155 W. 72 Street, #402
New York, NY 10023
Tel: 917-776-4246
Fax: 212-531-1921
info@tipitapa.org
In mid-July, Donna Katzin,
Cathey Falvo, Susan Light, and Dena Fisher traveled to Nicaragua to
participate in the 2005 International Conference of Sister Communities
organized by DC-based Nicaragua Network. Attended by over 200 people
(about half each from Nicaragua and the U.S.) representing over 30
community to community partners, it was an extraordinary opportunity for
networking, learning, sharing, and, frankly, to see how successful our
partnership with Tipitapa is.
Tipitapa Mayor Norman Córdoba joined us for the morning of the first day
and presented to the assembled group his vision for collaboration and
his appreciation for the New York-Tipitapa relationship. He was
articulate and effective in communicating how our partnership succeeds.
Among the important presentations was one by Orlando Nuñez, Director,
Center for Rural and Social Promotion, Investigation and Development (CIPRES)
where the Managua conference was held. Nick Hoskyns, an expert on trade
and the cooperative movement and Alejandro Bendaña from El Centro De
Estudios Internacionales were among the highlights of the plenary
sessions.
Dos Pueblos/COMPALCIHT gave four workshops: On collaboration, On Labor
Rights, On Youth Projects, and Fundraising in the U.S.—all of which were
well-received by all who attended. Other workshops included topics on
water rights, alternative energy, leadership, agriculture, programs for
children and youth, and women’s issues.
Many got to observe the arrival of people from the countryside to attend
the 26th anniversary of the defeat of the Somoza family that had ruled
for decades under the worst repression. Discussions included the period
of the 1980s during which, despite conditions of war, adult literacy,
health care for all and education were routine.
We urge interested parties to consider joining our January 14-21, 2006,
delegation. For information, email
info@tipitapa.org.
Dos Pueblos is a registered 501 (c) 3 organization. Cash & in-kind contributions are tax-deductible. IRS Form 990 is available at www.guidestar.org or by email request to info@tipitapa.org.