Democracy Funding

Background

Panama's democratic foundation is under severe threat from the relentless march of corporate mining interests. At its core, the government's unwavering support for mining expansion epitomizes corporate colonialism and poses a dire threat to both the nation and its democratic values. An opaque and exploitative contract currently under scrutiny at the National Assembly not only disregards democratic principles but also sets a perilous precedent for future exploitative endeavors. This contract, shrouded in secrecy, cedes vast powers to mining interests, enabling them to lay claim to state and private lands without restraint, even resorting to expropriation if agreements with landowners cannot be reached, undermining community concerns and the rule of law. Furthermore, it sidesteps labor and environmental responsibilities while endowing the company with excessive authority, even violating national sovereignty by restricting airspace and information access indefinitely. The mining expansion epitomizes the exploitation of Panama's resources and the erosion of its democracy by corporate interests, threatening the nation's social and environmental fabric.

In parallel to this peril, indigenous Panamanians are engaged in an unyielding struggle for the recognition of their human and territorial rights. The mining expansion threatens to encroach upon the ancestral lands of these communities, intensifying conflicts over land ownership and resource extraction. This battle is emblematic of the broader fight for justice, inclusivity, and equity, as these communities strive to safeguard their territories and cultural heritage from the encroachment of corporate interests. Their fight for the recognition of their rights is intrinsically tied to the broader endeavor to preserve Panama's ecological and cultural diversity, aligning seamlessly with the urgent mission of nurturing a global network of leaders to confront the pressing challenges of our time.

Project Overview

Description: Our project will empower and deeply connect 15 young leaders, all under the age of 25, hailing from rural, indigenous, and Afro-descendant communities in Panama profoundly affected by the unconstitutional mining expansion and lack of recognition of territorial rights. These emerging leaders will be selected from a group of actively involved youth in opposing the mining expansion and advocating for the recognition of territorial rights.

Objectives:

• Tools & Skills Enhancement: Provide intensive training in public speaking and persuasive communication to 15 young leaders.
• Advocacy Preparation: Prepare these leaders for effective engagement in advocacy processes related to territorial rights and environmental conservation.

Host Organization: Geoversity, Nature's University, dedicated to nurturing a global army of unsung heroes: emerging rural, Afro-descendant, and indigenous leaders equipped with the knowledge and tools to tackle the environmental challenges we've inherited. Our work is founded on over two decades of experience, primarily centered at the 12,000-acre Mamoni Valley Preserve. This preserve, adjacent to the autonomous territory of the indigenous Guna people, safeguards one of the world's top 25 biodiversity hotspots.

Partners: The Sustainable Panama Foundation (PASOS), the Pro Education Foundation, and leaders from the Obama Network.

Project Lead: Juan Carlos Monterrey, Geoversity’s Executive Director.

Activities:

• Workshop: Conduct a comprehensive two-day workshop focused on public speaking, persuasive communication, and advocacy strategies.
• Mentorship: Pair participants with a cohort of experienced mentors, offering continuous support and guidance in their advocacy endeavors.

Expected Outcomes:

• Enhanced Communication Skills: Participants will acquire proficiency in public speaking, persuasive communication, and advocacy techniques.
• Confident Advocates: Participants will cultivate confidence in presenting their concerns and advocating for their communities' rights.
• Effective Advocacy: Participants will be well-prepared to engage in advocacy processes concerning land claims and environmental issues.

Project Duration: A two-day workshop in Panama City, complemented by ongoing mentoring.

Alignment with Democracy CoP's Vision, Mission, and Purpose

Vision: This project aligns with the Democracy CoP's vision by strengthening democracy through the empowerment of marginalized young leaders, actively engaging them in the advocacy for their rights.

Mission: The project fulfills the mission of enabling democratic renewal by increasing the meaningful participation of young leaders from marginalized communities.

Purpose: By equipping these young leaders with public speaking and communication skills, the project contributes to shaping a culture of human rights, inclusion, and equity among emerging advocates.

Collaboration

To date, esteemed Obama Scholars from the 2018 Chicago Cohort, including Mario Mazic and Fatima Zaman, have endorsed and will collaborate to develop the materials for this initiative.

Total Project Budget: USD $3,330.00

• Room & Board in Panama City: $1,330.00
• Travel Expenses for leaders in remote areas: $500.00
• Workshop Facilitation: $1,000.00
• Workshop Space & Materials: $0 (donated by Partner Organizations)
• End of Workshop Networking Session: $0 (donated by Partner Organization)
• Contingency Fund and overhead expenses: $500

*This proposal was added by admin due to technical error at time of submission.