Brazil: Class Power and Politics in a Global World

An overseas program sponsored by Indiana University-Division of Labor Studies

September 21 – October 3, 2006

Observe first-hand the upcoming national election campaign in Brazil and the struggle of workers and their unions for greater political power. In 2002 with the election of Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva as President of Brazil, the workers of Latin America’s largest country entered a new phase of building labor activism and working class power. Lula and the Workers Party continue to struggle to balance the demands of global finance with the needs of the nation’s impoverished millions. The emergence of the Workers’ Party nationally as well as in many state and local municipal governments transformed Brazil, following decades of a military dictatorship. In the current political process, unions play a major role in reconstructing society for the benefit of the majority.

During eleven days participants in the program will engage in a variety of activities including:

  • Meet with regional and national leaders in labor and social movements;
  • Meet with regional and national leaders of Brazil’s Workers Party (PT), examine first hand the process of participatory democracy and accompany activists in the political campaign;
  • Visit worker-controlled factories, unions, rural and industrial cooperatives, peasant land occupations, as well as cultural and historical sites in the southern region of Brazil.

Participants will spend a large part of the time in Porto Alegre, a pioneer region in participatory budget planning and popular involvement in government. Leaders of the Workers Party, the Metalworkers Federation and the Central Labor Federation (CUT) will discuss their work and invite us along to see for ourselves their approach to campaign work. We will be present for the presidential election and results, and will be a position to evaluate how political mobilization and outreach are done.

Cost:

The total cost of the trip is $2,100.

This includes: a) Round trip air fare Chicago-Porto Alegre –Chicago

b) Lodging and meals during our stay in Brazil

c) All in-country transportation

Participants are responsible for the cost of a passport and visa. The cost of the visa is $100, or $110 for us to obtain the visa for you. It is recommended that participants travel with at least $300.00 for personal expenses during the excursion.

Travel Dates: Leave September 21st on an evening flight and return early on October 3, 2006

Registration:

To register, participants must complete the attached registration form and send it to the Division of Labor Studies, Indiana University (address below). Spaces on the trip are limited and are guaranteed on a first come, first serve basis.

College Credit:

Participants may receive college credit for their work through Indiana University. For credit, participants must enroll through the Division of Labor Studies. Students from other universities should get prior authorization from their institutions to receive credit for this program. They must enroll in L495 – Brazil for the Fall 2006 semester with Indiana University -DLS. Prior to traveling to Brazil students are required to complete assigned readings and take part in arranged discussions as part of their course. Students will also complete a final written assignment by the end of the Fall 2006 semester.

The deadline to apply is August 25, 2006.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY – DIVISION of LABOR STUDIES

E-mail your application and questions to or

Application for Labor Studies International Exchange Program – Brazil 2006

Students: to participate, you must sign up for the upper-level 3-credit class L 495 - Brazil. There will be an out-of-pocket charge, beyond course registration fees, of $2,100.

Date _____/_____/______

NAME: ______

(Please write complete name as it appears on your passport)

Address: ______

City:______ZIP: ______PH: ( ) _____- ______

E-mail passport number

Gender: ______(M/F) Are you a union member: ______(Yes/No)

If Yes what union:______(Name and Local Number)

List positions you currently hold or have held in the union:

Are you currently employed?______(Yes/No) If yes, where:______

How long have you been enrolled as a student at Indiana University – DLS :______) years or # of courses

If Yes, at which campus and how long have you been enrolled?______

In a brief statement on the back of the application explain why you want to participate in the exchange program and how you will share what you learn with other groups of working people.

Signature:______