As progressives around the country applaud the election of Barack Obama as US President, organizations are keeping their momentum going to push an Obama administration to follow through on his campaign promises for positive change, and for additional positive changes in the spirit of hope and dignity encouraged by his campaign.

US policy over the past century has created and perpetuated a great deal of violence, suffering, and poverty in Latin America and around the world. The effects of those decades of misguided policy have created the very conditions that people are trying to improve in the projects we currently support in Nicaragua. Everyone who recognizes the failure of past and present US policy in Latin America should continue to push for change in every way we can.

Witness for Peace has been pushing for humane US policy in Latin America for 25 years. They have several reports related to the most devastating US policies, like structural adjustment. They have also begun to circulate a petition calling on Barack Obama to seek positive changes for Latin America.

Whether US, state, and local elections went the way you had hoped or not, it’s certainly a relief that the races are almost all over. In the aftermath of this election, we should remember that true change will only come with continued struggle and organization on our part. Here’s to pushing for postive change!