The Committee of Solidarity With the People Of El Salvador, Toronto (COSPES)
Organization profile published 1982

http://www.connexions.org/Groups/Subscribers/CxG5590.htm
Year Published:  1982
Resource Type:  Organization
Cx Number:  CX2529

Abstract: 
The Commiteeof Solidarity with the People of El Salvador, Toronto was formed in early 1981. At that time, agroup of people representing 25 different organizations wishing to take acton on EL Salvador met to form an independent committee to initiate and help coordinate Metro are work on behalf of the Salvadoran people. This commitee to initiate and help coordinate MEtro area work on behalf of the Salvadoran people. This committee now works in unison with many other such commitees across the country, all linked by a recently formed Natioanl Network.

COSPES recognizes the Revolutionary Democratic Front(FDR) and the National Liberation Movement Farabundo Marti (FMLN) as representatives of the people of El Salvador and works closely with them in chanelling financial and other support. The four main purposes of COPSES are :

1. To ensure Canada's non- alignment with any intervention in EL Salvador.
2. To protest U.S. intervention in El Salvador.
3. To support and encourage human rights work and provide solidarity to the FDR- FMLN.
4. To inform the Canadian public , especially opinion leaders, about the true situation in El Salvador

Policy decisions are made by the general membership. Most COPSES work, however, is done at the commitee level. Members active in one or more of the more of the five commitees ( Press and Information, Events and Fundraising, Trade Union, Student/ Techer and Christian Action) attend regular meetings and volunteer for specific tasks; this may involve anything from selling tickets for a support function. They can also participate in a street theatre group which presents the Salvadorans struggle in a dramatic form.

Through involvement, it is hoped that members become better informed in order to act as resources in the community at large. They may also provide links to other organizations they belong to; outreach activities and public education about the actual situation in El Salvador's struggles in dramatic form.

Through involvment, it is hoped that members become better informed in order to act as resources in community at large. They can also provide links to other organizations they belong to; outreach activities and public education about the actual situation in El Salvador are very high priorities.

To further these ends, COSPES often sets literature tables at community functions to sell and distribute publications prepared by themselves as well as by others. A recent addition is " Bitter Grounds- Roots of Revolts in El Salvador", a book by COPSES co- chairperson Prof. Liisa North($7.95), also available for general distribution through the Developments Education Centre( 427 Bloor St. W, Toronto, Ont. M5S 1X7).

This organization no longer exists.
This abstract was published in the Connexions Digest in 1982.