EHC Executive Director Diane Takvorian, center, presents Organizers Olga Rendón, left, and Lourdes Luján, with a print of the BEJC logo incorporating the name of Colectivo Chilpancingo Pro Justicia Ambiental.

The street of Francisco I. Madero in Colonia Chilpancingo, Tijuana filled with the sounds of fellowship and celebration on June 7 as community members and friends celebrated an historic moment in cross-border environmental and social justice cooperation.

Almost one hundred residents, allies and supporters from both sides of the border joined Environmental Health Coalition’s affiliate, the Colectivo Chilpancingo Pro Justicia Ambiental for the official opening of the Colectivo’s new office. Amelia Simpson, Director of EHC’s Border Environmental Justice Campaign (BEJC), called the opening of the Colectivo office a significant step for the community in its educating, organizing and mobilizing efforts, and for EHC’s unique cross-border work.

"EHC has taken a major step in building our work for environmental justice by supporting the opening of this office, staffed by EHC promotoras who live in the Colonia," Simpson said. "The Colectivo’s goal is to serve as a resource for the community on health, environmental and social justice issues."

Simpson said the office is envisioned as a space in which to inform and educate the community through presentations, forums, trainings and materials available for distribution to the public.

The Colectivo also will carry out its community organizing and advocacy efforts from the office, conducting meetings with the media, government officials, allies and supporters.

"The Colectivo is moving forward with a number of projects, including continuing to press for the cleanup of the Metales y Derivados site," Simpson said.

Fighting for their lives

During the open house festivities, Colonia Chilpancingo organizers Lourdes Luján and Olga Rendón presented the Colectivo’s mission statement and a history of the work of the community and EHC on the Metales y Derivados case leading up to the forming of the Colectivo. (Please see story on page 5)

Each woman also gave her personal testimony about working with EHC and the community. Luján concluded her remarks by saying, "I am in the struggle for life," to cheers and applause of those gathered for the festivities.

EHC Executive Director Diane Takvorian then presented the Colectivo with a framed print of the BEJC logo of hands across the border, with the name of the Colectivo inscribed alongside EHC.

"EHC congratulates the members of the Colectivo for your courage and persistence in fighting for justice for your families and community against the rising tide of globalization. EHC stands in solidarity with you and looks forward to the successes yet to come," Takvorian said.

Yesenia Palomares, an active member of the Colectivo, videotaped the event for a documentary about women workers along the U.S-Mexico border. The evening concluded with another display of cross-border cultural solidarity – a soccer game between Chilpancingo residents and EHC staff members.

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President Fox,