Click to view Slide Show

Dates: Delegation begins Friday, October 31 and wraps up on Sunday, November 9, 2008.

Cost: $1,575 and includes room and board, local transportation and speaker fees. Cost also includes roundtrip airfare from Mexico City to Chiapas, Mexico. Please note, cost does not include roundtrip airfare expenses from participants' home locations to Mexico City.   A deposit of $500 is required at the time of reservation and is refundable up to September 1.  The remaining fees are due October 1 and are non-refundable.

Group configuration: 10 people minimum plus two trip leaders (Primary leader: BorderLinks Executive Director, Delle McCormick).

Details: The purpose of the delegation is to “put a human face” on global economic policies and practices that lead people to risk everything to come to the US in search of work. Presently, we are seeing an increasing number of undocumented migrants from the Southern regions of Mexico and from Guatemala, particularly from indigenous areas. Chiapas, one of the poorest states of Mexico and a border state with Guatemala, is the home of many of these migrants. Since Delle lived and worked as a minister and missionary with the Catholic Diocese of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, she has built relationships with communities and individuals that will allow us an opportunity to “convivir” – to spend time meeting, eating with and getting to know those with whom we will meet. The photo above was taken in November during a BorderLinks delegation in Chiapas.

Themes to be explored include global economics, immigration, indigenous spirituality, healing and transforming violence, and women's issues. The accommodations are basic but there is access to running water, bathrooms, and electricity. Men and women will sleep in separate dorms. Visits will include individuals and organizations in the beautiful colonial village of San Cristóbal de las Casas, and two rural Mayan communities. All translation, and transportation will be provided.

Heath information: San Cristóbal has all the amenities of a sophisticated town, including access to an English speaking doctor and internet cafes on every corner. However it is at an altitude of 7,000 feet. It is also often smoky from wood burning fires and animals often inhabit the same space as families we will visit. Those who suffer from high blood pressure or severe allergies should consult with their physician before deciding to go.

Orientation and Registration Forms