13.3 Political movements and solidarity across borders

The United Farm Workers (UFW) is a labor union founded in 1962 that represents farmworkers in the United States, primarily focusing on improving labor conditions, wages, and rights for agricultural workers. The UFW emerged from earlier organizing efforts and became a significant force in advocating for labor rights and social justice within the agricultural industry.

César Chávez: A prominent labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers and played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of farmworkers.

Delano Grape Strike: A major strike that began in 1965, organized by the UFW, to demand better wages and working conditions for grape pickers in California, marking a significant event in labor history.

Chicano Movement: A civil rights movement during the 1960s and 1970s that sought to address social, political, and economic injustices faced by Mexican Americans, closely linked with the goals of the United Farm Workers.

The Chicano Movement was a social and political movement that emerged in the 1960s, aimed at addressing the rights and cultural identity of Mexican Americans. This movement sought to combat discrimination, promote civil rights, and foster a sense of pride and community among Chicanos, influencing various aspects of society including education, labor, and cultural expression.

Mexican-American Civil Rights: A movement advocating for the equal treatment and rights of Mexican Americans in the United States, focusing on ending discrimination and securing political representation.

Aztlán: A mythical homeland of the Aztecs that has become a symbol of Chicano identity and cultural nationalism, representing the reclamation of land and heritage.

Chicana Feminism: A branch of feminism that addresses the unique struggles and experiences of Chicanas, highlighting issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality within the broader feminist movement.

Transnational activism refers to the efforts by individuals and groups to promote social change and justice across national boundaries, often addressing issues that affect multiple countries or communities. This form of activism connects local struggles with global movements, fostering solidarity among diverse populations who share common goals or experiences, such as human rights, environmental justice, and labor rights.

Globalization: The process by which businesses, cultures, and economies become interconnected and interdependent on a global scale, impacting local practices and movements.

Solidarity: A unity or agreement of feeling or action among individuals with a common interest, often used in the context of support for social movements and causes.

Diaspora: The movement, migration, or scattering of a group of people away from their traditional homeland, which can lead to the formation of transnational networks advocating for change.

Labor rights refer to the legal and human rights related to the work and employment of individuals, including the right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize and collectively bargain. These rights are crucial in protecting workers from exploitation and discrimination, ensuring that their dignity and welfare are prioritized in both agricultural and industrial settings. The struggle for labor rights has historically been a significant part of broader social movements, often intersecting with issues of immigration, racial justice, and global solidarity among workers across borders.

Collective Bargaining: The process through which workers negotiate with their employers on issues such as wages, working conditions, and benefits through their union representatives.

Unionization: The act of forming or joining a labor union, which is an organized group of workers that advocates for the rights and interests of its members.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): A U.S. federal law that establishes minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and youth employment in both the public and private sectors.

Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or geographic location. This concept emphasizes the need for equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, addressing systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities in relation to environmental hazards and resource access.

Environmental racism: A form of systemic racism where minority communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, such as pollution and toxic waste, due to discriminatory policies and practices.

Sustainable development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, focusing on balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.

Grassroots activism: A form of activism that begins at the community level, focusing on local issues and mobilizing individuals to advocate for change, often related to social justice and environmental issues.

Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They are based on shared values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect, and independence. These rights transcend national boundaries and are essential in promoting social justice and addressing issues like discrimination and inequality, often inspiring political movements aimed at solidarity across borders.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A landmark document adopted by the United Nations in 1948 that outlines the rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.

Social Justice: The concept of ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, addressing inequalities and injustices in society.

Civil Rights Movements: Social and political movements aimed at securing equal rights for marginalized groups, often focusing on issues like race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Dolores Huerta is a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) alongside Cesar Chavez. Known for her tireless advocacy for workers' rights, gender equality, and social justice, she has played a pivotal role in shaping labor movements and Chicanx activism in the United States.

United Farm Workers: A labor union founded in 1962 that organized farm workers to improve their working conditions, wages, and rights.

Cesar Chavez: A prominent civil rights activist and labor leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers and was known for his nonviolent approach to organizing farm workers.

Chicano Movement: A social and political movement during the 1960s and 1970s aimed at empowering Mexican Americans and addressing issues of inequality, discrimination, and cultural identity.

Cross-racial solidarity refers to the alliances and cooperative efforts among different racial and ethnic groups, often united in the pursuit of shared social justice goals. This concept emphasizes the importance of recognizing common struggles against oppression, discrimination, and inequality, fostering unity in political movements that transcend racial boundaries.

Solidarity: A unity or agreement of feeling or action among individuals with a common interest, often expressed through collective action.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, and class, overlap and intersect, affecting individuals' experiences of discrimination.

Coalition Building: The process of forming alliances among different groups to work collectively toward a common goal, often used in social movements to enhance strength and influence.

The Central American Solidarity Movement was a grassroots initiative that emerged in the 1980s to support the struggles of people in Central America, particularly during the civil wars in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. This movement connected activists across borders, uniting individuals and organizations in the U.S. and beyond to advocate for human rights, social justice, and political change in Central America while raising awareness about U.S. foreign policy's impact on the region.

Sanctuary Movement: A movement in the U.S. during the 1980s that provided refuge and support to Central American refugees fleeing civil war and violence.

Nicaraguan Revolution: The revolution that took place in Nicaragua from 1978 to 1990, leading to the overthrow of the Somoza dictatorship and the rise of the Sandinista government.

Solidarity Networks: Groups or organizations that work together to support a common cause, often transcending national borders to promote social justice and solidarity among marginalized communities.

Political persecution refers to the systematic mistreatment of individuals or groups based on their political beliefs, affiliations, or activities. This often involves actions such as imprisonment, torture, harassment, or even execution aimed at suppressing dissent and maintaining control by a ruling power. It is a key concern for human rights advocates, as it impacts individuals seeking to express their political views or engage in activism.

Human Rights Abuses: Violations against individuals' basic rights and freedoms, often perpetrated by governments or authorities against those who oppose them.

Dissent: The expression of opinions that differ from the official policies or practices, often leading to conflicts with authorities.

Exile: The state of being barred from one's native country, often as a result of political persecution, where individuals seek refuge in other nations.

Asylum is a form of international protection granted to individuals in a foreign country because they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution based on specific characteristics like race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. This protection allows them to escape dangerous situations in their home countries while offering them a chance for safety and stability abroad, reflecting the importance of solidarity among nations in addressing human rights violations.

Refugee: A person who has been forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence and is seeking refuge in another country.

Human Rights: The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death, including the right to seek asylum.

Immigration Policy: Laws and regulations that govern how a country manages the entry, residence, and status of non-citizens, including asylum seekers.

Sanctuary refers to a place of refuge or safety, often provided to individuals seeking protection from persecution, violence, or legal consequences. In the context of political movements and solidarity across borders, sanctuaries can be critical for marginalized communities, including immigrants and refugees, who face threats in their home countries. These spaces embody a commitment to human rights and social justice, fostering solidarity among diverse groups advocating for change.

Asylum: Legal protection granted to individuals in a foreign country because they have suffered persecution or have a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Safe Haven: A location that provides safety and support for individuals fleeing violence or persecution, often allowing them to recover and rebuild their lives.

Immigrant Rights: The legal and human rights afforded to immigrants, emphasizing their entitlement to safety, due process, and equality regardless of their immigration status.

The immigrant rights movement is a social and political effort advocating for the rights and protections of immigrants, particularly undocumented individuals, and aims to promote policies that support their integration into society. This movement is closely linked to the struggles for justice, equality, and recognition of diverse identities, highlighting issues such as access to education, healthcare, and legal protections.

DREAM Act: Legislation aimed at granting temporary residency and a path to citizenship for undocumented individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children.

Sanctuary Cities: Cities that have policies in place to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, providing safe havens for undocumented immigrants.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform: A proposed legislative framework that seeks to address various aspects of immigration policy, including pathways to citizenship, border security, and visa programs.

Comprehensive immigration reform refers to a broad and systematic approach aimed at addressing various issues within the U.S. immigration system, including pathways to citizenship, enforcement of immigration laws, and the rights of undocumented immigrants. This reform seeks to create a more just and effective immigration policy, balancing national security concerns with humanitarian needs and family reunification.

DREAM Act: A legislative proposal aimed at granting legal status to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, allowing them to pursue education and work opportunities.

Sanctuary Cities: Municipal jurisdictions that adopt policies to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Visa Overstay: The situation when a foreign national remains in the U.S. beyond the expiration date of their visa, which contributes to the population of undocumented immigrants.

Global solidarity networks are interconnected groups and organizations that work across national borders to promote social justice, human rights, and collective action for marginalized communities. These networks facilitate cooperation and support among activists, movements, and communities, fostering a sense of shared purpose and unity in addressing common challenges faced by oppressed populations worldwide.

Transnational Activism: The coordinated efforts of individuals and organizations from different countries who come together to advocate for social change and address global issues.

Grassroots Movements: Community-driven initiatives that mobilize individuals at the local level to effect change, often focusing on social justice and political issues.

Social Movement Theory: An interdisciplinary framework used to analyze the origins, development, and impacts of social movements, including how they form, mobilize resources, and engage in collective action.

Decolonization is the process by which colonies gain independence from colonial powers, often resulting in the reassertion of local cultures, identities, and governance. This process is marked by efforts to reclaim land, restore cultural heritage, and establish self-determination for formerly colonized peoples. It is closely tied to movements that advocate for political autonomy, cultural nationalism, and social justice.

Cultural Nationalism: Cultural nationalism is a form of nationalism that emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and heritage in the formation of a nation, often promoting the revival of indigenous languages, traditions, and practices.

Self-Determination: Self-determination is the principle that peoples have the right to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development without external interference.

Anti-Colonial Movements: Anti-colonial movements are organized efforts by colonized peoples to resist colonial rule and assert their rights to independence, often encompassing political, social, and cultural activism.

Afro-Latinx solidarity refers to the unity and support among individuals of African descent within the Latinx community, emphasizing shared experiences of racial and cultural identity, discrimination, and resilience. This solidarity seeks to address and combat the unique challenges faced by Afro-Latinx individuals, including systemic racism and cultural erasure, while promoting a sense of belonging and empowerment across borders in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Afro-Latinx Identity: The cultural and racial identity of individuals of African descent who are part of the Latinx community, encompassing diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Racial Justice: The movement for equitable treatment and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, addressing systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Transnationalism: The process of connecting and building relationships across national borders, particularly among communities sharing similar cultural or political experiences.

Intersectional solidarity refers to the practice of individuals and groups standing in unity across different social identities and experiences to address systemic inequalities and promote social justice. This concept emphasizes that various forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, classism, and more, intersect and must be understood in their complexity to create effective movements that advocate for collective liberation across borders.

Social Justice: The pursuit of fair and equitable treatment for all individuals, focusing on reducing inequalities related to race, gender, class, and other identities.

Transnationalism: A social, political, and economic phenomenon where individuals and communities maintain connections and interactions across national boundaries.

Coalition Building: The process of uniting diverse groups around a common cause or goal to amplify their collective power and influence.

Trade unions are organized associations of workers formed to protect and promote their rights and interests in the workplace. These unions negotiate collective bargaining agreements with employers, advocating for better wages, working conditions, and benefits for their members. Trade unions also play a vital role in fostering political movements that aim for social justice and labor rights across borders.

Collective Bargaining: The process in which trade unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers to establish wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

Labor Rights: Legal rights and protections afforded to workers, including the right to organize, fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to strike.

Solidarity: A unifying agreement or mutual support among workers, often transcending borders, which enhances the collective power of trade unions and their movements.

Fair labor standards refer to a set of laws and regulations designed to protect workers' rights, ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. These standards aim to create equitable workplaces and prevent exploitation, particularly in industries that often employ vulnerable populations, including migrant workers and low-income individuals. By promoting fair labor practices, these regulations also foster solidarity among workers across borders, connecting struggles for justice worldwide.

Minimum Wage: The lowest legal hourly pay that employers can pay their workers, established to ensure a basic standard of living.

Labor Unions: Organizations formed by workers to advocate for their rights and improve working conditions through collective bargaining.

Workers' Rights: The legal rights and protections afforded to workers, including the right to fair pay, safe working conditions, and freedom from discrimination.

Sustainable development refers to a holistic approach to growth and progress that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection, fostering practices that promote equity and ecological integrity. It also calls for global collaboration and solidarity to address issues like climate change, poverty, and social injustice.

Environmental Justice: A movement advocating for fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental decision-making, ensuring that no group bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental impacts.

Intergenerational Equity: The principle of fairness in the distribution of resources and opportunities across different generations, ensuring that future generations have access to the same or greater resources than those available today.

Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, impacting economic growth, culture, and environmental practices worldwide.

Climate justice refers to the fair treatment of all people in relation to the environmental impacts of climate change, emphasizing the need for equitable solutions that address the disproportionate effects on marginalized communities. This concept connects social equity and environmental sustainability, advocating for policies that empower affected groups and promote their participation in decision-making processes.

Environmental Racism: The intentional placement of low-income or minority communities in proximity to environmentally hazardous or degraded environments, leading to health disparities and a lack of access to resources.

Just Transition: A framework aimed at ensuring that the shift towards a sustainable economy addresses the needs of workers and communities, especially those that are disadvantaged or vulnerable.

Indigenous Rights: The recognition and protection of the rights of Indigenous peoples, particularly in relation to land, resources, and cultural heritage, which are often threatened by climate change and environmental degradation.

Digital activism refers to the use of digital tools and platforms, like social media, websites, and mobile apps, to promote social or political change. This form of activism allows individuals and groups to mobilize quickly, share information widely, and connect with others across geographical boundaries, fostering solidarity among diverse movements and communities.

hashtag activism: A form of digital activism that uses hashtags on social media to raise awareness and organize support around specific social issues or movements.

online petitions: Digital tools that allow individuals to gather signatures and support for a cause or demand from a large number of people, facilitating collective action.

cyber protests: Organized actions taken online to express dissent or demand change, often through websites, social media campaigns, or digital art.

Social media refers to online platforms and applications that enable users to create, share, and exchange content in virtual communities. It facilitates communication and interaction among individuals, organizations, and movements across the globe, playing a significant role in mobilizing support and fostering solidarity among diverse groups.

digital activism: The use of digital tools and platforms to promote social or political causes, often leveraging social media to raise awareness and organize actions.

hashtag activism: A form of activism that utilizes hashtags on social media platforms to mobilize and create awareness around specific issues or campaigns.

online community: A group of individuals who interact through digital platforms, sharing common interests or goals, often leading to collective action or support.