Borderlinks Trip: GenderImmigration, Arizona/Mexico

May3-13, 2009

Trip Price: $800

Bonner Discount: $200
(Ferrum Bonner Students Only)

Deposit: $100

Capacity: 13

Fee Includes:

  • All lodging accommodations
  • All meals
  • Travel to and from the US/Mexico border

The Trip
We will be working with Borderlinks and exploring a variety of issues at play in the border region, with a special focus on Gender Issues. Participants will be asked to prepare for the trip by reading some background material and attending a few pre-departure meetings. We will be driving down and back in a shuttle, which is less expensive than airfare and far more reliable, and spending our nights on the road in a hotel/motel. We will spend five days on-site and although we will spend some time in the United States, much of the trip will take place on the Mexican side of the border. Participants will need a current Passport. Those without a Passport should make arrangements to get one ASAP as it can take a few months. We will be staying indormitory style housing at the Borderlinks complex in Tucson and at the Casa de la Misericordia (CM) in Nogales. We may also arrange a short home-stay depending upon interest.

Our primary activities will be meetings, conversations, and experiences with people holding differing viewpoints on the wide variety of social, economic, and political issues at play in the border region. A typical day will consist of three or four meetings, shared meals, and conversations in which participants are exposed to the viewpoints of scholars, policy makers and activists. Most importantly, we will talk with individuals whose lives are directly affected by the policies and processes we’re discussing.

Language
It is not necessary to speak Spanish in order to participate in the trip. A BorderLinks staff person will translate for group activities and meetings. Participants are however encouraged to learn or refresh their basic conversational Spanish skills to help ease communication.

Itinerary
The final itinerary for our trip is currently being set, according to our specifications, but it will closely resemble a traditional 5-day Borderlinks trip. You can see a sample itinerary at:
Dress

From about May through September, the weather is very hot in southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Nogales is at a higher altitude than Tucson, so it cools off quite a bit more at night. Plan on packingand wearing layered clothing since temperatures may vary as much as 60 degrees between day and night. Please be mindful of your clothing while in Mexico; dress is slightly more formal than what is common in the United States. You should plan on wearing lightweight long pants (Capri length is acceptable, but NO shorts), short-sleeved shirts, and/or modest dresses or skirts. Bring shoes that are sturdy and comfortable for walking and travel. You will also want to pack one more formal outfit that is appropriate for a worship service at a church or synagogue. It is also strongly recommended that you pack sunglasses, a hat, and some type of raingear.

Equipment

Please try to pack as lightly as possible as there is limited space. Keep in mind we may be staying at various locations while in Mexico, so having a small backpack or duffel bag will be much more manageable.

Borderlinks has some bedding available but you may want to pack your own sheet/light blanket and/or sleeping bag. Consider packing bedding that you would then be willing to donate to the program.

In addition to your clothing, you should bring basic toiletries including a towel and washcloth, and any prescription medication. Please do not pack excessive beauty products. The program coordinator will have a special pack containing sun block, anti-bacterial wipes, basic first-aid, and aspirin, but you may also want to consider packing such items personally. You may also want to consider packing Pepto Bismol or another similar product.

All participants are asked to bring a personal water bottle. Also recommended is a small flashlight and a travel sized Spanish-English dictionary.

We ask participants to be fully engaged in the delegation experience while with Borderlinks.

If you choose to bring ipods/mp3 players, cell phones, and DVD players and disc players for the drive down, be advised that they must remain (at your own risk) in the Ferrum Shuttle. They will not be allowed when on-site. You will be given the Borderlinks contact number which can be used if there is an emergency needing your attention.

Food
In January 2005 Borderlinks implemented a Sustainable Food Program. Through this program Borderlinks seeks to support local food production and educate participants on the importance of understanding the food system and making informed choices as consumers. We try to model a food system that reflects a just relationship between the consumer, the grower and the earth. As often as possible, meals served at Borderlinks, Tucson consist of local, organic, vegetarian food. This is made possible through Borderlink’s partnership with local growers and production in our on-site garden.

Payment/Registration
Students who are interested in this trip should contact the Office of Student Development & Bonner Program at x4284 or stop by the office in Bassett Hall, Room B-101 as soon as possible to receive the registration paperwork and tentatively reserve their spot. $100 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot on the trip, Bonner students receive priority and then the positions are filled 1st come 1st serve. Payment must be completed in full no later than 8 weeks prior to the trip. Students who are wait-listed, will have their deposit returned if a position does not open up.