Yesterday I received a newsletter in the mail from
Cultural Survival, a non-profit based in Cambridge, MA that works to
promote the “rights, voices and visions of indigenous peoples.” I first became aware of the organization when friends
of mine asked for donations to CS in lieu of wedding presents. I made a contribution and have been following the work
of this group ever since. Advocacy organizations like this are a great resource for travelers, providing education and
outreach opportunities to learn more about the issues affecting native people in places like
Guatemala,
Kenya and
Mongolia. They have several publications that report on current
news regarding fair trade, endangered languages, access to technology and environmental degradation. If you travel to
any of the countries where they do advocacy work, consider making a donation or becoming a member.