What you should know about the Pastors for Peace Caravan

Created in 1988, Pastors for Peace is a part of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization. The group provides aid to Carribean and Latin American countries, but is most famous in Cuban solidarity for its friendshipment caravan to Cuba, an important and highly visible challenge to the American blockade of Cuba. The Caravan travels across North America, crossing into Canada and Mexico, before delivering goods and volunteers to Cuba. In 2010, the Caravan will visit 130 US and Canadian cities.

Why you should you get involved

The Caravan delivers much needed practical aid to Cuba. Every Caravan delivers a variety of supplies to Cuba, ranging from construction supplies to computers, to educational materials and a great deal more. The Caravan is one great way to provide Cuba with material aid distributed by an ecumenical council of Cuban religious leaders.

The Caravan represents a practical, symbolic, and community-focused opposition to the blockade. The Caravan refused to take a license to deliver humanitarian aid to Cuba. Instead, they openly provide aid to Cuba without formal approval from the United States government as an act of nonviolent civil disobedience. Their work encourages a 'people to people' political approach that reminds us all that we can work together to benefit Cuba directly.

Participating in the Caravan promotes an international approach to solidarity. The blockade does not affect the relationship between the United States and Cuba solely. In fact, the Helms-Burton and Torcelli Acts both represent highly invasive and 'extra-national' attempts on the part of the US government to dictate relations between Cuba and other countries (like Canada!). The Caravan brings people together from all across North America to declare: “Cuba, sí! Bloquéo, no!!”

Take Action

There are many ways to participate in the Caravan: sponsoring vehicles, donating goods, raising funds, hosting local events, raising awareness — and more. Visit the Pastors for Peace Web site to learn how you can participate.