For Immediate Release
July 21, 2010

Congressional Candidate Marleine Bastien Accepts Endorsement Florida New Majority Announces
Candidate Honored to Receive Endorsement from Her Base, Working Families

Contact: Matt De Vlieger, 954.536.7461, matt@votebastien.com

MIAMI, FL— Marleine Bastien, candidate for Congress in District 17, has been awarded the endorsement of the Florida New Majority. After conducting an extensive candidate screening, which culminated with a candidate-screening forum, the organization announced yesterday that their political efforts in the 2010 primary cycle will be dedicated to electing Marleine Bastien as their next congresswoman.

“Our congressional Districts are very important. One of the things we are looking for is how close the candidate is to the community and how they relate to the people,” said Badili Jones, of Florida New Majority. “We are tired of professional politicians and millionaire candidates who lose touch with the community; we need a congressperson who has roots, who will represent us in Washington.”

“After interviewing all of the candidates our endorsement committee made up of members of FNM decided that Marleine is the most viable candidate and most in line with the needs of the community,” said Gihan Perera, Director of FNM. “Marleine Bastien is a fresh face on the political scene, but she brings with her a wealth of experiences, she will be able to blaze a new way of doing politics. That is what we need, we’ve had enough politics as usual.”

Bastien is no stranger to the organization. She has organized with FNM members and participated in their campaigns for workers’ rights, affordable housing, and immigrant rights for years. She is honored by the endorsement and believes that their support comes in harmony with the organization’s mission.

“Florida New Majority has recognized my track record and I appreciate their acknowledgement of my commitment, effectiveness, and political viability. Their support will help bring this campaign to victory, and our community one stride closer to social and economic justice,” said Bastien.

“The crisis we’re seeing in this community today is the result of decades of attacks on working families. Throughout the district, people seem adamant that government does something new to fix the problems choking progress in this area,” said Bastien. “I’m the only candidate in this race who has the ground-level experience to stand up to the challenges we face and who will redirect our resources from foreign wars and bailing out banks to rebuilding our community by investing in schools, healthcare, affordable housing, infrastructure, and job creation.”

Marleine Bastien is available for comments and interviews. She is one of only four congressional candidates in the country to receive a national endorsement from Progressive Democrats of America.

About Marleine Bastien:

Marleine Bastien’s life has been one of service. Born in Haiti, she began volunteering at the age of 8 by teaching adults and children how to read and write and working in her father’s clinic. Bastien began her service in United States 29 years ago, by volunteering at the Haitian Refugee Center just 2 days after arriving in the country. A longtime Haitian-American activist and community organizer, she is the founder and current Executive Director of Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami, Inc/ Haitian Women of Miami and Vice Chair of the Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition. Marleine Bastien is running for Congress in Florida’s District 17, the seat being vacated by Congressman Kendrick Meek.

For more information about Marleine, visit her campaign site at www.VoteBastien.com.

About Florida New Majority:

Florida New Majority (FNM) is a 501©4 organization that organizes, educates, and mobilizes communities in Florida to win equity and fairness throughout the state.

Founded in 2009, FNM overcomes the history of racism and division in the Sunshine State. By building common cause among diverse communities [they] are expanding democracy and developing the leadership of underrepresented communities. [They] are shifting the role of government away from being a pocketbook for corporate interest, to supporting the well-being of all Floridians.

FNM is building a movement for a better, fair and equitable Florida for the benefit of all residents.

For more information about Florida New Majority, visit http://www.flnewmajority.org/.

#####

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Matt De Vlieger, 954.536.7461, matt@votebastien.com.

Marleine Bastien Applauds Obama Administration’s Actions to Extend TPS Application Deadline for Haitians
The Haitian-American Activist Acknowledges the Impact of Local Organizing, Sees the Announcement as a Call to Action

July 20, 2010

MIAMI, FL-The following is a statement from Marleine Bastien, a longtime Haitian-American activist and organizer in South Florida and candidate for U.S. Congress. Her nearly 30 years of organizing includes advocating for TPS for Haitians. Bastien co-chairs the Haiti Relief Task Force. She traveled to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake to coordinate relief efforts. She is available to speak with members of the media.

“Last Monday, the Obama Administration did the right thing, by extending the deadline for Temporary Protection Status (TPS) application until January 2011 for Haitians in America.

Six months after the earthquake, Haiti is still in the midst of the worst crisis the country has ever faced.

The best way to partake in the rebuilding process is to help Haitians here. The work Haitians do here helps them send remittances to the country for rebuilding.

Extending TPS makes good humanitarian and strong economic sense. It will help the rebuilding process in Haiti, it will protect families, and it will keep many united here. At this stage, Haiti does not have the infrastructure to take back all those who have left the country for survival.

We must emphasize that TPS is only a temporary solution. A long term solution to helping Haitian refugees would include truly comprehensive immigration reform that trailblazes a path to citizenship.

On his visit to Miami, the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Alejandro Mayorkas said that the government’s action on this matter is a direct result of our community’s on the ground advocacy and that because of our work the government is able to do a better job of helping Haitians in the U.S.

Let that be a recognition of our good work and a call to action. We know that the rebuilding process is far from over and it will take the voices, contributions, organizing and hard work of many to promise a brighter future to the people of Haiti and all those impacted by the earthquake.”

About Marleine Bastien:

Marleine Bastien’s life has been one of service. Born in Haiti, she began volunteering at the age of 8 by teaching adults and children how to read and write and working in her father’s clinic. Bastien began her service in United States 29 years ago, by volunteering at the Haitian Refugee Center just 2 days after arriving in the country. A longtime Haitian-American activist and community organizer, she is the founder and current Executive Director of Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami, Inc/ Haitian Women of Miami and Vice Chair of the Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition. Marleine Bastien is running for Congress in Florida’s District 17, the seat being vacated by Congressman Kendrick Meek.

See what Marleine had to say to the Miami Herald in the video below:
Miami Herald TPS Extension Coverage

Press Release
Marleine Bastien for U.S. Congress
For Immediate Release
July 9, 2010

Contact: Matt De Vlieger, Campaign Manager, Bastien for Congress, 954.536.7461, matt@votebastien.com

Marleine Bastien Honored to Accept Endorsement from Progressive Democrats of America
Proud to be a part of PDA’s national push to elect more Progressives to Congress

MIAMI, FL – Congressional District 17 candidate Marleine Bastien proudly accepted the endorsement of Progressive Democrats of America, a grassroots organization devoted to strengthening the voice of progressive ideals. She is one of only four congressional candidates nationally to have received an endorsement from PDA.

In an email sent out this week, Tim Carpenter PDA’s National Director, outlines the fact that “162 members of the House voted for an exit strategy from Afghanistan, and 100 members voted to fully fund a withdrawal plan”, but there are still many members fighting against the plans. For this reason they have chosen to endorse Marleine, for her commitment to ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and bringing our troops home safely and, as PDA put it “We can deliver [another] progressive to Congress who will vote for Healthcare NOT Warfare, Windmills NOT Weapons and Books NOT Bombs”.

Bastien responded by saying, “The Progressive Democrats of America’s endorsement is tremendously important to our campaign. As a member of Congress, I wish to continue the work I have done in the community–fighting for peace, for universal healthcare, for comprehensive immigration reform, and to protect our environment. I’m ready to be a leader in Washington who fights hard to protect working families and drives the Democratic Party closer to it’s core values. As we build to our August 24th election, I look forward to working closely with PDA and the hardworking activists and volunteers behind it. I’m very grateful for PDA’s support which will certainly be vital to our success.”

About Marleine Bastien: Marleine Bastien is running for Congressional District 17 in Florida, the seat being vacated by Congressman Kendrick Meek. Her life has been one of service. Born in Haiti, she began volunteering at the age of 8 by teaching adults and children how to read and write and continues today. She is highly involved in her Miami community and has dedicated her life to helping others. For more information visit her site at www.VoteBastien.com.

About PDA: Progressive Democrats of America was founded in 2004 as a grassroots organization fighting to fix some of our country’s biggest problems. With special interest in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Medicare for all, voter rights, accountability, and economic and environmental justice, PDA looks to “revitalize the Democratic Party to build firm progressive principles”. Visit www.PDAmerica.org to learn more.

#####

This summer, you are invited to participate in an opportunity that will change your community and the nation! The Generation Next for Marleine Bastien is launching a national campaign to raise funds and awareness in order to develop a national youth volunteer base supporting Marleine Bastien’s Congressional campaign to represent District 17 in Florida. Join us as we make history!

Marleine has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show to speak on the effects of detainment of Haitian children at Guantanamo. She was honored by Essence Magazine as one of the 35 Most Remarkable Women in the World in 2005. She has testified in front of Congress and the United Nations in support of human rights.

Marleine has worked to improve the lives of people all over the world. She wants to continue that work for you in U.S. Congress. She is committed to improving educational opportunities, creating jobs, and addressing the country’s housing crisis. You can google her name to learn more.

Our goal is to reach 300,000 people in 30 days to donate a minimum of $5. Get involved! Organize your team now. Raise more money; win a prize (surprise)! Donate $5, $10, $50, up to $2400 (maximum individual contribution).

Remember, there are many ways you can participate…

• Donate
• Volunteer
• Intern with the Campaign
• Organize a Fundraiser
• Spread the Word

For more information about joining and contributing to the campaign, visit the official website: www.votebastien.com, call (305) 785-3814 or visit link below: 

 http://www.votebastien.com/volunteer/

http://www.votebastien.com/contribute/

http://www.votebastien.com/events/

When Marleine Bastien Wins, We All Win!

My Dear Friends:

Several months ago, I declared my candidacy to be the Congresswoman for District 17. I want to change the way business is done in Washington. For too long, we’ve bailed out companies that hurt our communities. We have used our resources to wage unnecessary wars.

On Tuesday, January 12th, a strong earthquake hit Haiti. Thousands, including members of my own family, lost their lives. After the earthquake, I went to Haiti to advocate for a strong and immediate recovery. I brought food, water, tents, and medication to those in need.  While there, I was struck by the vibrancy of the community and the incredible resilience of the Haitian people.

Americans are also resilient in the face of adversity, but we need leadership to achieve goals like affordable healthcare and a fair economic recovery. Our country needs to regain its strength if it is to continue to extend a helping hand when other nations suffer, or even, to protect its own people when the next Hurricane Katrina strikes.

My recent experiences have strengthened my resolve to become your Congresswoman.

Our economy needs to be rebuilt. I am running for Congress to make government work for you instead of rich corporations. You deserve to have stable, gainful employment to take care of your family, send your children to college and save for your retirement. Your children deserve the best education so that they can look at the future with hopeful eyes and trusting hearts, not with the anxiety of a fearful nation.

My life has been one of service. My parents taught me the importance of caring for others and giving back. For more than 28 years, I have championed issues like immigration reform, affordable housing, health care, good jobs, women’s and workers’ rights. I have been deeply engaged in the district, and I know the challenges facing our community today. We are tired of more of the same. We need new visionary leadership, and I’m ready for the challenge.

But I cannot do it without you. Please make a $20, $50, $100 donation to my campaign before the March 31st reporting deadline so that I can fight for you in Washington. You can give as much as $2,400.  Go to www.votebastien.com and make your donation today.

Sincerely,

Published in the Miami Herald, Thu, Mar. 11, 2010

Heed their voices, let them lead

BY MARLEINE BASTIEN
www.fanm.org

With the commemoration of International Women’s Day on Monday, the world’s attention focused on women’s trials, tribulations and triumphs. It is well documented that when times are hard, women and children fare worse than men.

I travel extensively in the course of my work. In Guatemala, Venezuela, Brussels, Switzerland, Martinique, the Philippines, I’ve had a front row seat to witness women’s courage, unstoppable determination, resilience and strong leadership qualities. The women of Haiti impress me beyond measure. Nowhere have I seen such fierceness and resilience.

I visited 12 camps after the recent earthquake ravaged Haiti’s weak infrastructure. The television images did not do justice to the level of destruction and utter desolation. I saw babies too weak to suckle their mother’s breasts, the sick and newly discharged sleeping on cold floors. The misery and indescribable conditions tugged at the deepest recesses of my soul. My heart bled.

The women were not crying, though. They took matters in their own hands to organize life in the tents. They cooked and shared food with those in the camp, blood-related or not. They tended to the sick, elderly and children. They took advantage of their sheer numbers to mount a resistance against the robbers and other undesirables that roamed the camps. They organized a “sleep rotation system” for the men in the camp, young or old, to combat the rape of women and girls.

Women are the backbone of Haiti’s economy, yet, they are not represented in the nation’s decision-making process.

By historically keeping women out of the political leadership, Haiti squandered its chances of developing a viable, sustainable and thriving nation. Haitian women make up over half the population. Their representation in the Cabinet and chambers should be proportional to their true numbers for their voices to be heard.

Women must take a leadership role in the rebuilding process to prevent another 200 years’ legacy of “the more things change, the more they remain the same.”

Haiti has to root out corruption at all levels of government and in its institutions. The judicial system must be reformed so that those who plunder government coffers are held accountable. The pillaging and an obstructionist and selfish mentality need to change. Haiti’s leaders have a duty and a responsibility to put their personal ambitions aside, develop a “plan de societe” with the contributions of all the nation’s voices, in collaboration with those in the diaspora.

There are many untapped talents and leaders in Haiti. They only need an opportunity to rise and serve.

Haitian Americans in the diaspora are just waiting for a nod to sprint to Haiti and contribute their skills and resources. They should have been the most lobbied entity by the Haitian government. Yet, Haitians in the diaspora have yet to receive a visit by Haiti’s leaders. Talk about misplaced priorities!

The Haitian-American diaspora’s $1.17 billion annual contribution has no strings attached. It’s unconditional!

In memory of Haiti’s most revered feminists: Myriam Merlet, Magalien Marcelin and Anne Marie Coriolan and the thousands of women who perished during the earthquake, Haiti must make room for its women to finally lead. This is a condition sine qua non — indispensable for a stable and prosperous future.

Marleine Bastien is Executive Director of Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami, Inc./Haitian Women of Miami.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Marleine Bastien visited the White House on Wednesday  to participate in President Obama and President Preval’s  press conference and to meet with Organization of American States (OAS) officials in preparation for  the March 21-23,  2010 meeting on “Rebuilding Haiti.”

“I commend President Obama for his leadership and strong humanitarian response to Haiti’s crisis, Mrs. Bastien said. With a sound strategic plan and the relief of all of Haiti’s debt, President Préval can finally put Haiti on the road to development, with the participation and support of Haitians in Haiti and abroad.”

Marleine Bastien co-chairs the Haiti Relief Task Force. She traveled to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake to coordinate the relief efforts.

A longtime Haitian-American activist and community organizer, she is the founder, former president, and current Executive Director of Fanm Ayisyen Nan Miyami, Inc/ Haitian Women of Miami and Vice Chair of the Haitian-American Grassroots Coalition.

March 8^th is International Women’s Day!  It is celebrated every year at the same time to showcase women’s social, economic, and political achievements.  Most of us are going to work today, but in  countries like Bulgaria and China, Mach 8^th is a national holiday!  This year’s there is a significant message: “Clean Water For A Healthy World.”  It is estimated  that 1.1 billion citizens around the globe lack access to clean water.  Women and girls are specifically are risk because oftentimes, they have to travel alone to seek water putting themselves in harm’s way.  Let us celebrate the love, the courage, the resilience and the love of the women among us.  Haiti lost three feminists and thousands of women in the recent earthquake: Myriam Merlet, Magalie Marcelin, and Anne Marie Coriolan.  Many more lost their lives in Chile and in other war torn countries. May their spirit give us the strength to continue the fight for equity, social, political , economic justice, and world peace.

Today is also my birthday. I wish to thank all for their prayers and their warm wishes.   Special thanks to Dr. Flore Lindor Latortue for organizing and  honoring me at a party last night at Tap Tap in South Beach.  To my all my friends : Jean Mapou, Edeline Clermont, Marie Etienne, Mayor Andre Pierre, Marie Yolaine Ferdilus, Jean Mecknic  Derisca, Tony Jeantenor, Dr. Francelot Moise, Bertin Semelfort, Yolande Thomas, Nancy St. Leger, Dr. Ernst Julmeus,  Marie Paule Woodson,  Barbara Montero,  Marcel Alexis, Yolande Thomas, Moviette ,  Dasha and all the others  who participated and spoke highly of me at the party, thank you!   I’m forever grateful.

In lieu of gifts and flowers, please make a contribution of $5, $20, $50 (or more, if you can afford it) to the Bastien For Congress campaign.  Donate directly online:  www.votebastien.com/contribute/ or send a checks to: Bastien for Congress, P.O.Box  381255, Miami, Florida  33238.

Again, Many Thanks,

Marleine Bastien

Documenting conditions in the camps

To all my friends:

I’m sorry for the long absence. I’ve been extremely busy dealing with the crisis in Haiti and here. One more reason to write you might say. I agree. However, Haiti was reeling from its worst crisis in over 100 years! It was hard to concentrate on anything else. As co-chair of the Haiti Relief Effort, I’m coordinating the collection of food items, tents, and water. Thanks to FANM’s Relief Coordinator Martine Theodore, and Volunteer Coordinator Marie Yolaine Ferdilus, we are ready to send our next shipment of collected goods to Haiti once transportation is secured. I wish to thank each and everyone who donated money, food and medical equipments to the people of Haiti in their time of great need. Special thanks to the American people , President Obama, local and national media, religious and our business community for their generous support. I’m asking you to afford the same urgent concern for the people of Chile who also need our support after the devastation caused by the powerful earthquake. They urgently need your prayers.

Only hours after the earthquake hit Haiti, my staff and I were engaged with the media, relief organizations and area hospitals to provide housing to U.S. citizens relocated from Haiti, grief counseling and supportive services to those whose family members were flown in for treatment. We assisted those children who were passing through Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports to join their adoptive parents. We coordinated volunteers to assist the Red Cross and the Department of Children and Families. Surprisingly, an important service was to rush to bring sweaters upon request to these children who were just freezing cold once they arrived at our airports. They were not properly dressed to confront our unusually chilling weather.

In addition to helping here in the U.S., I traveled to Haiti with a medical relief crew from Notre Dame d’Haiti Church through Miami Air. Our meeting in the plane was coincidental, but we ended up sharing space in a Port-au-Prince church. Upon arrival, we found out that most people in the camps were still waiting for relief. Many needed emergency housing, food, potable water, and health care. I visited camps in Port-au-Prince, Leogane, Mathieu and Darbonne. What we saw on television and the reality on the ground were two different things.

The Camps

Shacks for earthquake survivors

I called them “camps” for lack of a better word. Thousands of makeshift tents covered for the most part by pieces of blankets or plastics or pwela (thick pieces of a clothing materials) . The lucky and well connected have beautiful tents with “Made In China” written over them. Even in the midst of the catastrophe of the century, the class division persists. Most of those interviewed complained that they have yet to receive any relief confirming previous reports. There’ve been a few distributions, but only the “gwo bibit (the muscled ones) got food and water. The others returned to the camp bredouille (without anything). A sign on a wall says it all “Nou Bouke” (we are tired)

Women and Girls at Risk

In times of crisis- In time of war, women and girls fare worse. Even in these horrible times, reports of rapes of women and girls abound. Fathers and husbands sleep in shifts to protect their loved ones, but they must leave the camp to find food. The situation was untenable.

Coordinating the help

The people of Haiti suffered un-imaginable trauma. Most are still in shock. Adults and children alike are startled by even minimal level of noise. The physical wounds will soon heal. The emotional scars will last forever. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Haitians have not lost their sense of brotherhood, their humanity. Whatever little food is available is shared among all in the camps. Relief organizations should build on these secular values and traditions to reach out to those in need. Use the community organizations and women heads of households for the distribution. Everybody will benefit. The women are already doing this on their own. They are the surest guarantee that the aid will reach home. There is no reason to reinvent the wheels. I saw a strong sense of humanity in the camps. The women took charge naturally, cooking, feeding everybody. It was heartwarming to see this level of humanity in the midst of such desolation and despair.

Looking Toward the Future

No matter where you turn, the misery of the people is evident. The babies are dehydrated. A woman is bathing right on the street. A newborn lays motionless. Her little tummy going up and down, is the only sign of life. She is too weak to cry or even suckle her mother’s breast. The mother, Julia told me that she uses a spoon to drop sweetened water though her lips.

Echoes of the Past

Memories of my volunteer time at Deschapelles, the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, flooded my mind. There, the babies were too weak to smile or breastfeed. My job was to feed them drops of black bean soup (sos pwa) and water with a teaspoon. When the babies looked into the deep recesses of my soul and gave me their first smile, I knew then that they were safe. I was not a doctor, even though at the time my head was full of dreams of becoming one. I wanted to build a hospital in Pont Benoit because as a child going there on vacation, I saw too many died en route to the hospital. That was so long ago.

There is a mountain of needs at every turn: shattered dreams, unbearable pain, thoughts of loved ones rotting under the rubble, thrown in shallow graves without the rites and traditions that are so dear. Like most, Haitians have a reverence, deep respect for the dead! Oh, the pain of never knowing … no rituals, no final goodbyes. The un-ending pain!

Planning for the Future

There has to be a plan to develop long term housing for the displaced. The peasantry has seen a population boost for the thousands who’ve deserted the capital. The state must develop a structure to absorb them…meet their basic needs. This may indeed be the beginning of a long awaited decentralization strategy. It is a golden opportunity to engage the displaced in the rebuilding process – create new green jobs, build roads, hospitals with the intimate collaboration of the diaspora.

The Rebuilding

This trip taught me that the Haitian people are ready and willing to serve! They’ve been left out of the equation for a long, long time ! They came out of this crisis in a very strong way. Everywhere you turn, the Haitian people are present, digging with their bare hands, pulling people out….people they did not even know! Their love for complete strangers, their humanity touched me deeply! They showed us that they can and they will rebuild Haiti if given the opportunity! They will need our support in the diaspora. There is a wealth of skills and expertise that can be put to use . Women, in particular must take a strong leadership role there. Otherwise, we will be in the same predicament in the next 100 years! Of course, the State of Haiti will need to develop a strategic plan, “un plan de societe” with all voices represented! Many doubt that they can do as much. But they must. They can!

We are looking for volunteers to pack all received goods bound for Haiti. Please call (786)399-3999 to help.

With Kindest Regards.

Marleine Bastien