The Coalition to Welcome President Chávez,
Circulo Bolivariano ‘Alberto Lovera’

Iglesia San Romero de Las Americas

And Global Women’s Strike Bolivarian Circle

Background: Venezuela is the world’s 5th largest oil supplier, yet 80% of its population lives in poverty. Pres. Chávez was elected by a landslide in 1998, initiating a “peaceful and democratic process” aimed at using the country’s oil revenue to end poverty & corruption, and tackling racism, sexism, & other discrimination. In April 2002 the US backed a coup by the racist white elite who kidnapped Pres. Chávez and overthrew the new revolutionary constitution framed by the population. But within three days, millions of people from the poorest areas, and first of all women, took to the streets and, with the help of loyal soldiers, won back both their president and their constitution. People in the US have been deprived of the truth about the new Venezuela by a corporate media which has vilified Pres. Chávez and censored the movement he spearheads. The Coalition to Welcome Pres Chávez was organizing a community event in NYC in September when the president was due to address the UN. He was forced to cancel his trip because of US threats to his life. The Coalition has continued to work to disseminate information about the exciting changes Venezuelans are making, and what they can mean for people everywhere.