Austin Tan Cerca de la Frontera

Austin Tan Cerca de la Frontera ATCF addresses social and economic injustice on the TX/Mexico border & supports community resistance. free trade.

Statement of purpose:
ATCF raises awareness about conditions of social and economic injustice along the Texas/Mexico border particularly as they affect displaced and disenfranchised communities and supports community-driven resistance to injustice through transnational solidarity and fair trade. We believe that our environment, our communities and human dignity are sacred and must be respected in

the movement for social justice. History:
As the decade of the 1990's witnessed the collapse of the Soviet Union and communism, the start of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the birth of the World Trade Organization (WTO), many voices sang the "free trade" gospel. Then in 1999, during the WTO conference, the so-called "Battle in Seattle" erupted. "Fair trade" activists all over the world sought to bring attention to the dark side of the "free" trade philosophy and disrupt the self-serving narrative of corporate globalization. Meanwhile, far from Seattle, a movement based upon the same principles of social justice and fair trade was taking shape. Just a few months before the Seattle protests, Austin Tan Cerca de la Frontera (Austin So Close to the Border, ATCF) was born in Texas. The group formed out of a coalition of fair trade activists that were protesting the GAP's use of sweatshop labor to produce their goods. Every month they picketed the multi-national's central Austin retail location, bringing attention to the injustice from which the GAP profited. As the GAP protests were catching fire, the Austin office of the American Friends Service Committee invited three women from Mexico to speak at a local church (September, 1999). They were workers from the maquiladoras of Northern Mexico-mostly US-owned factories that had relocated South in order to manufacture cheaply and export back to US markets. The women gave a picture of salaries pushed too low, communities engulfed in increasing poverty, Mexican labor laws broken and their own empowered and organized struggle for rights and respect. When they joined a protest at the GAP the next day, their testimony galvanized action. Austinites, prominently including the AFSC, organized a fact-finding mission to Piedras Negras, Mexico, so close to Austin. That October expedition turned out to be the first of what would be quarterly delegations to Mexico, in partnership with the Comite Fronterizo de Oberas/os (The Border Committee of Working Women and Men or CFO)

In the context of a relationship with Mexican workers organized by the CFO, and drawing on their lived experiences, ATCF delegations create an experiential classroom at the border, offering people from the US a window on the realities of "free' trade, economic policies, migration, militarization, and collective action. Together Mexicans and visitors form a space for discussion in an environment of trust. The American Friends Service Committee sponsored Austin Tan Cerca for the first 11 years. Then because of the worldwide economic down turn and budget constraints within AFSC, Austin Tan Cerca became an independent community based non-profit in 2010 carrying forward the work, with AFSC's blessings and the inspiration of Quaker values. Throughout the 2000s the program was expanding to include the annual Women & Fair Trade Festival in which fair trade producers from all over the world come to Austin and tell their stories and the meaning to their communities of fair vs.

Join us May 22–24 for our annual border delegation! 🚐🌱★ Connect with organizers on the frontlines of labor, border, and ...
04/08/2026

Join us May 22–24 for our annual border delegation! 🚐🌱

★ Connect with organizers on the frontlines of labor, border, and gender justice
★ Build solidarity with maquiladora workers and border communities
★ Return with tools and relationships to take action in your own community

Delegates will meet and learn from our longtime partners: Fuerza Unida in San Antonio, a worker-led cooperative organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice, and the Comité Fronterizo de Obreras (CFO) in Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña, where maquiladora workers organize against exploitative labor conditions and gender-based violence.

Dates: May 22–24, 2026
English/Spanish Interpretation available if needed.
Location: San Antonio, TX + Piedras Negras & Ciudad Acuña, Mexico (trip begins & ends in Austin)
Questions or ready to RSVP? Email Juanita at [email protected] or scan QR code
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¡Acompáñanos del 22 al 24 de mayo para nuestra delegación fronteriza anual! 🚐🌱

★ Conéctate con organizadorxs que están al frente de las luchas por la justicia laboral, de género y en la frontera
★ Construye solidaridad con trabajadorxs de maquiladoras y comunidades fronterizas
★ Regresa con herramientas y relaciones para tomar acción en tu propia comunidad

Lxs delegadxs se reunirán y aprenderán de nuestras aliadas de muchos años: Fuerza Unida en San Antonio, una cooperativa liderada por trabajadorxs que se organiza por la justicia social, económica y ambiental, y el Comité Fronterizo de Obreras (CFO) en Piedras Negras y Ciudad Acuña, donde trabajadorxs de maquiladora se organizan contra condiciones laborales explotadoras y violencia de género.

Fechas: 22–24 de mayo de 2026
Interpretación inglés-español disponible
Ubicación: San Antonio, TX + Piedras Negras y Ciudad Acuña, México (el viaje empieza y termina en Austin)
¿Dudas o lista/o para confirmar tu lugar? Escribe a Juanita: [email protected] o escanee el código QR.

CANASTA CAM 📸🫢🧺🫛💞Congrats to our lotería winners from our International Women’s Day Celebration!
03/30/2026

CANASTA CAM 📸🫢🧺🫛💞

Congrats to our lotería winners from our International Women’s Day Celebration!

(1/2) Memories from Palabras, Ritmo, y Rebeldía, captured by the one and only 🦋 in honor of International Women’s Day.T...
03/30/2026

(1/2) Memories from Palabras, Ritmo, y Rebeldía, captured by the one and only 🦋 in honor of International Women’s Day.

Together we raised $538 for the Immigrant Support Fund (donate and learn more via ’s bio).

Special thank you to for an abundant poetry workshop, for celebrating culture and building critical awareness through music, for hosting us year after year, our outstanding volunteers, and of course everyone who joined in, new and old.

03/06/2026

Join us TODAY for Palabras, Ritmo, y Rebeldía at Butterfly Bar from 5-7:30pm in honor of International Women’s Day.
50% proceeds go to the Immigrant Support Fund.

5:00pm Welcome
5:15pm Viva Palestina Orchestra
5:45pm ATCF Loteria
6:05pm Poetry Workshop led by Mazat
7:15pm Closing

We’ll be closed January 30th in solidarity with our communities resisting ICE and the systems it upholds. Estaremos cerr...
01/30/2026

We’ll be closed January 30th in solidarity with our communities resisting ICE and the systems it upholds. Estaremos cerrados el 30 de enero en solidaridad con nuestras comunidades que resisten a ICE y a los sistemas que sostiene.

Support/Apoya a:
★ Austin Sanctuary Network, bit.ly/DonateASN
★ Immigrant Support Fund, bit.ly/stongjuntos
★ Trans Asylum Seeker Support Network, givebutter.com/TASSNxSupport

🧊 out of Austin! Bring warm layers and loud noise makers.
01/27/2026

🧊 out of Austin! Bring warm layers and loud noise makers.

Some beautiful recuerdos from our most memorable Women and Fair Trade Festival yet 💭💞Since 2004, ATCF has organized this...
12/17/2025

Some beautiful recuerdos from our most memorable Women and Fair Trade Festival yet 💭💞

Since 2004, ATCF has organized this festival to center women- and Indigenous-led artisan cooperatives, demonstrate a dignified alternative to exploitative economies, and invite our friends, new and decades old, to gather in community to support and celebrate the many art forms that sustain us.

We want to extend our flowers and gratitude to…

…our outstanding artisan cooperatives and their representatives who join us year after year: Jolom Mayaetik, Warmipa Huasy, Las Racheritas, Palestine Online Store, Marigold Gateway to India, UPAVIM, Colores del Pueblo, Hilda from Austin Sanctuary Network, and Fuerza Unida 🪻

…our movement partners Austin Mutual Aid and Palestine Youth Movement for their creative collaboration 🪻

…our performers The Therapy Sisters, Mauricio Callejas, Alexis Ordoñez (and special guest Pancho Arguelles), and exceptional poets including Jasmine Games and Mazat from every.Word Poetry, Micailah OCaii, and Grecia 🪻

…our wonderful volunteer coordinator Maria and the 25 volunteers whom we couldn’t do this weekend without 🪻

…Peggy and First UU Church of Austin for your warmth and hospitality 🪻

…our own Juanita for lead festival coordination, Jana for graphic design and event support, and Josefina and Howard for thought partnership, outreach, and WFT wisdom 🪻

…our generous contributors and donors who make our work possible 🪻

Have any thoughts or reflections about the festival? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to DM us or email [email protected].

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a daring entry into 2026! Until soon 🕊️

Mark your calendars for the Women & Fair Trade Festival Nov 22+23! 🎉 Handcrafted artisan market 🌀 Live music 🌀 Spoken wo...
10/27/2025

Mark your calendars for the Women & Fair Trade Festival Nov 22+23! 🎉

Handcrafted artisan market 🌀 Live music 🌀 Spoken word 🌀 Special documentary screening led by the Palestine Youth Movement.

📅 November 22nd+23rd
🕙 10 am-5 pm
📍 First UU Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Ave, Austin, TX 78756
🍂FREE and welcome to all. Wheelchair accessible venue. Masks provided.
🙌🏽 VOLUNTEER: This festival would be possible without our amazing volunteers! Sign up via the link in our bio or email Maria at [email protected].
💸 DONATE: ATCF relies on donations big and small. Venmo or PayPal with “WFT” in caption, or mail a check to 3707 E MLK Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78721.

See y’all soon

🎉 Final Update: WE MET OUR GOAL! 🎉Thanks to your solidarity and generosity, we’ve officially surpassed our goal for the ...
08/08/2025

🎉 Final Update: WE MET OUR GOAL! 🎉

Thanks to your solidarity and generosity, we’ve officially surpassed our goal for the 2025 School Supplies Drive, raising $3,575!

This campaign would not be possible without your support, our longtime collaboration with the Comite Fronterizo de Obrer@s, and the worker organizers on the ground advocating for their students to have the tools to learn and thrive 🎨✏️📚💭🦋

We’ve already purchased most of the school supplies and will be packing them this week. This weekend, they’ll be on their way to the Comité Fronterizo de Obrer@s (CFO) in Piedras Negras, Ciudad Acuña, and Torreón.

Juntxs somos mas fuertes, GRACIAS!

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🎉 Actualización final: ¡LOGRAMOS NUESTRA META! 🎉

Gracias a su solidaridad y generosidad, ¡superamos oficialmente nuestra meta para la Campaña de Útiles Escolares 2025, recaudando $3,575!

Esta campaña no sería posible sin tu apoyo, nuestra larga colaboración con el Comité Fronterizo de Obrer@s y los organizadores de trabajadores locales que abogan por que sus estudiantes tengan las herramientas para aprender y prosperar 🎨✏️📚💭🦋

Ya compramos la mayoría de los útiles escolares y los empacaremos esta semana. Este fin de semana, se enviarán al Comité Fronterizo de Obrer@s (CFO) en Piedras Negras, Ciudad Acuña y Torreón.

Juntxs somos mas fuertes, GRACIAS!

ATCF is thrilled to announce the launch of our 2025 School Supplies Drive, which supports the children of maquiladora wo...
06/27/2025

ATCF is thrilled to announce the launch of our 2025 School Supplies Drive, which supports the children of maquiladora workers by providing them with the tools they need to pursue their education. This year we also celebrate 26 years of partnership with the Comité Fronterizo de Obrer@s (CFO), and many more to come.

We believe communities on the frontlines of labor and border injustice know best what their families need to thrive. That’s why we organize this drive year after year: in direct response to the CFO’s request and with deep respect for their leadership.

In addition to school supplies, we’re also setting aside a small portion of this year’s funds to help us organize a Popular Education workshop during our annual Border Talks series. More details to come!

Stand in solidarity with worker families of the CFO by donating via GoFundMe or by donating school supplies in person. The link to the school supply list is posted on our GoFundMe (link in bio). To drop off school supplies, please contact Juanita at 956.533.3855 or [email protected].

We sincerely appreciate your anticipated contribution 🫶🏽

~~~~~~~~~~~~
ATCF se complace en anunciar el lanzamiento de nuestra Colecta de Útiles Escolares 2025, que apoya a l@s hij@s de las trabajadoras maquiladoras brindándoles las herramientas que necesitan para continuar con su educación. Este año también celebramos 26 años de alianza con el Comité Fronterizo de Obrer@s (CFO), ¡y muchos más por venir!

Creemos que las comunidades que están en la primera línea de la injusticia laboral y fronteriza saben mejor que nadie lo que sus familias necesitan para salir adelante. Por eso organizamos esta colecta año con año: en respuesta directa a la solicitud del CFO y con profundo respeto por su liderazgo.

Además de útiles escolares, también destinaremos una pequeña parte de los fondos de este año para ayudarnos a organizar un taller de Educación Popular durante nuestra serie anual de Border Talks. Pronto compartiremos más detalles!

Te invitamos a solidarizarte con las familias trabajadoras del CFO donando a través de GoFundMe o entregando útiles escolares en persona. El enlace con la lista de útiles se encuentra en nuestro GoFundMe (en nuestro bio). Para coordinar la entrega de útiles, comunícate con Juanita al 956.533.3855 o por correo a [email protected].

Agradecemos sinceramente tu contribución anticipada 🫶🏽

It’s that time of the year! We’re excited to announce the lau… Austin Tan Cerca De La Frontera needs your support for Support ATCF's 2025 School Supplies Drive

On May 1, 1886, over 300,000 workers walked off the job in towns and cities across the US (with Chicago as the heartbeat...
05/01/2025

On May 1, 1886, over 300,000 workers walked off the job in towns and cities across the US (with Chicago as the heartbeat) demanding dignity, safety, and just conditions. Since then, working people across the globe have come together to celebrate working-class power, organize, and build new ways of living that honor people and the land. May Day reminds us that the fight for workers’ liberation is inseparable from the struggle against borders, imperialism, and land dispossession—here and everywhere.

In celebration and struggle!
ATCF

Art made by Savion.
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El 1º de mayo de 1886, más de 300,000 trabajadores y trabajadoras se fueron a huelga en pueblos y ciudades de todo EEUU (con Chicago como epicentro) exigiendo dignidad, seguridad y condiciones justas. Desde entonces, personas trabajadoras de todo el mundo se han unido para celebrar el poder de la clase trabajadora, organizarse y construir nuevas formas de vida que honren a las personas y a la tierra. El Día del Trabajo nos recuerda que la lucha por la liberación de lxs trabajadorxs es inseparable de la lucha contra las fronteras, el imperialismo y el despojo de tierras—aquí y en todas partes.

¡En celebración y en lucha!
ATCF

Address

3707 E Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard
Austin, TX
78721

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 10pm
Sunday 9am - 10pm

Telephone

+15124742399

Website

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