Bolivarian Circles

The Bolivarian Circles are a loosely-knit political and social organization of workers' councils in Venezuela originally begun by President Hugo Chávez in 2001.They are named in honor of Simón Bolívar, the leader who transformed most of South America from Spanish colonial outposts to the independent states now in place. http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home/opendoc.htm?tbl=RSDCOI&page=research&id=3dec9b4b4 UNHCR ] Their significance to Venezuelan politics has trailed off significantly since 2003, as most circles have effectively disbanded. Since then the government has sponsored the creation of Community Planning Councils, which evolved into the Communal Councils that are now considered the base of the participatory democracy.

Internal structure

Chávez organized these circles, which he cites as examples of grassroots and participatory democracy. The circles themselves were purportedly decentralized, made autonomous from any central government oversight, and instead organized on the neighborhood and block level.Fact|date=June 2007 In 2001, however, Chávez authorized then-Vice President Diosdado Cabello to financially support them, which makes Chávez's opponents skeptical of any claims of autonomy.Morsbach, Greg. ("BBC", 12 Jun 2002). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2038827.stm "Chavez accused of fostering militia links"] . Retrieved 13 Jun 2006.]

Work

Improvement projects undertaken by Bolivarian Circles include health, public transportation, and urban clean-ups. [Sanchez, Alvaro ("Venezuela Analysis," 30 Sep 2003). [http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=1026 "Bolivarian Circles: A Grassroots Movement"] . Retrieved 14 Nov 2005.]

Prior to 2003 the circles took part in various protests against the political opposition. In January 2002 Bolivarian Circles were reported to have blocked the entrance of the newspaper office El Nacional for over an hour. Numerous journalist been threatened, berated, and abused physically and verbally, particularly by people that identified with the Bolivarian Circles. Bolivian Circles took also part on demonstrations which became violent against the 2002 coup attempt.http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home/opendoc.htm?tbl=RSDCOI&page=research&id=3dec9b4b4 UNHCR]

Bolivarian Circles beyond Venezuela

Pro-Chávez Bolivarian circles are not exclusive to Venezuela—similar circles of supporters remain widespread in Europe, North America and Australia [ [http://www.bolivariancircle.org] Bolivarian Circles in Australia] .

Oath

In 2001, Chávez sworn all official Bolivarian Circles at the first national reunion under the following oath::

Bolivarian Youth

The Bolivarian Youth is a revolutionary anti-capitalist youth organization inspired by the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. The Bolivarian Youth was founded in Miami by young socialists with the aim of defending the revolutionary process in Latina America and spread the cause of socialism in the United States. It's main purpose is to educate and mobilize revolutionary minded young people. Just like the circles the Bolivarian Youth movement has grown widespread in South and North America, Europe and Australia. The Bolivarian Youth is usually born from local Bolivarian Circles except in Colombia where they are mainly established and managed by the FARC-EP. [ [http://www.farcep.org/?node=2,2119,1 www.farcep.org] Bolivarian Youth in Colombia established by the FARC]

Criticism

According to a study by Brigham Young University scholars, the "Bolivarian circles" also help the government identify opponents, who are then denied services. [Dependent Civil: Society: The Círculos Bolivarianos in Venezuela, Kirk A. HawkinsBrigham Young UniversityDavid R. Hansen Brigham Young University found at, http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/latin_american_research_review/v041/41.1hawkins.html "Wall Street Journal" (Eastern edition). New York, N.Y.: Jun 16, 2006. p. A1.] .

ee also

*Revolución Bolivariana
*Venezuelan Communal Councils

Notes

External links

* [http://www.bolivariancircle.org Bolivarian Circles(Australia)]
*http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=45&ItemID=3971
*http://www.cybercircle.org