WHO WE ARE

The Democracy Center works globally to advance social justice through investigation and reporting, training citizens in public advocacy, and leading international citizen campaigns.

Dignity and Defiance

Co-Editors: Jim Shultz and Melissa Crane Draper

Book Cover Dignity and Defiance is a powerfull, well-crafted, eyewitness account, of Bolivia's rebellion from below. Readers will find compelling first person accounts of Bolivia's historic water revolt; of a massive Shell-Enron oil spill and its aftermath; of a nation's battle to control its oil and gas; and of one people's dramatic and successful challenge to the policies of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Here too is the story of those seeking out globalization's opportunities, from indigenous weaving communities to emigrants, transplanted to three continents.

Bolivia's story is emblematic of the major political and social transformation underway throughout Latin America today. This book brings readers into that story at a human level, through the eye of skilled writers who blend together deep research and compelling narrative to bring a nation's story to life.

In February 2009, the Democracy Center team that put this book together will be headed to the U.S. for a national tour. What we are cooking up is much more than a book tour. Along with Bolivian co-workers and friends, we'll be traveling from one coast of the U.S. to the other to use the book, videos, music and more as part of an educational tour about the impact of U.S. policy in Latin America.

How can you help?

The Democracy Center is already organizing events in four cities – San Francisco, Washington, New York, and Santa Fe. We are also working to put together events in many more places, including Seattle, Portland, Denver/Boulder, the Twin Cities, Chicago, Boston and more.

Here are some ideas about how you can pitch in—whether it be with your time, your contacts, or a little something from your wallet:

Help organize/coordinate the event in your city/town

Be on the central organizing committee
Volunteer for a specific task during the event
- Help with set-up/clean-up before or after the event
- Be in charge of audio/visual
- Translate/interpret for our Bolivian friends when they speak
- Staff our table (Answer questions, give information, sell books)
Suggest a place where the event could be held
Suggest other people or organizations who would want to be involved in the event planning
Suggest groups who should be invited to the event
Suggest local media contacts to feature the book and upcoming event (local radio stations, local newspapers, local TV

Offer some financial support

Provide specific funding for an event as an individual or an organization
Sponsor the trip of a Bolivian colleague to join our book tour
Provide in-kind donations (media and sound equipment, food, drink)
For students: invite us to speak and see if your university can offer us an honorarium

Email book@democracyctr.org if you can help out with any of the above, or with some other ideas.

Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you soon!