February 7, 2011

There were 2 posts published on February 7, 2011 (this is page 1 of 1).

RPMA Coordinator’s Report

February 5, 2011
Oxnard, CA

INTRODUCTION
Compas, the following is a condensed analysis summing up the situation in which the Raza Press and Media Association (RPMA) currently finds itself. It includes a very general description of our movement today; the positives, negatives, and contradictions facing the (RPMA); and some possible responses that would improve the work of the RPMA. Its purpose is to share how the coordinator sees the over all situation of the RPMA and document for historical purposes.

INTRODCTION: PARTICULAR REALITIES OF CONCRETE CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED
A realistic appraisal of the current spaces of struggle within our movement explains to us why the Raza media is in such a dismal situation. It also informs as what we, as progressive and revolutionary journalists must do, to move the struggle forward. At all times keeping in mind that we (RPMA) are a reflection of this reality.
• First, those who are in the leadership of the “social movement” within our communities, continue to push moderate reformism and faith in the “moral principles” (of justice, peace, etc.) that they believe exist within the oppressor nation (capitalists, racists, etc.) –as the solution to ending the racist-fascist oppression currently confronting a large sector of our community.
• It is also apparent that the leadership/activists within the movement have not learned from past experiences –as many of the same errors made by activists in the past– continue to be made again.
• We also see that the left and revolutionary elements and groupings found within the movement are being “out organized” by the liberals or are being led by them. The reality is that many of us find ourselves tailing, rather than leading.
• The capitalist-colonialist system, playing up the “aspirations and opportunism” of the petty bourgeoisie -through financial enticements– has almost complete control (directly or indirectly) over many of those who are involved in social struggle –even without some of these activists themselves knowing it.
• We also witness how individualism (personal gain, etc.) and non-materialist struggle (idealism) is the motivator of many of the activists found within movement. (1)

POSITIVES AND STRENGTHS:
• Yet, in spite of scenario just described, the RPMA continues to move forward. Since our last general meeting (August 2010), members have produced a variety of media (journal, articles/commentaries, podcasts, etc.). We are the only Raza media group currently in existence. While there are some progressive Raza journalists doing work, generally speaking, they function as individuals and without any transparency.
• On the other hand, the RPMA has proven to be one of the most transparent and collective associations. It has a structure, well defined goals, meets on a regular basis, and publicizes the minutes and outcomes from its meetings. This is one of the principled features that distinguish the RPMA from other Raza media workers.
• The current structure of the RPMA functions according to our present conditions, enabling our small association to be very effective. The structure is also capable of incorporating any increase of activism that might arise in the future.
• Politically speaking the material/journalism that the members of the RPMA produce –is either progressive or revolutionary in content. This demonstrates our commitment to the aims and goals of the association.
• As explained in the article found in the most recent issue of La Pluma (Winter 2010), “20 YEARS OF JOURNALISM COMMITTED TO THE LIBERATION OF ALL OPRESSED PEOPLES”, the RPMA has to be recognized and commended for its 20 years of existence and determination to build the press/media that our community needs.

NEGATIVES, WEAKNESSES, AND CONTRADICTIONS
Observations and analysis of the work within the last six months also demonstrated some contradictions that need to be resolved. These include the following”
• Members could improve their work by making it more hard-hitting, sharp, innovative, and revolutionary. There is a need to make our media more “resistance focus” and not merely “critical” of the system. This means creating a media that not only informs, but also becomes a weapon of struggle.
• We must do a lot more to recruit women into the association. Members are making very little effort to bring women into the work of the RPMA. We all agree that the small number of women in the RPMA is not acceptable; therefore we must all work to find a solution.
• Members of the RPMA must raise their level of commitment, both in time and resources to meet the goals/aims of the association. We have missed opportunities to reach our communities due to our liberalism and lack commitment. (2)
• Members are doing very little actual “reporting” on issues and actions taking place within our movement and our communities. We need to be in the service of the mass based struggles affecting La Raza.
• Individualists progressive or liberal petty bourgeois forces, within our “movement” continue to engage in a practice that, subjectively or objectively, ignores or negates the existence of the RPMA. (3)
• Members, with few exceptions, are not using their resources (contacts, etc.) and the so-call “social network”, to expand the membership.

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR RESPONSE?
• RPMA members need to step-up our work and commitment, and especially work to recruit new elements into the association.
• Our articles/media production have to expose, in a fashion that a large section of our community can understand, the colonial-capitalist system and the opportunistic line which “superficially looks” like it opposes the system and is fighting for the “whole of the community”, but it really benefits only a few.
• We need to strive for the creation or development of more original perspectives and solutions to the current oppression faced by the majority of people. This calls for more study and learning.
• We need to struggle against liberalism and fulfill/complete all of our tasks. Outcomes and agreements from our meeting must be implemented.
• We must continue to struggle in all spaces that are open to us. This includes the academia (Chicano Studies, etc.), where, notwithstanding petty bourgeois elements, there continues to be many who are committed, in some form, to the liberation of our people.

VENCEREMOS!

NOTES:
(1) The Dream Act Movement, where many of the “Dreamers” are motivated by their individualism; they struggle for legislation that enables them “become legal” residents and citizens with provisions allowing for the inclusion of serving in the imperialist-murderous military.
(2) For example, we couldn’t get a member of the RPMA to volunteer to present at the MEChA San Diego State (Nov. 2010), an area where we could influence or plant the seeds of revolutionary journalism to future generations.
(3) The rejection by NACCS (National Association of Chicano/a Studies) of our workshop proposal. It is unbelievable that a Chicano Studies association would deny within their work, space for the only existing Raza media group.

RPMA Update, February 2011

On February 5, 2011, the Raza Press and Media Association (RPMA) meet at the Rodolfo Acuña Gallery and Cultural Center in Oxnard, CA. The following are minutes of this meeting.

After the meeting, members attended the film screening and discussion of “Yo Soy El Army-America’s New Military Caste,” with guest presentation by the film’s director Marco Amador at the same location.

AGENDA
1:00 PM Welcome/Introduction
Meeting was called to order and facilitated by Ernesto Bustillos

I. GUERRILLERA/O DE LA PLUMA AWARD 2010:
A. The RPMA recognized Luis Moreno as the winner of the RPMA Guerrillera/o Award for 2010. A short biography and tribute to Luis Moreno is found in the winter issue of the RPMA’s journal, Guerrilleras/os de La Pluma.

II. MEMBER REPORTS:
A. Ben Prado: Compa Ben is the editor of La Verdad (newspaper of Unión del Barrio) and El Pueblo Unido (Raza Rights Coalition), and maintains the facebook and web sites for these organizations.
B. Antonio Velazquez: Through Clavo En El Corazon is working to publish a three volume collections of social/political commentaries.
C. Lucia Laguna: Lucia is currently working on producing a youth newsletter in the area of Sylmar/San Fernando and coordinating the publicity work of Uníon del Barrio in Los Angeles region.
D. Erika Garcia: Came to meeting to observer/participate and is currently working with the Southern California Immigration Coalition’s (SCIC) outreach to the community.
E. Marc Baca: As member of its “press committee” of the SCIC is working on its newsletter and assisting the RPMA with editing of materials.
F. Jose Moreno/Luis Moreno: Presently living in East Lansing, MI, they sent their report via e-mail. They have produced two issues of Guerrilleras/os de La Pluma (Fall and Winter 2010), regularly updated the RPMA web site, created several podcasts with Radio Free Aztlán, assisted the Save Our Barrio Coalition with their web site, and worked as part of/members of the Xicano Development Center in Lansing, MI.
G. Ernesto Bustillos: Worked on the propaganda for the Save Our Barrio Coalition (flyers, posters, pamphlets, and flyers), is the editor of Las Calles Y La Torcida (newsletter of the Chicano Mexicano Prison Project), and is part of the Association of Raza Educator’s (San Diego) publicity committee.

III. REPORT FROM COORDINATOR/MESA MEMBERS:
A. Membership/Organization (Francisco Romero): Reported on using social media networking (internet posts, facebook, and email messages) with the objective of informing and recruiting for the RPMA. Every member will sent a minimum of two contacts (individual or publication/organization) who should be officially approach for membership in the RMPA. Compa Francisco will follow-up. Francisco will develop a list of individuals who will serve as an advisory committee. RMPA members will contribute to the list and finalize the advisory committee by next general meeting.
B. Finances (Antonio Velazquez): Ideas for raising funds were discussed. At next general meeting, every member will present a fund raising project –that they themselves will be responsible for its implementation– for approval by general membership.
C. Coordinator (Ernesto Bustillos): See Coordinator’s Report.
D. Web-Site (Luis Moreno): Discussion took place on web site. Everyone recognized its importance and excellent postings. Ideas to making the site more user friendly were brought up. Any suggestions will be discussed at the next general meeting.

V. UPDATE ON RPMA PROJECTS
A. Guerrillero/as de La Pluma: Everyone felt the last issue was excellent. Deadline for next issue is Feb. 20, 2011; the theme/central topic of the Spring 2011 issue will be “Genocide, Colonialism, Academia, and the Media”. We will request that contributor’s write/or express themselves from a media perspective.
B. Web Site: We will discuss this area of work at our next meeting.
C. Finances/Fundraising: See above in Mesa reports.
D. Membership: See above in Mesa reports.
E. International Delegation: Ernesto presented a general description on a delegation to visit Nicaragua, in late June or early July. The report included costs. areas of work/activities, the itinerary, etc. Five people committed to participating, pending monetary/personal situations: Ben, Ernesto, Lucia, Antonio, and Francisco. Several fundraisers for the delegation will take place. Francisco and Lucia will lead this work.
D. Publications: The publishing of two books is pending.

VI. DISCUSSION
On the current ” Attacks on Ethnic Studies and Campaign of Repression Against La Raza (Racist Laws, Deportations, etc). Through several round tables, this discussion took place from a media perspective (the role of the media on our oppression) and what the RPMA can do to counter/or put an end to this oppression. We encourage members to write articles that “report” on Raza responses (actions, press conferences, etc.) to current attacks. Express our anger with the dynamics a situation where many of those (professors, teachers, etc.) who should be on the front lines of this struggle (in an active way), are silent. As media workers struggle to “reframe” the debate from a defensive mode, to one that exposes the colonial/capitalism system as the real source of all social/political/economic problems. Article is being written by Pablo Aceves and edited by Marc Baca on this particular issue.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 2:30PM