By Deborah Payne


Harriet Bromley’s journey into advocacy and service began over three decades ago, driven by a deep commitment to justice, listening, and community empowerment. As a former board member of CoCoDA, Harriet has been a passionate supporter of its mission to help communities rebuild and thrive in El Salvador.

Video clip recorded by Harriet Bromley for the 2025 CoCoDA Febrero Fiesta event.

Harriet’s involvement began during the civil war as part of a delegation of Building With the Voiceless (BVES) evolved to become Companion Community Development Alternatives (CoCoDA) after 1992 when the war ended.  It began unexpectedly after attending a lecture about El Salvador’s ongoing war. Unaware of the full extent of US involvement in the country’s brutal civil war, Harriet’s attentive curiosity caught the eye of the event organizer, who invited her to witness the realities faced by Salvadoran communities firsthand. Without hesitation, Harriet accepted, embarking on a journey that would profoundly affect her understanding of how our country’s interactions with other countries affect the people and shape her responses to the larger world problems.

Her first trip was an act of deep listening—one rooted in empathy and solidarity. Harriet heard stories of tragic losses: villages massacred; homes destroyed, schools lost, farmland obliterated by bombs. She witnessed the hardships of war directly—sleeping on a warehouse cement floor, in rural homes or wherever was available and sharing meals with families hearing about their direct experiences with the actions of their own government.

Her presence was an act of witnessing and then giving voice to those wanting to express their reality to the larger world. Interacting with Salvadorans gave access to a different perspective, thus widening the point of view that US citizens normally bring to our understanding of the broader world.

Harriet Bromley holding a photo of El Salvador’s civil war.

Harriet was in El Salvador during the historic signing of the Peace Accords.  She participated in the population’s celebration of the significant event. This pivotal moment came only after US embassy officials traveled to listen to the stories of people who had suffered during the war—an acknowledgment that had been sorely missing. Harriet’s witnessing helped bring these personal narratives into the light, fostering understanding and reconciliation.

Throughout her extensive commitment, Harriet has returned to El Salvador (and Nicaragua) over 10 times, each visit expanding understanding and appreciation. She has watched children grow up in the schools she helped support, seen communities reclaim their farms as well as their vitality after devastation, and witnessed the growth and rebuilding of hopeful lives

Harriet Bromley explaining some history to a new delegation.

For Harriet, her work has always been driven by an essential principle: to listen and to amplify the voices of those affected by war and injustice. Her mission is rooted in revealing the often-overlooked truths of US involvement and the strength of Salvadoran communities amid adversity.

As a longstanding member of CoCoDA’s board, Harriet especially values CoCoDA’s way of working directly with Salvadorans and their communities; responding to the needs understood and expressed by the Salvadorans themselves. Harriet Bromley’s commitment and unwavering support have helped shape the organization’s legacy of transformation and resilience. Her lifelong dedication exemplifies the power of attentive listening, compassion, and persistent advocacy, inspiring others to stand in solidarity with communities seeking justice and renewal.

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