Wisconsin Coordinating Council on Nicaragua (WCCN)

Working with Nicaraguans to Promote Peace and Justice
The WCCN promotes citizen diplomacy by building a membership/constituency in the US and coordinating people-to-people exchanges between the US and Nicaragua. They facilitate partnerships between socially responsible North American investors through the Nicaraguan Credit Alternatives Fund, a lending program established to create economic opportunities for marginalized sectors in Nicaragua. They promote women's empowerment in Nicaragua and the US by facilitating the relationship between women's groups in Nicaragua, specifically the Managua Intercollective of Women, and women in the US who are working to address similar issues. They promote awareness about the political, economic and social issues in Nicaragua and mobilize responses where appropriate, as well as providing education about the impact of US foreign and economic policies toward Nicaragua, and promoting just alternatives to those policies.

People-to-people Connections
Each year, WCCN sponsors delegations to Nicaragua to facilitate people-to-people connections between US residents and Nicaraguans and to build on their ongoing projects. Their June delegations each focus on a different aspect of women's issues. The "Vital Connections" delegation in June 2000 provided both Nicaraguans and US residents with experiences and insights to enrich lives in both the North and South. It included meetings with groups working against violence and for human rights, as well as cultural activities and the opportunity to experience and appreciate the natural beauty of Nicaragua. WCCN's women's issues delegations are open to both women and men who are interested in the delegation's goals and activities and are eager to take the opportunity to learn from the Nicaraguans with whom they meet during the delegation. If you are interested in participating in the Summer 2001 women's issues delegation to Nicaragua, contact WCCN and ask for an information packet.

Donate to WCCN
WCCN membership dues are $35 or more per year ($10 for low-income members). All members receive their newsletters, as well as notification of upcoming WCCN delegations to Nicaragua and other activities. Most importantly, giving to WCCN enables their work in solidarity with the people of Nicaragua to continue. Financial contributions from people like you enable WCCN to help meet the needs of Nicaraguans as they struggle to provide a safe and healthy life for themselves and their children. WCCN is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, so your contributions are tax-deductible.

For more information please see the WCCN website at http://www.wccnica.org or contact:

Julie Andersen, Executive Director
Wisconsin Coordinating Council on Nicaragua (WCCN)
PO Box 1534
Madison, WI 53701
(608) 257-7230
FAX (608) 257-7904
EMAIL wccn@wccnica.org