VENEZUELA SOLIDARITY CALENDAR
ANALYSIS
Term limits, democracy and the February 15 referendum
Chris Kerr - Caracus - On February 15, an amendment to Venezuela’s constitution will be voted on that proposes to remove limits on the number of times an elected official can stand for election to a public office. If passed, it would allow President Hugo Chavez to stand in the presidential elections in 2012. Venezuela’s right-wing opposition misleadingly characterises the proposed reform as “indefinite re-election”, implying that the vote is about whether or not to make Chavez “president for life”. In fact, all the amendment would do is remove existing restrictions on standing for election. Chavez or any other incumbent would still be required to actually win the popular vote. READ MORE
SOLIDARITY EVENTS
SYDNEY - Where to for the Venezuelan revolution after the referendum?
This meeting of the Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network will discuss the outcomes of the February 15 referendum in Venezuela on a reform to the Constitution to allow President Hugo Chavez to stand for re-election. The referendum outcome will be both a reflection and determinant of the progress of the Bolivarian revolution.
6.30pm, Monday February 16th Activist Centre, 23 Abercrombie St, Chippendale (just off Broadway near UTS)
MELBOURNE - VENEZUELA- CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE & FUTURE PROSPECTS
Forum and celebration of 10 years of revolution
Special Guests:
Federico Fuentes - Researcher at the Centro Internacional Miranda, Caracas, Venezuela; co-author of a recent book on development of the Bolivian, Movement Towards Socialism Party; coordinator of the Caracas bureau of "Green Left Weekly" for the last 2 years; on the editorial board of "Marea Socialista", paper of the political-trade union current of the same name active within the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and the National Union of Workers, and "Luz y Fuerza", organ of the Federation of Electrical Workers of Venezuela.
Jo Williams - recently returned from Venezuela, a Victoria University academic and organiser of the 2009 Eduction Exchange to Venezuela.
3.30pm - 6pm Saturday February 21st, Queensberry Hotel, Crn Swanston and Queensberry St, Carlton Sth,
Forum followed by entertainment from Salvadorian and Chilean musicians
Entry by donation - $5 (suggested) Organised by the Australian Venezuela Solidarity Network. Ph Jody 0419 691 403 or Roberto 0425 289 394
BRISBANE - Speakout: Support the constitutional reform!
Join the speak-out to support the people of Venezuela's right to elect whoever they wish as president.
US Hands off Venezuela! Support the constitutional reform!
Friday, February 20, 5-6pm Brisbane Square, George St (top of Queen St Mall).
Organised by the Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network
BRISBANE - Eyewitness reports: Venezuela - The Revolution Continues
A public forum featuring presentations and photos by 7 local participants in the November Australian Venezuela solidarity brigade.
Thursday, February 26, 6:30pm CEPU Office, 41 Peel St, South Brisbane.
Donation entry, dinner and drinks available. Organised by AVSN. Ph Marg 0439 411 330 or Jon 0438 162 597
MELBOURNE - SOLIDARITY BRIGADE INFO SESSIONS
Join the Melbourne AVSN Committee in organising our solidarity work.
7pm Thursday, March 12th @ The Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, Melbourne Ph 0418 691 403
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Join an Australian solidarity brigade to Venezuela!
April 15 - April 25, 2009
& November - December 2009
Venezuela’s Bolivarian revolution led by President Hugo Chavez is shaking up global politics and inspiring millions of ordinary people with the evidence that a better – a peaceful, democratic and socially just – world is possible. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s brigades to Venezuela are a unique opportunity to see first-hand an unfolding revolution. Participants in the April 2009 solidarity brigade will visit worker-controlled factories and cooperatives, free public education and health programs, and community media outlets. They will observe “popular power” at work in the communal councils, and speak to a range of grassroots and government organisations about the radical changes being implemented by the Venezuelan people.
In the last five years, the AVSN has organised eight solidarity brigades from Australia to Venezuela, involving more than 150 participants. These study/solidarity tours are inspiring experiences, providing an opportunity to observe and understand why Venezuela’s goal of creating “socialism of the 21st century’’ is transforming the world.
And after the Venezuela brigade… While you’re in the neighbourhood, why not visit revolutionary Cuba and join the millions of people who will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution at the huge May Day rally in Havana on May 1, 2009?
The deadline for registering for the Venezuela solidarity brigade is March 1, 2009.
FOR MORE INFORMATION email brigades@venezuelasolidarity.
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AVSN MELBOURNE ORGANISING MEETING
Join the Melbourne AVSN Committee in organising our solidarity work.
6.30pm Thursday, February 12th @ The Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, Melbourne
Ph 0418 691 403
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STAY UP TO DATE WITH NEWS FROM VENEZUELA
To receive a daily digest of news and analysis of the latest developments in the Venezuelan revolution, subscribe to the AVSN's news e-group. Simply send a blank email message to: Venezuela_Solidarity_Network-
JOIN THE AUSTRALIA VENEZUELA SOLIDARITY NETWORK .... and get involved!
Annual membership of the AVSN is only $20 ($10 concession). Just send a cheque or money order with your contact details to PO Box 5421CC, Melbourne 3001, or deposit the membership fee into AVSN's Commonwealth Bank Account number 063-262 1032 7976
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