Michael and Sharla discuss non-violence on a swing in Popayan, capital of the state of Cauca

Ricardo (with Jess interpreting) tells the Idaho students about the history of the Cauca University student movement. This week, the university students are on strike, in response to the state police invasion of the Guambiano indigenous reserve.

Ryan, Lindsay, and Bryan listen to the Cauca students alternative media strategy, to provide students with information that is not controlled by the mass media. This week's summit was portrayed in the mass media as a violent confrontation between armed indigenous men and state forces who tried to control them. The media also linked the summit with the FARC (an illegal narco-terrorist organization according to both the US and Colombian government). All participants with whom we spoke denied any connection to this group.

Kath, a law student, and a communications student. Nine former Colombian presidents have graduated from the University of Cauca; more than any other institute of higher education. Popayan is a very conservative, colonial city.

Aubrey considers the risks that Colombian students take when they decide to become part of an outspoken social organization. Many Colombian students have been killed, detained, or disappeared as a result of their outspoken opposition to government policies (for example, continued privatization of education).

The North Idaho College Students for Progressive Change with the University of Cauca student group.