Development and Peace — Caritas Canada has launched Raise Hope: Semilleros Edition. This youth-focused initiative allows you to stand in solidarity with and raise money for communities in Colombia, all while connecting with other young people across Canada!
You’ll learn about the work of our partner, the Asociación Campesina de Antioquia; take on a challenge; and raise funds to support their efforts. It’s an opportunity to move beyond simply learning about global issues and to become part of a community working toward a more just and compassionate world. You’ll also have opportunities to connect directly with our partner, hear their stories and share this experience with other young people across Canada.
The Asociación Campesina de Antioquia (ACA) is a peasant movement for organizing, training and defending the human rights of rural communities in Antioquia, a department in northeastern Colombia.
In 2009, ACA launched a documentary filmmaking school for youths who return with their families to reclaim their lands after having been displaced by violence.
They learn filming, writing and public speaking, and use these skills to tell their communities’ stories, narrate their dreams and document their agroecological practices. In open-air cinemas under the stars, travelling from farm to farm, at poetry and documentary festivals, their creations have mobilized entire communities and made them true peacemakers. Inspired by them, the children of their communities founded Semilleros, nurseries of creativity and peace, and the Casas Culturales Campesinas, vibrant spaces for gathering, sharing and learning. ACA is thus a wonderful example of solidarity at work and of communities becoming organized.
Check out these testimonials from ACA youths and get a glimpse into their lives in Colombia through this video!
This year, you have the choice of three exciting ways to Raise Hope: organizing a community garbage cleanup, achieving a fitness goal or hosting a solidarity meal. Use one of these challenges to connect with your local community and to walk in solidarity with ACA’s youth workers in Colombia. You can share your fundraising page with your family, friends and communities so they can support you with the challenge you choose.
Each option below has a helpful step-by-step guide to assist you.
Turning your commitment into action is just a click away. Set up your personal fundraising page to lead a challenge, support the movement with a direct donation, or log in to manage your active campaign.
Reach out to friends, family, classmates, coworkers, your parish, diocesan council, university groups, clubs and other organizations you’re connected with. Personal outreach can make it easier for people to understand why you are taking part.
Decide how much you want to raise and share that goal with others. A specific, achievable target gives people something concrete to work toward and helps you track your progress.
Make a clear ask. Tell people why you’re participating, why the cause matters to you and exactly how they can help. Don’t be afraid to ask directly for a donation, a share or participation in your fundraiser.
Use social media to build momentum. Post regularly with photos, short videos and updates about your progress. Encourage others to share your posts and help your fundraiser reach beyond your immediate network.
Make it fun and collaborative. Celebrate milestones and thank people along the way.
Share your fundraising page and start planning your activities. We will send you periodic updates about ACA’s work in Colombia.
Share your experiences on social media (and don’t forget to tag @DevPeace)!
Need help along the way? Your regional animator can guide your planning and connect you with local staff and volunteers, which is especially useful for larger group events.
Don’t know your regional animator? Find them HERE.
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