 This was my third trip with a SHARE delegation to serve as an election observer in El Salvador. On each trip, I have learned more about the history and concerns of the people of El Salvador. Some of it is very disturbing because it involves injustice and murder of innocent citizens by agents of the U.S. government. Our group visited the chapel where Monsignor Romero was assassinated, and we heard some of the details of this horrific event. It seems that in the many years since Romero’s death, information about U.S. involvement becomes more evident. Of course, the U.S. also armed pro-government forces during El Salvador’s civil war, including death squads that murdered thousands of innocent citizens. Yet, Salvadorans choose to settle in the U.S., and one of the largest concentrations is in the area where I live, metropolitan Washington, DC.
These great contradictions continue in the policies and practices of our current federal government, which has become very anti-immigrant, and particularly unjust to people of color. I was treated with such warmth and respect during my time in El Salvador; at the polling places, many Salvadorans approached me and asked about where I come from and how I became an election observer; they told me of their travels in the U.S. and several said they had lived in the U.S. for several years. On the most recent trip, I felt uncomfortable to be an American and wondered if anyone would show hostility toward me or other members of the delegation. SHARE does an amazing job of organizing and leading the delegations. On my first trip, for the presidential election in 2014, we spent several days in orientation, including lectures by an economist and visits to historic sites as well as visiting community based programs which were improving the lives of women and the poor. We met with leaders such as a mayor and several mothers of children who “disappeared” during the civil war. We went to candidate forums. We were hosted by a former ambassador at his beautiful home. The SHARE staff held many discussions so that we could reflect on our experiences and ask questions about what we were learning. I feel that all of the activities are very carefully chosen and well planned so that delegates will better understand what is at stake in having a free and fair election process. The other delegates come from all over the U.S. as well as Canada and Mexico. The range of ages and professions was surprising. We had two college students in our group, as well as at least two senior citizens (that’s me!) The thoughtfulness and assistance from SHARE staff who accompanied our group was exceptional. I think the most exciting part of observing the election is the vote counting. When the president of the precinct (table) held up each ballot, it was just thrilling. I wish U.S. elections had such transparency. There is much more I could say about my memorable service with SHARE delegations, but I conclude that I will be returning to participate in a future delegation. I thank SHARE for the opportunity to meet fascinating people and for working to improve confidence in the electoral process. Reflections from El Salvador
 This was an experience like I have never had before. I have been to El Salvador many times over the past number of years. In the past I have been privileged to be part of house building, youth centre construction, water projects and many different ventures. This year I was given the opportunity to be part of an election observation delegation with Share. Share took very good care of us while we were in El Salvador, from transportation from the airport to the election training we required, right down to the smallest details. I saw a part of El Salvador that I hadn’t seen before. We were part of an exciting “rally” in the streets of Tecoluca, where we saw what some would say was the passion or dedication that political party affiliation might bring out in people. We had the opportunity to meet with people from different communities we visited and heard the different stories people wanted to share with us. I thank Jose for the opportunity, I thank Sophia for her organizational skills and Claudia and Anabell for their skillful logistics in country. For those considering working with Share, from my experience, they are a great organization to work with. May my God continue to with and through this organization. Respectfully, El Salvador Bill Reflexiones de El SalvadorEsta fue una experiencia como nunca antes. He estado en El Salvador muchas veces durante los últimos años. En el pasado, tuve el privilegio de ser parte de la construcción de viviendas, construcción de centros juveniles, proyectos de agua y muchas empresas diferentes. Este año tuve la oportunidad de ser parte de una delegación de observación electoral con Share. Share nos cuidó muy bien mientras estábamos en El Salvador, desde el transporte desde el aeropuerto hasta la capacitación electoral que requeríamos, hasta en los detalles más pequeños. Vi una parte de El Salvador que no había visto antes.
Fuimos parte de una emocionante "manifestación" en las calles de Tecoluca, donde vimos lo que algunos dirían que era la pasión o la dedicación que la afiliación a los partidos políticos podía generar en las personas. Tuvimos la oportunidad de reunirnos con personas de diferentes comunidades que visitamos y escuchamos las diferentes historias que la gente quería compartir con nosotros. Le agradezco a José la oportunidad, agradezco a Sophia por sus habilidades organizativas y a Claudia y Anabell por su hábil logística en el campo. Para aquellos que consideran trabajar con Share, según mi experiencia, son una gran organización para trabajar. Mi Dios continúe con y a través de esta organización. Respetuosamente, El Salvador Bill |
SHARE EL SALVADORSHARE STRENGTHENS SOLIDARITY WITH AND AMONG THE SALVADORAN PEOPLE IN EL SALVADOR AND THE UNITED STATES IN THE STRUGGLE FOR ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY, JUSTICE, AND HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS. Archives
October 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed
SHARE El Salvador
|
|