By: Diego Sánchez

In September, members of ATD Fourth World from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Guadalupe, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and the International Centre met in the Free Zone between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to reflect and to develop our regional strategy for the next three years.

Our goal was to find a way of organizing ourselves that distributes responsibility among more team members, and that is more attuned to local and regional dynamics, while maintaining effective coordination with the Latin America and the Caribbean regional team.

Haiti and Latin America: a shared history

Our choice of location was not random. The Cha Cha International Conference Complex, located on the border between Dajabón (Dominican Republic) and Ouanaminthe (Haiti), is one of the few spaces that allows Haitians to be present without a visa. This location was chosen to guarantee the in-person participation of Saint Jean L’herissant, a member of the team from Jean Rabel, Haiti. The other members from this region and the city of Port-au-Prince joined us virtually, helping us feel closer and more united.

“Coming to this unique location, a shared zone between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, has given us the opportunity to meet with our Haitian colleague. He was able to travel here even though at the moment, it is very difficult to leave the country”.

Matt Davies, a Volunteer Corps member who also participated in this regional gathering.

The work week began with a presentation by the Haitian team, who reminded us that the revolutionary leaders of Haiti not only fought to free themselves from slavery, but also supported the peoples of Latin America in their struggle against colonization. Together, they strove toward a common dream of freedom and recognition of their human dignity. This collective memory, woven from so many experiences of oppression and resistance, is a source of strength for our region and a crucial contribution to the International Movement ATD Fourth World.

Reinventing ourselves in the face of current challenges

Today, more than ever, our society is permeated by systems of oppression that at best neglect, and at worst deride, what is essential to us as human beings. This reality challenges us to reinvent ourselves, to find new ways to resist an economic, political, and social model that often causes harm and exclusion, and destroys lives. We cannot accept a logic that prioritizes self-interest over the common good.

Our strength is rooted in the history that we have been building for decades, together with communities and neighborhoods across Latin America and the Caribbean.

It lies in “the potential that collective work has to recognize our struggle and to fill us with the hope that this struggle will continue to dignify our communities”, affirms Colombian academic Carolina Sánchez.

These ties have grown beyond borders. They call us to walk side by side, to unite our efforts, and to work to respond to current challenges. For this reason, the members of ATD Fourth World that participated in this regional gathering virtually and in person took on responsibilities in a variety of regional groups, committing ourselves to building a society that prioritizes human dignity, well being, and justice, beginning with those living in extreme poverty.

Work and responsibilities of our regional groups

During this regional event, we established key frameworks for the next three years of work in the region. We created working groups that aim to increase the involvement of ATD Fourth World members, including activists, allies, and young people. Each of these groups facilitates the diverse, sustained participation of other members, ensuring that every action is rooted in knowledge and understanding built through the full participation of people living in poverty.

“This gathering has filled me with joy and excitement, but above all, it has filled me with inspiration to work and to commit myself to accompanying the women activists in their involvement with ATD”.

Vivian Luis, a Guatemalan activist, shares enthusiastically.

“It is important to see how the members of our movement that didn’t experience this gathering can still feel that they are part of this process”, states Alberto Ugarte, a member of the regional team. He adds, “They should feel that they are important for forging a new kind of social movement, in which activists, Volunteer Corps members, and allies each have a role in this collective construction.”

Other Groups that take on specific, pressing issues

The Gender and Poverty Group works to deepen our understanding of the reality of violence and inequality experienced by women, and in particular, by women living in poverty in patriarchal societies.
The Act in Urgency Group was created to facilitate collaboration between teams from the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Haiti. This collaboration is based on the teams’ experiences accompanying families trapped by extreme poverty amid humanitarian crises, violence, or natural disasters. These circumstances require pertinent action, with respect for the dignity and participation of people living in poverty.

The Community of Ideas and Actions Group for Social and Environmental Justice (COMIDA-JSE) promotes community efforts that advocate for environmental sustainability and respect for human life. These efforts protect the environment through actions that affirm that “life in abundance” does not just refer to economic abundance, but also to living in harmony with the natural world.
The Political Advocacy Group is committed to ensuring that ATD Fourth World’s voice is heard. It will use the knowledge and expertise of people living in poverty, of professionals, of institutional officials, and of academics to contribute to the improvement of public policy for a more just society.

The Administration and Finance Group promotes a culture of ethical spending and fundraising for the organization. The Communications Group is perhaps more pertinent than ever in a world characterized by an ever-growing number of virtual interactions.

These overarching groups also strengthen ATD Fourth World at the institutional and public levels.

Building together towards a common horizon

This gathering allows us to look ahead and plan coordinated efforts for the next three years, during which our groups will take action at the local, regional, and international levels.

“We must continue developing our programming from our respective countries while working towards this common horizon”, concludes Mariana Guerra, a member of the regional team.

Another regional gathering is planned for 2028, with more members from the region. Our goal for this collaborative event will be to present a public manifesto that reaffirms our commitment to building a society centered around inclusivity, dignity, and well-being for all.