Dear Friends,
As we approach the end of the year, I am reminded of the words of my father, the late Rev. Lucius Walker, who believed deeply in the power of community and solidarity, especially in difficult times.
I write to you in the spirit of that same belief, to share the remarkable achievements of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO) this year and to invite you to join us in continuing this vital work into 2024.
This Year’s Milestones:
– 33rd Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba: Working with local activists, organized events in 34 cities throughout the U.S. to educate people about the latest in US-Cuban relations – information hard to find in our own media. We encouraged people to travel to see for themselves and 32 Caravanistas did. This year we were in the Eastern part of Cuba, helping to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the beginning of the Cuban Revolution. This included a five mile hike up into the mountains, following the steps of the revolutionary army. We didn’t come empty handed. Thanks to your support we brought duffle bags filled with $75,000 worth of medicine and medical supplies. On their return, each caravanista brought back their own first-hand information, and more awareness of the need to change our country’s policies that are only designed to cause suffering for the Cuban people.
– June 25thAction in Washington, DC: This was a significant moment in our advocacy efforts. We added our voice to the call for Cuba to be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. We helped organize a massive rally and visits to members of Congress. (which lead to my arrest as I was sitting and waiting to see Senator Mendendez). This only underscored our resolve in the face of adversity.
-ELAM Scholarship Graduates: We celebrated the successful graduation of eight scholars from the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), an embodiment of our dedication to nurturing future leaders in healthcare. They join the 200 other ELAM grads, now practicing medicine throughout the U.S. Cuba continues, out of their scarcity, to give these scholarships, not only to U.S. citizens, but to tens of thousands of students from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
We were honored to be asked to be part of Cuba’s presentation to the Council for the International Assessment and Accreditation (CEAI), as they visited and evaluated Cuba’s medical education program. Their international accreditation is vitally important to our grads as they return and gain the credentials to practice medicine here in the U.S. It went well, and was another step taken to aid our ‘revolutionary doctors’ on their journey.
Thanks to your support, we are even more focused on recruiting new students, setting up school-to-med school-to doctors “pipelines’. We want to work with high schools and community colleges, targeting underserved communities who need more socially conscious doctors. You can help! Spread the word! Put us in touch with potential students, their teachers and guidance counselors who can identify young people who might benefit from a full scholarship to medical school. Your support makes that happen!
– Solidarity with Palestine: We have strengthened our support for the Palestinian people, standing firmly against the genocidal occupation and advocating for peace and justice for the entire region. Watch for new ways of speaking out against this ongoing war and humanitarian disaster.
– Supporting Grassroots Organizations: Proudly served as fiscal sponsors for over 15 impactful organizations, reinforcing our commitment to empowering local communities. The work of these groups range from supporting the houseless, preventing anti-Asian violence, helping refugees, local community organizing – the list goes on…..
How You Can Help:
Donate: Your tax-deductible gift makes this work possible. Your monthly pledge (by check or credit card) lets us budget and plan our work even more efficiently. Remember to include IFCO in your financial planning. Make your commitment to the future.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network and encourage them to support our cause. Use some of our on-line resources and plan your own education and action event. Your group or congregation can hold an event. It can be as simple as inviting a friend or two over, looking at a video together, and building community, educating and fundraising – all while having a good time together. Give us a call and we’ll share ideas.
Together, we can make a difference. Join us to help us continue the vital work of IFCO. Let us honor the legacy of my father, Rev. Lucius Walker by extending our hands in solidarity, friendship, and hope.
With Gratitude,
Gail Walker, IFCO/Pastors for Peace
Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement 
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