Conference Field Trip Options

The afternoon of Thursday, April 12 is a special part of our program: attendees will have an opportunity to leave the conference venue to share the experience of migrants and learn about many area organizations that serve them.

Registrants may choose one from the following field trip options. Space is limited, so register early to ensure availability. Please note that some field trips involve travel time or significant physical demands, such as walking in the desert.

1. Operation Streamline – Tucson, Arizona Sorry, this field trip is full.
Depart at noon by van from Rio Rico for 50 minute ride to Tucson Courthouse
Accompanied by Isabel Garcia, prominent immigration attorney and human rights activist, participants will travel to Tucson to witness the Federal court process for migrants. Note: participants will have to go through courthouse security
- This option is ideal for those interested in legal advocacy.

2. No More Deaths Desert Camp Sorry, this field trip is full.
Depart by van from Rio Rico for 30-40 minute ride to camp
Since 2004, No More Deaths has run a medical camp in the desert to receive migrants, and have walked thousands of miles of paths leaving water and food for those who will find it. Participants will experience some of the trails and terrain of the Sonoran desert firsthand. www.nomoredeaths.org
Participants should come prepared with walking shoes, a hat, and a light-weight, long-sleeved shirt.
- This option is ideal for social justice activists.

3. Samaritans Patrol Sorry, this field trip is full.
Depart by van from Rio Rico for 30-40 minute ride to location for desert walk and presentation
Since July 2002, Samaritans have provided a humanitarian response to people suffering in the Arizona desert. Samaritans’ focus is to put water in the desert in areas that are strategic and known for the presence of migrant activity. Longtime volunteer Bob Kee will lead a small group of participants on a light walk through the desert, where participants will learn first-hand about the terrain and landscape, the impact of humanitarian aid on the people he has known and on his experience of the desert.
Participants should come prepared with walking shoes, a hat, and a light-weight, long-sleeved shirt.
- This option is ideal for social justice activists.

4. Nogales Border Tour Sorry, this field trip is full.
Depart from Rio Rico for a 15 minute van ride to Nogales border (total field trip will take approximately 3 hours)
Participants will go on a guided tour along the path that migrants take in Nogales, Sonora as they are repatriated to Mexico. Participants will visit several of the ministries that serve migrants, including the Kino Border Initiative, a bi-national project comprised of the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist and the Jesuits. Participants will also visit* the Federal migrant assistance agency Grupos Beta and a local bus station providing transportation for migrants to their place of origin.
IMPORTANT: Participants will need their passport and walking shoes. A hat may be desired, as well. *Tour stops may be subject to change.
- This option is ideal for social justice activists.

5. The Immigration Challenge for the Local Church
Depart from Rio Rico for a 50 minute bus ride to Most Holy Trinity Parish in Tucson. Workshop/panel discussion is approximately 1.5- 2 hours.
This workshop panel will explore how four different faith communities (two Catholic churches, one United Church of Christ church and one Presbyterian church) have committed themselves to working across denominational lines to better meet the needs of immigrants and multi-ethnic communities in Tucson.
- This option is ideal for parish ministers.

6. Transforming Hearts: Education for Immigration
This is an on-site workshop at the Esplendor Resort. Program will last approximately 1.5- 2 hours.
For 40 years, the Washington, D.C.-based Center of Concern has focused Catholic Social Justice Teaching on global and national issues to influence responsive policy formation. Kerry Danner-McDonald, director of the COC’s Education for Justice programs, and Jane Deren, program senior advisor, will conduct a workshop focusing on strategies for effective education on immigration issues. www.coc.org
- This option is ideal for educators and catechists.