Wednesday, March 21st, 2007
Going to Chicago (from the CIW)
Remember, you can buy tickets for the buses from NYC to Chicago right here (see the big yellow button on the right) or at FAIRFOODNYC (at) GMAIL.COM .
Payment is needed ASAP since we need to pay NOW for buses on the 12th!
See our CHICAGO pages for more details.
Caravaners for Fair Food, Farmworker Justice, and Dignity
Dear Caravaners for Fair Food, Justice, and Dignity –
Thank you for all the amazing work you are doing to bring your communities to join the CIW’s Behind the Golden Arches Tour in Chicago this April! These are exciting times leading up to what promises to be a mobilization of historic proportions. We keep hearing from communities like yours across the country who are mobilizing towards Chicago! Utah, Washington state, and Ohio have recently joined the list of nearly 30 states who will be sending groups to join us in Chicago, and, as you may have already heard, AFL- CIO President John Sweeney just confirmed for April 14th!
Many of you have been asking good questions about logistical, financial, and other issues for the actions. We try to address some of those general logistical issues here. Of course, details are coming together for the mobilization every day, and we will keep you all up-to-date as information becomes available.
Our ability to plan and make the two days of action flow problem-free will depend on us knowing your numbers and arrival times with as much lead time as possible. To help us, we ask that you please fill out the attached “City Form” and email it to:
workers@ciw-online.org
ASAP so that we can get a handle on the numbers and plan accordingly.
For the most up-to-date information, check our website at: www.ciw-online.org/2007truthtour/index.html
APRIL 13-14 LOGISTICS INFORMATION-
Housing: The Chicagoland Advance Team is still working on securing housing (mostly floor space) for all of our Caravaners. The sooner we know your expected numbers, the better we’ll be able to provide housing. Please make us aware ASAP of any special housing needs and note them on the attached City Form. Depending on your estimated arrival time we will have a better idea where your bus/vans should go. We are looking into possible “convergence” sites, where caravans can come and for orientation and materials for the weekend’s events.
Transportation: If you are not coming in a vehicle or bus, we are looking into transportation from Chicago to Oak Brook for Friday’s rally at McDonald’s headquarters in Oak Brook and then back to Chicago that evening. Please note on your city form if you will need transportation. Buses and vehicles will be able to park in a designated space near McDonald’s Headquarters, and we will be in touch with details about where this is.
Saturday’s events in downtown Chicago will begin and end at Federal Plaza, which is accessible by the public transportation in Chicago (the “L” train or buses), which is both easy to navigate and inexpensive. Buses can also drop people off at Federal Plaza and then go elsewhere. More information to come on this front, too.
Networking Opportunities: Many of you coming to the Chicago actions come from organizations leading exciting struggles, and the two days of action are an excellent opportunity to share news of your organizations, campaigns, and upcoming actions with activists from around the country. To facilitate that there will be time for workshops during Planton Esperanza during the morning hours of April 13th and tabling during the afternoon rally on the 14th. If you are interested in tabling or possibly organizing a short workshop, please let us know and indicate this on the city form as soon as possible so that we can make the appropriate arrangements.
WHAT TO BRING-
- The following is a suggested list of items that you may need or choose to bring:
- - Spending money for food and public transportation
- - Sleeping bag
- - Change of WEATHER-APPROPRIATE clothes- the weather changes rapidly, so please check the forecast before coming.
- - Personal items and toiletries
- - Towel
- - Noise makers
- - Banners, and protest art
- - Information about the organization you represent
- - Snacks
- -First aid kit
While the CIW is doing everything possible to provide logistical information and support for groups who will be coming to Chicago, we ask that you do as much possible to self-organize your group and also communicate to us any needs you have. … Also, stay tuned for a mobilization guide in the coming weeks.Please let us know if there are other issues you have questions about. We can’t wait to see you in Chicago!
Coalition of Immokalee Workers Student Farmworker Alliance Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida