War… climate catastrophe… economic collapse… our future looks bleak.

Yet two Third World countries in Latin America, Cuba and Venezuela, show that another, better world is possible if there is a revolutionary change in society.

Cuba and Venezuela show how it can be done. When millions of ordinary people rise up in revolution and take power from the corporate elites the door is opened to the construction of a new social order. A new society based on cooperation and social ownership of the key economic resources.

These are examples that the world needs to inspire hope in the possibility of radical social change in this country and others.

Inspired by the revolutionary changes in Venezuela and Cuba? Keen to help spread awareness about the achievements of these two revolutions on campus? Interested in getting involved in solidarity activities? Just curious to find out more?

If the answer is YES to any of these questions, then Cuba-Venezuela Solidarity Club is for you! Join a club and get involved.

In 2009 Cuba-Venezuela Solidarity Clubs are being established on university campuses across the country, a first step towards a national network of campus solidarity clubs.

If there is no club on your campus why not set one up? This website has some resources, such as fact sheets, to get you started.

Club Aims

The Clubs have two key aims:

1. To spread awareness of the inspiring achievements of the Cuban and Venezuelan peoples’ power revolutions in education, health care, poverty reduction, genuine democracy, ecological sustainability and international aid to the Third World among students and staff on campus;
2. To contribute to the building of a global movement of solidarity with the Cuban and Venezuelan peoples to support their right to decide their own form of government and social system in the face of corporate media lies, interference, destabilization and the threat of US military aggression.

The idea is to build relationships between students and campuses in Venezuela and Cuba, and in Australia, through such things as guided tours to see these revolutions first-hand, student exchanges, tours of activists and “sister universities”. The clubs could also support off-campus solidarity initiatives, such as a campaign to invite Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to visit Australia to speak directly to the Australian people.

Club activities

There are many ways to get involved in the Clubs. Typical club activities include:

• Information stalls
• Discussion forums and debates
• Film and documentary screenings
• Presentations to classes and tutorials
• Tours of activists from Venezuela and Cuba
• Student solidarity “brigades” to experience the revolutions first-hand
• Rallies, marches, protests … wear a Che t-shirt!
• Fundraising and merchandise
• Social events eg. BBQs and … salsa dancing!

Club membership

The Clubs are open to all students and staff who agree with the Club’s aims (see above). Most universities allow non-students to apply for associate membership of affiliated clubs, so even if you’re not a student you can support a Club and get involved.

Affiliated clubs have a small annual membership ($2 to $5).