Anyone interested in learning firsthand about what the Cuban Revolution is, and has accomplished, has an excellent opportunity to do so this spring. The National Network on Cuba, a coalition of groups in solidarity with the Cuban people, is organizing the U.S. delegation to participate in the upcoming 15th International May Day Brigade of Voluntary Work and Solidarity With Cuba, hosted by the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples.
Those on the April 26-May 10 brigade will have a rare opportunity to meet and work with Cuban working people and to discuss the impact of their revolution. Their victory over a U.S.-backed dictatorship in 1959 led to the opening of the socialist revolution in the Americas.
It is also a chance to talk about the class struggle and activities of supporters of the Cuban Revolution in the U.S. and elsewhere. Last year 320 people from 21 countries, including 65 from the U.S., took part.
A central highlight of the brigade is joining a million Cuban working people for the May Day march in Havana celebrating their revolution on the international workers day.
Brigade members will be based at the Julio Antonio Mella camp 25 miles outside Havana. They will do voluntary work side by side with Cuban farmers in the fields, meet leaders of the Cuban people’s mass organizations and talk to working people.
This year the brigade will spend several days in Pinar del Rio province in western Cuba, taking part in panels on the Cuban economy, the legacy of Che Guevara and the truth about human rights in Cuba. There will be opportunities to visit factories, farm cooperatives, universities, health care centers, museums and cultural venues to learn more about the revolution.
Despite new U.S. government restrictions, this trip is organized in accordance with U.S. guidelines. Travel arrangements from the U.S. are being handled by Marazul Tours travel agency.
Total cost, not including airfare to Cuba, is $725. Applications are due by March 27. For more information visit: www.nnoc.info or email ICanGoToCuba@nnoc.info.