Mural in La Palma, photo by Al Jaugelis

Dear Friends of MASCP,

It’s Giving Tuesday!

8 reasons why MASCP is WORTH a bit of your time and money today:
 

1-MASCP ENRICHES our community. We provide a meaningful connection for you to people in the small mountain town of Arcatao, El Salvador.

2-MASCP has been COMMITTED to the relationship between people in Madison and Arcatao for 37 years. It started during the U.S.-backed armed conflict in El Salvador during the 1980s and has never wavered.

3-MASCP regularly EDUCATES Congressional reps from Wisconsin about what is happening on the ground in El Salvador. We let them know how U.S. policy is affecting regular people there and what they can do about it.

4-MASCP financially SUPPORTS two University students from Arcatao every year. Over 80% of them stay in El Salvador after graduation rather than migrate north.

5-MASCP is the main CHAMPION for the women in the Ana Elsy Cooperative in Arcatao. We buy their beautiful embroidery, sell it in Madison, and provide them with important fairly paid income in a place where there is little opportunity for paid work.

6-MASCP SENDS 93% of your donations directly to El Salvador. Your money supports efforts chosen by the local council in Arcatao. This year they are asking for help to repair a sewer problem in the basement of the low-cost community restaurant. Your donation also helps pay the Salvadoran U.S. El Salvador Sister City (USESSC) staff in San Salvador who make all our trips to Arcatao possible.

7-MASCP is powered by VOLUNTEERS. We pay for web and accounting services here in the U.S. and the rest goes to El Salvador.

8-MASCP is an official NOT-FOR-PROFIT organization. Your entire donation is tax deductible.

We are super grateful for donations of any size but if everyone reading this newsletter would donate $37 to honor our 37 years of sistering, we’d meet our fundraising goal TODAY!

Donate by clicking on the link below or sending your check to: MASCP, P.O. Box 132, Madison WI 53701.

Many many thanks!!

Important update from Arcatao

Arcatao Junta Directiva: back: Juan Antonio and Reynaldo. Front: Francisco, Daisy, Reina and Agustin.

Recently, MASCP members, Abi Degner and Marco Aguirre met by telephone with Abél (Reynaldo) Lopez Escalante, the head of the Junta Directiva in Arcatao and other members of the Directiva, Secretary Reina Campos, Treasurer Juan Antonio and Agustin Menjivar.

Here’s a quick update on what they shared:

• The Youth Office, repaired and furnished with donations from MASCP, is up and running now. They received credentials as an official youth organization and their first goal is to make it easier for youth to get employment.

• The Bukele regime announced that instead of 200+ municipalities with their own elected mayor and local control, there will now be only 40+. This will happen after the election in May 2024 when Bukele is running again despite the Constitution explicitly forbidding second terms.

• Martial law was supposed to end this December but Bukele now says it will not end until 2025. To date 18 youth have been taken prisoner in Arcatao without due process. Reynaldo feels that the pressure from the military in town is currently a bit less maybe because of international denunciations.

• The Directiva is working on two projects where our financial help would be appreciated: 1- The sewer system in the community kitchen urgently needs repair and 2- A retention wall that was destroyed during a heavy rainstorm needs rebuilding. The resulting erosion is affecting the community kitchen and the other buildings on that street.

• It looks like they will be able to maintain administration of their water system rather than become privatized. They are carefully registering everything with the government.

• Abi: “We have the best memories of our time with you there. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedules to talk with us.” Reina: “We feel the same. We are very grateful for you guys. Thank you for all that you do.”

Don’t miss the Fair Trade

Holiday Festival!

Saturday, December 2nd

8 AM-3 PM at Monona Terrace

We found “em! Traditional Salvadoran-painted wooden boxes are back by popular demand and come see stunning new embroidered bags made by the women in the embroidery cooperative in Arcatao. You can also browse an array of handmade items from all over the world and pick up locally-made wreaths, cheeses, and veggies at the local Farmer’s Winter Market right next

door. What’s not to love?

The first time I brought my 75-year-old mom to the Fair Trade Festival, she said, “This is amazing! Why haven’t you brought me here before?” So grab everyone in your family and c’mon down!

Free $2 Coupon!

Show this coupon on your phone or print it out and bring it along.

Join us at Finca Cafe this winter

and learn more about traveling

to Arcatao in June 2024!

The gatherings at Finca Salvadoran Cafe were so popular last winter, that we’re doing it again. Everyone’s welcome on January 20, February 17, and March 16 from 10 AM-12 PM at the Finca Salvadoran Cafe, 2500 Rimrock Road #105. There will be a table reserved for our group.

Past MASCP travelers are encouraged to come and share their experiences. Old friends and curious new folks are all welcome. It’s an MASCP reunion, discussion, and planning meeting for our 2024 trip all rolled into one. Call Joan at 608 556-0717 for more info.

Thanks to those of you who have read this far! Please remember to support MASCP’s work in Arcatao with a donation today! Thank you!