Solidarity with Central America in the Wake of U.S. Wars
In the 1980s, the US government and corporations continued to wage war in Latin American countries by backing reactionary, far right forces especially in Central America. Reagan’s “Low Intensity Conflict” policy gave the US military and CIA free reign to arm and direct right-wing militias, causing civil wars throughout the region and enriching US corporations that violently opposed any Latin American progressive governments. At the same time, the Reagan regime rejected Central American immigrants fleeing the war torn region to the US. To counteract the US government policy of creating war in and rejecting immigrants from Central America, IFCO launched the Central American Information Week (CAIW) campaigns.
IFCO CAIW organizers Sharon Haas and Ed, in front of chart detailing CAIW activities nationwide
Gail Walker with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister (later president of the UN General Assembly) Father Miguel d’Escoto
IFCO staff organized CAIW campaigns by state and included church, community, legislative and press outreach events that often featured Central American faith leaders and activists to speak directly to the impact of US-backed wars in the region. The CAIW model was highly successful in educating the US public about US policy towards Central America and more importantly — mobilized a grassroots network to change it.
A CAIW in Virginia reached 19,754 people via 568 events in churches and schools in 78 communities, prompting Rev. Cessar Scott, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia to laud IFCO’s work:
“IFCO has done a tremendous job organizing Central American Information Week in Virginia; especially when you consider how conservative our state is.”
The CAIW campaigns would also serve as the model for the Pastors for Peace caravans.