History

1997

April-May
Small delegation goes to Nuevo Laredo, establishes contact with CETRAC and colonia of Santiago M. Belden. CBN formed

August
Fundraising dinner and talk by Martha Ojeda of Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras and a worker from Fabricas de Calidad

September
Tour of 12 from Kansas City to Nuevo Laredo, began building school in Santiago Belden with CETRAC & community.

November
Fundraising dinner and report back from the border trip

December
Toy and clothing drive nets truckload of Christmas gifts for border communities.

1998

March
Two volunteers help conduct Strategic Planning training with CETRAC in Nuevo Laredo.

April
Concert fundraiser by Cross Currents Chorus of Social Justice

June
CBN donates van to CETRAC

September
School dedication and Teamsters haul 129 school desks to Nuevo Laredo

December
Shop til you drop on a maquila wage a game done at fundraising dinner

1999

February
CBN conducts strategic planning for itself Fundraising concert by Dave Lippman

March
Ten trade unionists and KU students tour Nuevo Laredo & Matamoros

May
Speakers training

2000

March
Sponsor an organizer project begins

June
Duro bag support work, CBN participates in international campaign against Duro CBN elected to board of Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras

December
Christmas drive for Duro workers' kids

2001

February
CBN and CJM coordinate 24 demonstrations

March
CBN sends observers to Duro union representation election in Rio Bravo

July
Duro worker Margarita Rincon visits Kansas City

December
Christmas building material and toy drive with help from Kansas City construction unions and the Teamsters.

2005

March
Tour of 8 students and activists visit Matamoros, award first grant to labor rights group

April
Speaker on fair trade and human rights in Chiapas

November
CBN organized a public forum about irregular workers in the global economy

Throughout CBN has done numerous talks to community groups, unions, churches, and colleges and published a quarterly newsletter.