Psychological and Economic Effects of "Free Trade""

WITNESS FOR PEACE TO NICARAGUA

First row (l-r) Heather Ziebell, Kelly Sundin, Krystle Foster, Jessica Colaizy. Second Row: Lyn Clark Pegg (WFP), Amanda Victorson, Joie Acheson (instructor), Drew Scribner, Luke Owens, Ernesto Rivas, Celia Rupp. Missing: Erin Daly, Erica Kuehn, Beth McClimek, Talia Strasser

WITNESS FOR PEACE J-TERM CLASS

Psychology Instructor Joie Acheson is doing something a little different with her Psychology and Social Responsibility class this January. She is taking 16 students to Nicaragua as a Witness for Peace delegation.

From January 5–14, students will examine the psychological and economic effects of "free trade" on workers and their families. Students, as part of a Witness for Peace delegation will:
• Spend a few days in the home of a Nicaraguan family living in a farming community;
• Learn about Nicaragua´s struggle for debt relief and how its international debt burden is affecting the daily lives of Nicaragua´s poor, especially women and their families
• Meet the maquila workers behind the "Made in Nicaragua" label to learn about labor rights and working conditions in foreign–owned garment factories;
• Learn first–hand about alternate development projects, including the impact of Fair Trade and the beginnings of eco–tourism;
• Hear the personal stories from Nicaraguans who are working for change, and witness their struggle for human rights and true democracy;
• Speak with representatives from the U.S. government in Nicaragua;
• Gain tools and skills needed to educate home communities and influence U.S. policy makers.

For information, contact Joie Acheson by email jacheson@d.umn.edu or by phone (218) 726–7458.

Posted Jan 3, 2005.

Cheryl Reitan, Publications Director, creitan@d.umn.edu
NEW RELEASES, UMD Media contact, Susan Latto, slatto@d.umn.edu, 218-726-8830