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

Note, as of April 2008, we're considering a new fundraising requirement for volunteers.

Volunteer Costs

• $100US-$300US (sliding scale) Collective Contribution: due one month before arrival in Chiapas or Oaxaca (for ongoing maintenance, materials and projects in Chiapas and Oaxaca)
• $50- $100US (sliding scale) Organization Donation: due at end of stay in Chiapas or Oaxaca (donation to the organization you collaborated with for the continuation of their projects)

We understand that CASA volunteers come from different communities, have different income levels, and different personal networks that they can draw on for support. By asking for a sliding scale contribution, 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.

Chiapas House Resident Costs (in addition to Volunteer Costs)

• $50 USD / month,  Rent:; includes furniture, all utilities (gas, potable water, garbage, water, electricity, soap, newspapers, computer maintenance )
• $12 USD/ week  Food: optional for House residents who want to eat communally.

Friends of the House

Friends of the house are people (other than volunteers) who participant in workshops and other CASA activities.

• $20-$100US Donation: (sliding scale, depending on financial situation and services used) for materials and maintenance.

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.

• Fundraising Suggestions

• Scholarship Opportunities

Rational behind the Collective Contribution

As of May 1st, 2006, we request a $100-$300 sliding sale Collective Contribution from volunteers. Here is a discussion about this decision.

Previously, CASA volunteers made a one time, sliding scale donation of $50-100 to CASA upon their arrival in Chiapas (House Donation), and a commensurate donation to the organization they volunteer with (Organization Donation). The House Donation goes towards the maintenance and care of our center in San Cristobal, paying for books for our library, newspapers, improvements to our garden, mural projects, etc (Chiapas only).

The $100-$300 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, maintaining 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 11th 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 Peace House provides our volunteers, including:

• Weekly workshops on topics ranging from Chiapas 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. This Program Fee 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.