“It is for politicians to know which way the wind is blowing; it is for concerned united citizens to raise the wind.” Adapted from the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, this phrase sets the goal of the Rhuulap Northwest movement in Chuuk State.
Who We Are
RHUULAP NORTHWEST 2013 is a grassroots coalition of concerned & united citizens from the Northwest Election District comprising of the regions of Pafeng, Pattiw, and Namonweito in Chuuk State, FSM. Concerned by the continued lack of meaningful and sustainable social and political progress in Chuuk, particularly in those outer islands, we have organized ourselves (rhuulap) into a movement led by Vidalino Raatior to respectfully demand for radically new approaches to leadership to help the people in the Northwest Election District of Chuuk State, Micronesia.
Our Guiding Principles
Politics in Chuuk has become a way for individuals to advance their personal wealth and social status at the expense of the common good. We envision a Chuuk State where citizens are aware of social and political issues affecting them as a people, inspire each other to humble greatness, take responsibility for demanding a transparent and competent government leadership, actively engage in decision-making processes in the community, support political leadership based on sound information and judgment, and share a commitment to take actions that promote the common good of the Chuukese people over self-serving needs. Click here for the full text of our Guiding Principles of Leadership. Read more
Our Platform
The Northwest District has undergone a troubling history of divisions caused by politics. We recognize the complexity of issues and needs facing the people in these outer islands and acknowledge the incredible challenge to solve these issues. What we present here are our understanding of those needs and solutions to meet these challenges. We present them here with utmost humility in our hearts and invite others to join us in discussing how together we can transform these needs into opportunities for the people. Click here to view the Needs & Strategies. Read more
Our Leader
Vidalino Raatior (formerly Vidalino Jones) was born and raised in the outer islands of Pattiw and Namonweito in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia. He is from the Pwaraka and Alengeitaw clans of Tamatam and Onoun, but his family moved to Houk where he now calls home. Vid was an honor student throughout all of his public education at Houk Elementary School, Weipat Junior High School, and Chuuk High School. He went on to University of Guam where he graduated in record time with a Bachelors Degree in communications before going on to graduate studies in philosophy at Fordham University in New York City, theology studies at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, California, and educational administration at University of San Francisco…all Jesuit institutions. In Micronesia, Vid has served in a number of educational leadership roles including as a classroom teacher and Assistant Director at Xavier High School, director of the Higher Achievement Program (HAP) in Pohnpei, trainer for the Close Up Foundation, cultural education specialist for the Compact Impact Office out of the Governor’s Office in Guam, and Associate Director of the Campus Ministry Center serving the students at University of Guam and the Guam Community College as well as the Chuukese migrant community. In the U.S., Vid has held positions in educational, cultural, and international initiatives including as program coordinator for Youth Together at the Arts, Research, and Curriculum, Inc. in Oakland, California, Associate Director of the Center for Multicultural Learning, and Assistant Director of International Programs at Santa Clara University. Read more