In January 1988, Barb Wein and photographer Steve Cagan traveled to El Salvador to begin a campaign to provide “moral, material, and political” support to Salvadorans living in a refugee camp across the border in Colomoncagua, Honduras. The name, Voices on the Border was born from their conversations with the refugees.

At the time, the name Voices on the Border reflected the need for communities, organizations, and individuals in the U.S. to ensure that the international community heard the voices of those living in the refugee camps and caught between the Honduran and Salvadoran governments.

While the name Voices on the Border has historical significance, it is as relevant today as ever.

More than conversations with refugees, Voices denotes the right for all Salvadorans to participate in the economic, social, and political life of their country.  Participation includes speaking out against injustice and inequality, expressing opinions in social and political debates, sharing experiences and knowledge with others, and articulating needs and priorities to the government and rest of society.  A strong voice is key to enjoying just and equitable development. 

And more than geographic delineations, Borders refer to the fringes of social, political, and economic life in El Salvador, where most of our Salvadoran partners remain.