Note: The following are 2011 New Year’s resolutions submitted by several RPMA members.
Expose oppression, Increase membership, improve journal, influence activism, and support grassroots organizing……
From Ernesto Bustillos
The violence, racism, injustice, ignorance, and poverty, imposed upon the great majority our communities by capitalism-imperialism –here in occupied America and throughout the world– continues to increase.The solution to these oppressive conditions calls for exposing and destroying the systems responsible for its existence. This can only be done by informing, organizing, and moving the masses of our people into action –and this cannot be done without organization.
Now, more than ever, an organization such as the Raza Press and Media Association (RPMA) is needed. Presently, the RPMA is the only Raza media grouping working towards both building organization and raising consciousness.
To fulfill these aims, the RPMA, must significantly increase its active membership. Hence, my obligation, through the course of this new year, along with other social justice activists and revolutionary journalists, is to convince as many as possible to recognize the importance of organized struggle and join the RPMA.
Not One Step Backward, Forward Always!
From Jose G. Moreno
In 2011 I want to continue to work as one of the editorial staff and Raza Press And Media Association board members with the objective of developing a better and a stronger association journal (Guerrillera/os de la Pluma). Secondly, I will continue to help develop our Podcast media project as a host and producer. In 2010, with Luis Moreno and Ernesto Todd Mireles we created a Podcast series for the RPMA and the Xicano Development Center. Radio Free Aztlán produced over 20 political Podcasts on critical social issues impacting the Raza community.
From Pablo Aceves
During the course of 2011, I have committed to being more consistent in my writing. I resolve to finish some of the works I have begun recently and to produce articles and documents that can be used by the Raza Press Media Association, as well as the groups in which I am involved.Venceremos
From Marc Baca
I am hoping that this year we will begin to discuss the development of a new Political Party that will clearly and without equivocation voice our community’s goals –both Nationally and Locally. I believe that we should employ available technology so that we will have more dialogue and that we can begin a think tank that will grow roots and influence the activism that is taking place. We should encourage the development of a website where people will be able to see what other progressive organizations are doing and get some direction and ideas on progressive action.
From Francisco “Chavo” Romero
I plan to collaborate with local and regional artists, musicians, writers, and create dynamic political, cultural and artistic events by volunteering at least twelve hours a week at the Dr. Rodolfo Acuña Gallery and Cultural Center in my hometown of Oxnard. I also plan to write at least one essay per quarter to submit to the Guerrillera/a de la Pluma as well as writing more creative writing pieces and poetry.I also will work alongside other organizers and activists in my area in consolidating and expanding our grassroots barrio organizing campaign in defense of our rights. Right now there are a series of repressive psychological and physical measures coming down on the gente in the form of attacks on Raza Studies, budget cuts for education, the ICE/Migra raids, detentions, and deportations.
I believe we must all commit to make our resistance sharper and more effective.
Resist!
c/s