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Cultural crossroads.  Free Trade Zone.  Region of conflict and change.  The area along the border between the United States and Mexico provokes difficult questions about the underlying tensions that divide communities. Popular media sources and political propaganda fuel anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States, and are  jeopardizing relationships between North and Latin Americans.  Faced with this complex situation and the increasing interrelation of communities worldwide, how are concerned people responding?

Join fellow educators in this up-close exploration of the complexities surrounding the U.S./Mexico border through a joint analysis of a variety of themes including:

• Immigration Policy and Law
• Root Causes of Migration
• Human Rights and Labor Conditions
• Global Economics and the Implications of NAFTA
• International Politics and U.S./ Mexico Relations
• Community Organizing
• Education and Social Services
• Gender and Identity

Expect to meet with a number of individuals along the border including academics, human rights activists, labor organizers, government officials, community leaders, immigration specialists, public defenders, border artists, and migrants.  Potential visits include maquilas (foreign owned assembly plants), migrant shelters, U.S. Customs, a micro-credit institution, the Tucson City Court, etc.  Speak with educational professionals along the border to explore how immigration policy is affecting education. Brainstorm ideas with fellow educators on how to address these issues of concern.

In addition to structured visits, participants will have the opportunity to stay with host families in Nogales and engage with local community members along the border.

PROGRAM DATES AND COST:

Dates: August 13-17 and December 18-22, 2008