca and Chiapas.

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We share lessons we learn from the resistance movements in Mexico with our home communities. We publish news and analysis in our newsletter, host workshops, short-term solidarity delegations, and speaking events. Find out how to join us.

drawing by flickr.com/benignpxl

Fee Schedule

We strive to make solidarity work affordable by subsidizing rent and educational programming.  Below are our costs, please contact us with any questions.

$500 USD Collective Contribution

Volunteers from the U.S. and Western Europe are expected to raise the equivalent of at least $500 US dollars—through fundraising, personal savings, or a mix of the two—before arriving in Oaxaca or Chiapas to support the work of the CASA. Volunteers coming from other countries should talk to the CASA coordinator to come up with a fundraising amount and plan appropriate to their backgrounds and economic situations.

The Collective Contribution is due one month before arrival in Chiapas or Oaxaca (for ongoing maintenance, materials and projects in Chiapas and Oaxaca). This money will be divided between the CASA, scholarships, the volunteer’s specific project(s), and partners in Oaxaca and Chiapas. Fundraising is also a good opportunity to raise awareness in your community about the political situation in Mexico as well as to support your experience. We can help brainstorm fundraising ideas appropriate for you and provide materials for fundraising letters, events, discussions, or study groups.

We do recognize, however, that this fundraising expectation may not be realistic for all applicants. Volunteers who find that fundraising is not a feasible option may get in touch with CASA coordinator about waiving or reducing the fundraising expectation as well as about scholarship opportunities to help cover living costs in Oaxaca and Chiapas. Limited scholarships are available on an individual basis (Please see below, Scholarship Information).

We understand that CASA volunteers come from different communities, have different income levels, and different personal networks that they can draw on for support. We hope that applicants honestly asses what they can afford, so that those with greater access to resources can help offset the costs of providing financial aid to individuals who would otherwise not be able to work in Mexico.

Rational behind the Collective Contribution

Prior to April 2008, CASA volunteers made a one time, sliding scale donation of $50-300 to CASA upon their arrival in Chiapas or Oaxaca (House Donation), and a commensurate donation to the organization they volunteered with (Organization Donation). The House Donation went towards the maintenance and care of our centers in San Cristobal and Oaxaca, paying for books for our library, newspapers, improvements to our gardens, mural projects, etc.

The $500 contribution --due before volunteers arrive in Mexico-- will help fund the broader, more long-term services we provide to volunteers: maintaining full time, permanent staff, ongoing educational programming, and maintaining our network of Southern Mexico organizations and movements.

The decision to introduce the Collective Contribution was a difficult one for the CASA board and collective to make. We are committed to making international solidarity work an affordable possibility for everyone and providing low cost housing and support to volunteers in Chiapas and Oaxaca.

We work on a shoestring budget, nearly all of which goes towards a modest stipend for our field coordinators and the low rent and upkeep for our centers in Chiapas and Oaxaca. Unfortunately, it has been increasing difficult for us to fund our work, particularly in the post September 11 political climate. Our project falls outside of the guidelines for many progressive foundations, and although we remain committed to grassroots fundraising (board members and alumni are constantly organizing educational events and speaking tours, for example), we find ourselves falling behind from month to month.

Your financial contribution will help pay for the services the CASA Collectives provide our volunteers, including:

  • Weekly workshops on topics ranging from Chiapan and Oaxacan History to Immigration to Worm Composting (see Workshops).
  • Connections and relationships with over 30 organizational partners that make possible a volunteer placement with an organization that meets your interests and skills.
  • Permanent full time staff that can support and orient volunteers to the complicated Chiapas and Oaxaca political situations.
  • Access to our office, library, and living spaces in San Cristobal and Oaxaca
  • Membership in an incredible community of solidarity activists.

CASA is one of the only volunteer groups in the world that strives to be affordable and supportive of ethical and appropriate local initiatives and movements. Effective solidarity work depends on long term relationships of trust and collaboration. The permanence and respectability of CASA can open doors for internationals working in Chiapas and Oaxaca. The Collective Contribution is part of a larger financial sustainability plan that will help us continue to support exciting projects in Mexico and support collective members here and after they return to their home communities.

We welcome feedback on the decision, and as always, ask for your support for our work in Mexico.

Scholarships and Financial Assistance

It is our goal that lack of funds should not be a barrier to anyone's decision to volunteer in Chiapas or Oaxaca. We are committed to working with potential volunteers to find a feasible payment plan, provide financial aid, or give fundraising suggestions.  Please Contact Us with concerns and questions.