Help Support the COCF Indigenous Women's Book Tour

Hello Friends & Supporters,



Thank you for your consideration. As may already know, the Children of Chiapas Foundation has been supporting a young girls education project in Chiapas. The COCF's mission is to help improve the quality of life for children in Mexico. For the past 4 years we have been working with indigenous children in Chiapas. With the support and collaboration of Kinal Antensik (the Mayan Weavers Center) in San Cristobal de Las Casas, we have created an educational project that helps sponsor indigenous children who would like to continue their education past the 6th grade.



COCF is currently organizing and raising funds in order to be able to support women from the Kinal project to visit with us. Please consider helping us coordinate and organize presentations with your organizations, schools, community centers and bookstores. The women are set to arrive to LA on June 6th and will be here through June 19th. Please contact me if you can help coordinate presentations in your area. We are also looking for monetary donations in order to pay for their travel expenses. Thank you for your support and please contact me if you can help or have any questions.


One of the women who will be visiting is Rosalinda Santiz. Rosalinda is a Tzotzil Indian and a "promotora de salud" currently finishing medical school in Chiapas. Rosalinda has been working with our children's educational project in Chiapas at a Women's Empowerment Center in San Cristobal de Las Casas. Rosalinda has an incredible story of struggle and triumph. We would hope that you would allow her and her coleague Yolanda the space to present her book and her art. For a brief bio about Rosalinda & Yolanda see below.

The women are set to arrive on June 6 and will be here until June 19th. Thank you for your consideration. I sincerely look forward to your response. Please feel free to check out our information and the videos of our education project.



Mil gracias for your support! Please feel free to call me if you need additional information or if you have any questions. You can also help by making a tax deductible donation by clicking on our pay pal button.

In solidarity,

Rocio Gonzalez Watson
Children of Chiapas Foundation
(714) 381-6305
Children of Chiapas Foundation–Presents…

Rosalinda Santiz Diaz and Yolanda Castro Apreza

On a speaking tour from June 6-19 2009 (California)

Rosalinda Santiz Diaz : An indigenous Tzotzil activist, community health organizer, and consultant to Kinal Antsetik (Indigenous cooperative-San Cristobal de las Casas) has traveled to Africa, Europe, and speaking on behalf of indigenous issues/women struggles related to health, education, prevention issues, and the use of traditional plants and herbs in healing and prevention throughout Chiapas, Mexico. Since the age of eight, Rosalinda also preserves her Tzotzil traditions of embroidery and contributes her talents with other young women within her couminty.

Yolanda Castro Apreza: Member of The National Front in Struggle for Socialism (Chiapas -Chapter). Coordinator for press and propaganda related to forced disappearances, political repression, and human rights violations in contemporary Mexico. Yolanda Castro is also one of the collaborating authors of Caminos E Historias (Journeys and Histories) which highlights the plight of women and their families who are frequently victims of forced disappearances and daily repression. Caminos e Historias is an incredible testimonial book dedicated to women who struggle to transform a system of exploitation, oppression, and subordination.




If you are interested in hosting and event with these two women please call Rocio Gonzalez at (714) 381-6305 or email at fridanaila@yahoo

Children of Chiapas Foundation needs volunteers in children's activities booth at benefit event: Sunday, April 26th South Gate

Hello Friends,

The Children of Chiapas Foundation will be hosting a children's activity and vendor booth at the upcoming Self Portrait benefit event scheduled for Sunday, April 26th

The flyer with the event information is attached. We need volunteers to help collect donations, sell merchandise and assist in the children activity booth. The hours are 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please let us know if you can help.

In solidarity & always por los niños,

Children of Chiapas Foundation



"Self Portrait"


Is a movement of activist artist....


Promoting unity and socio-environmental


Consciousness through a celebration of new life,


music, and the arts.


Collaborating to raise funds for the Children of Chiapas Foundation







When: Sunday April 26 12 - 10pm

Where: Arka Art Studio 8696 Atlantic Ave. South Gate, CA 90280

donation $3.00 children under 12 and elders FREE!!


www.myspace.com/selfportraitfest