Monthly Archives: January 2016

Today we began with a discussion of life with host families. Then, we heard from Democracy Center Executive Director Jim Shultz. He told of his personal history of activism, the evolution of the work of the Democracy Center, and his analysis … Continue reading →

Today, we began thinking about doing ethnographic fieldwork. This week, students will be conducting their own observations and interviews in the afternoons, so we discussed ethics and methods. Then we heard from Maria Eugenia Flores Castor, who is a long time … Continue reading →

On day 5, we heard from Dan Moriarty, a lay Maryknoll who has spent more than 20 years in Bolivia. He discussed race and racism in Bolivia, including the escalation of racist attacks during the Morales administration. Unfortunately I didn’t … Continue reading →

Today we heard from Jaime Zambrano, who discussed indigenous identity and buen vivir, ideas of the good life that emerge from distinct indigenous cosmovisions. He also brought his musical group and shared music. After lunch, students took a walking tour of murals … Continue reading →

Today we began with a discussion of the power of protests, as we compared the Water and Gas “Wars,” as the protests of 2000 and 2003 became known. Then, we had an amazing and inspiring discussion of the long history … Continue reading →

We began this morning with a rousing discussion of neoliberalism, inclusion and cosmopolitanism inspired by Nancy Postero’s article on the struggle to create radical democracy in Bolivia. Then, we heard a sweeping summary of contemporary issues in Bolivia from Vivian … Continue reading →

Today was a full day! We started with a few reminders from Lee about Bolivian manners (greet everyone in the room, and be sure to say goodbye to everyone!) and safety (sadly illustrated by the stitches she got yesterday after … Continue reading →

It was a miracle! Everyone arrived on time, with their bags, most exhausted after the over night flight but in good spirits. We began our orientation with Lee Criland, from Volunteer Bolivia, who gave an overview of safety tips, home-stay … Continue reading →