Roundtable Conversations Toward Collective Actions
Collage of the Five city roundtables
Introduction
Imagine a world where the Haitian diaspora, united and organized, wields significant influence on US policies towards Haiti. a world where our voices are heard loud and clear, shaping the future of our homeland for the betterment of all Haitians. This is not just a pipe dream; it is a possibility within our reach. But it will only happen if we come together, pool our resources, and work towards a common goal.
Haitian society faces tremendous socio-political and economic challenges. Despite these difficulties, the United States remains a powerful actor with sway over local actors. In this context, Haitians living outside of the country—often referred to as the "diaspora"—can influence US policymakers and US government policies toward Haiti. However, the diaspora’s influence has been limited due to disparate actors making countervailing recommendations and demands. Moreover, the many organizations representing the diaspora make it appear disunited, which in turn makes it difficult to consolidate the Haitian voice.
As a result, the community has divergent priorities that lead to making contradictory demands on U.S. policymakers. To achieve the goal of uniting the diaspora’s voice, the National Haitian-American Association of Elected Official Network (NHAEON) has partnered with Konbit for Haiti, the United Front, and FEWGI to engage in a listening tour of the diaspora. The outcome of this process is to identify the diaspora’s top three priorities for Haiti. They will serve as an advocacy agenda to mobilize the diaspora.
Roundtable Context
NHAEON has recently shown its interest in engaging individuals and organizations representing a cross-section of the Haitian diaspora. Working with Konbit for Haiti and other partners, they held a series of preparatory roundtables (virtual and face-to-face) in Atlanta, Chicago, greater Boston, New Jersey, and New York. The outputs from those roundtable discussions will inform a deeper discussion that will take place at NHAEON’s annual retreat.
We will hold this important discussion for two reasons: time and space. The country is spiraling out of control, and fear of crime—a lack of public safety—has paralyzed the economy and all aspects of life. This has led to social insecurities that have caused larger swaths of the population to fall deeper into extreme poverty. Indeed, the country is imploding. All Haitians generally agree that something must be done now. Many organizations have attempted to unite Haitian voices. Unfortunately, they have failed because they are often seen as competitors with other organizations that see themselves as the real representatives of the community. The other challenge is that most diaspora organizations are locally based and represent local or, at best, regional interests.
NHAEON is the largest network of Haitian-American elected and appointed officials in the U.S. Its members represent the voices of millions of constituents across the U.S. Moreover, NHAEON’s very mission is dedicated to supporting domestic policies, legislation, and issues affecting Haitians living in the United States. As such, NHAEON is the diaspora organization that has the breadth and reach that all others lack. Additionally, as elected officials, they naturally have the implicit capacity and legitimacy to bring the diaspora community together. Coming on the heels of the roundtables, NHAEON’s annual retreat presents a perfect opportunity to bring the community together to discuss Haiti's challenges and to agree on the key priorities around which the community can develop a strategic and cohesive advocacy agenda.
Taking Action and Making a Difference in Haiti
Now that the top priorities have been identified, the next step is taking action. We have to use the collective power of our communities to act on those priorities. This will involve training on advocacy as well as building the memory muscle of collective action.
But most importantly, it means having an effective plan for how we can make a difference in Haiti. This can include donating to organizations that are doing work in Haiti, as well as mobilizing for action and taking part in protests and demonstrations. We need to use the power of our voices to push for change and support those who are working hard to make a difference in Haiti.
Under NHAEON’s leadership and in partnership with other organizations such as Konbit for Haiti, United Front, and FEWGI, we will develop a plan to engage the community and provide members with the tools to be advocates for Haiti.
Conclusion
It is through a process of uniting around a common agenda and engaging in collective action that change will be brought to Haiti. The Haitians in the Diaspora are committed to continuing these community meetings and have started with the roundtables. The next phases include the following: "Community learning and affirmation" will include an ongoing series of community meetings to inform and build the community’s capacity. They will conclude the "community action" phase, which will include actions such as advocacy days, rapid response advocacy, and specific projects and initiatives that respond to issues that affect Haitians.
The initiative’s broader initial goal is to help the Haitian diaspora build the muscle memory of collective action. To succeed, it will require a targeted communications and awareness campaign, the human and financial resources to implement it, and an oversight team to keep the work focused on Haiti.
Strategic partners
Konbit for Haiti (KfH)
United Front of the Haitian Diaspora (UFHD)
Foundation for the Emancipation of Women and Girls (FEWGI)