The CASA Collectives are seeking a dedicated, passionate leader and facilitator to coordinate the CASA center for education, international solidarity and activism in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. We are committed to non-hierarchical experiential education and act in direct solidarity with local peoples, communities and organizations. Please forward widely. (en español) Calling all activists, organizers, dreamers and rabble-rousers! * Do you work or have experience in popular education, health, theater, art or organizing? * Are you interested in social justice struggles and defending human rights? The CASA Collectives are seeking a dedicated, passionate leader and facilitator to coordinate the CASA center for education, international solidarity and activism in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. We are committed to non-hierarchical experiential education and act in direct solidarity with local peoples, communities and organizations. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Final application deadline: April 1, 2008 [Note, the deadline has been extended until April 10th.]

Our mission

CASA, Colectivos de Apoyo, Solidaridad y Acción, responds to the call for international solidarity with grassroots indigenous and campesino movements by maintaining two centers in Mexico for education, support and activism: one in Chiapas and another in Oaxaca. We seek to further social justice and sustainable development in Mexico and the United States through education, network building and facilitating first hand experience of globalization and human rights issues. We collaborate with other non-governmental organizations and local communities according to the needs, demands, and methodologies they express.

Collective Facilitator Responsibilities

The Collective Facilitator will be responsible for collaborating with other collective members to ensure that collective space and projects are maintained. In addition, the Facilitator will be responsible for accompanying and assisting in the transition to full collective functioning. Ideal candidates will be motivated, creative, flexible and collectively oriented. Requirements: • Bilingual in Spanish and English • Experience in Latin America (Chiapas preferred) • Awareness of the Chiapas conflict, neo-liberal globalization, immigration issues and indigenous rights movements • Previous work in collective organizing, non-hierarchical organizing and group facilitation • Commitment to social justice and community struggles for human rights Preferred candidates will have: • Experience mobilizing funding and resources for social justice projects and organizations • Skills in teaching and workshop facilitation • At least 2 years previous work experience in Latin America • People skills, social sensitivity and conflict mediation skills • Interest and/or experience in communal living • Experience in building inter-organizational relationships, maintaining organizational ties and facilitating member placements • Strong analytical and writing skills Full time, 40 hours/week. One year commitment required, two year commitment preferred. Compensation: $200/month living expenses stipend, $35/month health stipend, and free accommodations at the CASA House (communal housing). Living in Chiapas is very affordable. $200/month covers food and all basic expenses. Reimbursement for some travel expenses. Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The final date for submitting applications is April 1, 2008. Candidates must be available to be in Chiapas by June 15, 2008. We will notify you at least one month in advance. Chiapas is in a state of low-intensity warfare. Job may include travel, rugged environments and potentially dangerous situations. Applicants should be prepared for harsh and challenging conditions.

Job Description: Collective Facilitator, CASA Collective

CASA, Colectivos de Apoyo, Solidaridad y Acción, responds to the call for international solidarity with grassroots indigenous and campesino movements by maintaining two centers in Mexico for education, support and activism: one in Chiapas and another in Oaxaca. We seek to further social justice and sustainable development in Mexico and the United States through education, network building and facilitating first hand experience of globalization and human rights issues. We collaborate with other non-governmental organizations and local communities according to the needs, demands, and methodologies they express. The Collective Facilitator will be responsible for collaborating with other collective members to ensure that the collective space and projects are maintained. In addition, the facilitator, along with all collective members, will be responsible for partnering with local communities and organizations, as well as coordinating an on-going workshop series. The following is a list of general CASA tasks. The Collective Facilitator will make sure these tasks are fulfilled, although the tasks themselves should be shared with collective members. Organizational Development: • Support fundraising efforts (may include grant writing, research, speaking events) • Participate in research and development of new program areas • Respond to CASA email, coordinate application process of potential collective members, meet with interested candidates in San Cristóbal • Plan, promote and host delegations CASA space and Collective Members: • Maintain CASA space and coordinate collective members • Ongoing education: support and facilitate weekly workshop series • Support reflection for arriving and departing collective members • Coordinate orientation process and workshops • Coordinate writing of monthly newsletter. Newsletter includes updates on projects, current information about the political situation in Chiapas, and any other interesting news, recipes and announcements. • Manage house expenses: rent, gas, water, drinking water. Send house expense report and budget to CASA Board every two months. • Coordinate house logistics: inform members/visitors of necessary info (i.e. how hot water works, kitchen info, laundry, food, cleaning). Communities and Organizational Partners: • Cultivate and maintain relationships with local NGOs, identify projects for collaboration. Arrange to meet with organization/community representatives on a regular basis to discuss specific projects, identify placement opportunities for collective members, and evaluate CASA progress and work. Attend and support community events. • Share information between local NGOs and collective members. Identify projects for collective collaboration and communicate with other members regarding this work (translation or other projects.) Provide documentation for human rights observation. Introduce new collective members to contacts at NGOs and orient them to projects. • Participate in work with partner NGOs so as to strengthen relationships with these organizations. • Travel to indigenous communities for human rights observation or collaboration on projects.

Applications and attachments must be submitted electronically via this webform. If you experience any problems with the electronic submission process, please email info@chiapaspeacehouse.org