A mixture of cultural tradition and colonization

Beautiful colours, traditional dress, modern music and pierced lips. Hand made tortillas beside packaged brand named items. A piece of the past mixed with the present. The integration of traditional culture and colonialism.

As Loyalist College International Support Worker students spent the second day of their five-week experiential learning venture exploring the streets of San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, they were told to be cautious, blend in and pay attention to detail. As with any new culture it is important to take sufficient time to observe and absorb the culture and what is going on around you. Pay attention to small detail and notice differences and similarities within the culture itself.

Students were divided into small groups of three, given a basis map and a check-list of locations and off they went. Students ventured slowly, took their time and engaged with locals to gain a deeper insight and understanding of the dynamics and complexity of the Mexican culture.

During the students debrief many important issues were discussed. Students recognized more than the obvious cultural differences such as food, dress, architecture and road rules. They noted the different colours of dress within the different indigenous groups, recognized the differences in the roles played by children in the South compared to the North, the level of religious value and influence within the culture and signs of imperial capitalism with a traditional twist.

“The thing that gets me is the amount of recognition for the Virgin of Guadalupe,” says Caila Widdifield, graduate of the developmental service worker program at Loyalist College and current ISW student in Chiapas, Mexico. “It is incredible how much respect they have when only one person witnessed this miracle, yet the vast of the culture is based on this. Doesn’t matter what generation you are or who you are, mestizo or indigenous, old or young. [The Virgin of Guadalupe] has influenced a lot of people and it isn’t just one area, it is across Mexico.”

As referenced by ISW professor Kate Rogers, many people believe Mexico is very much a Catholic nation, however, if you ask most Mexican’s they would say their country is very much Guadelupian. Jesus Christ is still very much a part of the Mexican culture and honoured within active religions but is focused on the Virgin of Guadalupe and Jesus’ is credited based on the fact that people believe him to be the son of this marvelous women saint.

Within the student debrief, the idea of ‘Guadelupianism’ was explored as an example of cultural tradition mixed with colonialism. The people of Mexico were conquered by the Spanish and deemed a Catholic nation but were still able to identify with something unique that they believed in and held true value towards.

The Virign of Guadalupe was a dark skin women who called herself the reincarnation of Virgin Mary. Guadaupe said we are all people of God and she had come for the poor people. Many believe the whole idea of the Virgin of Guadalupe was a scam for the Bishop and Mexican leaders to regain power as the Catholic church was failing. Either way, neither have been proved and for many, it no longer matters.

“When you think about the destruction left behind from colonialism; it robbed indigenous people of their identity and when Guadalupe came forward… [it was] a reclamation of the identity of the Mexican people that colonialism had stripped them of,” says Heather Barker, current ISW student with years of experience working in harm reduction and community development in the Belleville and Brampton communities. “This is a way of finding joy and identity within colonialism and it is in a sense, allowing them to take their power back.”

As ISW students continue their learning journey over the next five weeks they will be exploring different aspects of Mexican culture and will be exposed to the true complexities of the cultures existence. As they have already learned the answers to many questions are complex and a culture cannot be fully understood in a day, a week, a month or sometimes even a lifetime. The idea is to open your mind to new ideas and the possibility of things that are different and to gain new insight and viewpoints to international issues.

Finally here - ISW students make it to Chiapas, Mexico

Today we arrived at our final destination; San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. After more than 24 hours in travel transit, I can confidently speak on behalf of the group when I say we are extremely glad to be here!

People say there is opportunity to learn in everything you do, I believe this is true. Since Monday evening at 11:00pm when we left Belleville, Ontario for our five-week adventure I feel all ISW students and Quest Internacional participants have partaken in essential learning experiences and personal growth. Some things may not seem as important as others but all are essential to competent staff in the field of international work.

For example; safe travel. This included some things that may seem more obvious, such as researching of destination, proper packing, proper health requirements and vaccinations, travel documentation and life style commitments and obligations such as who will look after my cat and I must remember to pay my rent in advance. Once on the road we learned about safe and adequate travel; stay together, be respectful of others, always keep an eye on your bag and never leave it unattended, do not act inappropriately suspicious unless you are looking for delay, be flexible, be patient, be prepared. It's interesting but often I feel it is a lot of these little things that are important when travelling in large groups. Everyone is on their own journey and have different levels of travel experience and different styles of everything; learning to cooperate, be patient, kind and work as a team are difficult things to overcome, especially when tensions are up and sleep levels are down, but are also essential to a successful group learning experience.

Although there have been minor bumps in the road all members of the ISW class as well as members of Quest Internacional have done a phenomenal job of all the things listed above. I am impressed with the levels of maturity, responsibility and understanding of others and am proud to be part of this group. I look forward to tomorrow and am excited to fall asleep. Yes, it is only 11:16pm and I am exhausted.

Hasta pronto y hasta manana!!

No more sleeps in my own bed, now I sit and wait - ISW students do Mexico

My bag is packed, the heat is down and my apartment is beginning to grow cold which means it must soon be time to go. Tonight at 11:00pm I will be joining 16 friends, and fellow classmates in the International Support Worker program as we head to the Toronto airport and straight on towards Chiapas, Mexico, where we will be staying for the next 5 weeks as part of our post-graduate program.

Similar to last year when I traveled to Mexico with Quest Internacional, there's the anticipated, anticipation and slight nausea of nervousness as the butterflies in my stomach begin to dance. I have been excited and preparing for this journey for over a year when I decided to enroll in the program and yet, I am speechless.

If there is one thing I have learned as a student in the ISW program and as a participant in Quest, is that all things are unpredictable. As much as we can prepare ourselves, all circumstances have a beat of beat of their own and all we can do is enjoy the ride. I have been going to Mexico for the past three years as a participant in an international and experiential learning organization. Each year I have returned a new person, not remembering who I was before. Each time I feel as though I have grown, in every aspect of the meaning. Mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Sometimes it is interesting to think back and remember myself as an even younger girl than I am now. It's funny how in five weeks sometimes everything can change, and sometimes nothing happens at all.

One thing I know for sure, is I haven't a clue what to expect. I am excited, anxious, nervous, rambunctious, gitty, grateful and honoured. I am already so thankful for everything this experience will bring, and we haven't even got on the plane.


Join us on our journey and participate in our adventure: www.ideals.nu

For more information on the International Support Worker (ISW) Program Click Here


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Loyalist students begin four-week journey in Mexico Tuesday

International Support Worker students learn from international development representatives

Loyalist students not concerned about traveling to Mexico

Countdown to Chiapas!

With only six days left till departure, Loyalist College International Support Worker students and staff are busy at work preparing for their travels.

As part of the preparations, students have spent many hours discussing topics such as safe travel, cultural awareness and health and safety. Within these topics, discussions include subjects on health concerns, immunizations, customs and immigration, ground travel, language barrier, food and water and culture shock, among others.

Students also spent time meeting with a representative of the Canadian International Development Agency, where they were able to gain insight on development from within a governmental agency. Students will soon visit impoverished villages within Chiapas Mexico, some of which would be similar to villages of whom receive funding from CIDA in other countries. By having unique learning opportunities such as this, students are able to gain experience in hands on practice, theory and critical analysis, for example the cycle of development from a northern agency to a southern village.

Check out the writing, reflections, photos and stories of International Support Worker students while they venture through Southern Mexico for 5 weeks. Check out their host website at http://www.ideals.nu/

Voting is a privilege

As elections approach, it is critical to remember the impact of community voice and the strength of a vote, even on a municipal level.

People around the world rally, campaign and fight for the right to vote. To have a voice that is recognized within their government. They are fighting for the right to contribute to the decision making process of their country.

In places like Canada and the United States, the right to vote is devalued and taken advantage of. People don’t take this opportunity to practice their rights, as members of a democratic society, to ask for answers and demand change from their municipal, provincial and national leaders.

In developing countries the right to vote can be a cause of death. It is a privileged to have a voice that is recognized within a political structure and be given the right to demand change.

Practice your rights of freedom. Use your voice, demand your rights, strengthen your community and vote.


Change happens in small steps, one community at a time.

Related Sites:

Vote! It's your Agenda An online information tool for election information in the Belleville, Quinte Area.

A good use of social media!

Have something to say to your mayoral canditates?

Belleville running NDP candidate Jodie Jenkins announced he would be using YouTube to engage voters for the upcoming provincial election, reports The Shield.

This is a great example of using social media to strengthen community voice and encourage participation.

Get involved, ask questions, get answers, get results.

Young voters to ask questions via YouTube

For an example of what to expect: YouTube Debates

“The Women United.”

What do they want? Freedom. When do they want it? Now.

On September 30th women around the world gathered together in solidarity to stand up, speak out, demand dignity and march the streets to take back the night.

Take back the night is an international awareness campaign that has been taking place around the globe for over 30 years. Locally, this event has been running for over 18 years and more than 75 women, children (and male supporters) met in market square downtown Belleville to rally in support of the fight to end violence against women.

Elise Hineman of the Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District says the purpose of the march is to bring awareness to these issues and for women to gain the confidence to stand together in solidarity and take back their rights.

“Sometimes women are forced to hide in fear and tonight we are taking back our rights… we are marching together to end violence against women.”

The rally included music by local musicians, presentations on the history of the event and a special word from author and poet Karen Dack who is a survivor of abuse and sexual assault.

Dack read her poem called “It's time” where she speaks of living in fear as a victim of assault and of the time she gained the strength and support to recover.

“Why should I be ashamed of what happened to me?” Dack says. “I didn’t choose it and I was lucky to have the support I did to recover from it.”

Dack shares her experience as a victim of sexual assault and has written numerous books to provide other women with the strength to stand up for their rights.

Every day women around the world are forced to walk the streets in fear and are in a constant state of vulnerability because of their gender. Each year hundred of women are victims to sexual, physical and mental assault. In 2004, one hundred and ninety eight women were victims of homicide within Canada alone.

Mary Jane Breault, a past chair of the Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District, participated in the awareness campaign and says the purpose of these marches is to remind people that abuse exists and is still out there. Creating awareness is the first step to prevention and walking together in unity and in support of these victims is an opportunity to take back what was lost and make sure it is put to an end.

Numerous local organizations including Three Oaks, Women Foundation, and the Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District were all essential partners in the awareness campaign and fight to end violence against women. Many of these members have been involved for numerous years and together with the community, are making the streets safer for all women.



Photo Credit: Liam Kavanagh-Bradette

Global Harmony Gift Show

Friends, fans and extended family, we've got something else for you!

Arthur Frederick Community Builders is hosting a Global Harmony Gift Show this Saturday, September 25th at market square in downtown Belleville. The event will include different local non-profit organizations involved in international development and will show case quality goods from around the world.

Items available for purchase range from arts, crafts, jewellery, baked goods and snacks to fair trade coffee, Mexican silver and you can even get your face painted. Organizations you can expect to see, including members of the hosting organization Arthur Frederick Community Builders, are Quinte Grannies for Africa, Sleeping Children Around the World, Calcutta Rescue, Zatoun, members of the International Support Worker program from Loyalist College and more.

Not only is this a great opportunity to get outside, make some interesting purchases and have fun, it's an opportunity to meet the faces behind these organizations and connect with the people who are making true the notion of a Global Community.


So, if you're interested in international development, looking to get involved with your local community or wanting to learn about local and global non-profit organizations and innitiatives think glocal, and check it out!

See you there :) !!


Photo Credit: Member of Arthur Frederick Community Builders Paul Poirier, middle, smiles with new friends made in Mexico. AFCB is an independent not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for indigenous people in North, Central and South America.

Has expanded to new territory

As fall quickly approaches we at -Think Glocal- are excited for some new changes! We believe with change comes growth and when opportunity knocks you answer. In the light of this, we are also committing ourselves to a new one year program at Loyalist College in International Support Work.

We would like very much to make this a learning and growth opportunity for all of our readers, friends, fans and supporters and ask you join of us this journey. We will be regularly posting updates, news, articles, related information, photos, events, ideas and magical thoughts over the next year and welcome and encourage feedback and involvement from all interested.

For more information on the program check out International Support Worker program or click here.

What's going on ?!

BASEBALL TOURNAMENT!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1st, 2010
GRAFTON Diamonds, Highway 2.
...COST is $150 per team
REGISTRATION starts 9:00am

_______________________


Hey every buddy - grab your glove, your beer and all your friends and head out to Grafton for a fun day of baseball !

This tourney is only as competitive as you want it to be, everyone is welcome whether you play all the time, every now and then or never before in your life!

Registration will start at 9:00am and all players must be ready to start the tournament at 9:30am at the Grafton Ball Diamonds on Highway 2.

Cost of early bird registration is $100 a team or day of event $150 a team; please try to field your own team or let us know in advance and we'll organize smaller groups or individuals together.

Captains please let me know who you are in advance !

Creative team names and uniforms are encouraged! Go wild and have fun with it!

The games will be 3 pitch with a minimum of four girls per team (if not the batting list will go male, female, etc. rotating the ladies in wherever necessary).

Please bring your own glove, bats if possible, refreshments and positive attitude and see you all there!

This event is brought to you by Think GLOCAL, a non-profit media distribution outlet focused on non-profit organizations, community involvement and global awareness ---- in support of Quest Internacional, a non-profit organization based out of Belleville, Ontario that works to educate youth and promote international human rights and inclusiveness.

Join us on facebook ! CLICK HERE.