On January 17, nine people from Illinois and Indiana boarded a plane to Mexico to spend 8 days learning about economic globalization, NAFTA, and hunger.  While in Mexico we were hosted by the Transformational Immersion Programs of the Lutheran Center in Mexico City and the Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development (CCIDD) and we met with indigenous leaders, artisans, human rights defenders, professors, and others working for a just, sustainable and peaceful Mexico. 

Hearing the Story 

• Click here for a description of trip participants 
• Click here to read the group's reflections in our group journal
• Click here to read the group's reflections in the form of six-word memoirs
• Click here to see a slideshow of photos from the trip or click here to see the photos
• See below to review our program itinerary

Program Itinerary

Saturday, January 17

Travel to Mexico

Introductions and Orientation

Sunday, January 18

Tour sites of the Zocalo (Historic Center of Mexico City): National Palace, Templo Mayor (Aztec Tenochtitlan ruins), and Cathedral

Presentation on "Mexican History from Revolution to Present" by UNAM professor Dr. Ross Gandy

Monday, January19

Activity: "Introduction to Globalization: Rules and Players"

Discussion on NAFTA and documentary "This is What Free Trade Looks Like"

Presentation by People's Front in Defense of the Land on "History and Struggle of San Salvador Atenco"

Tuesday, January 20

Discussion on global trade and food security and documentary "Global Banquet"

Visit with UNORCA campesino (peasant farmer) organization on the "Impact of Trade Pact on the Countryside"

Travel to Cuernvaca, settle in at the CCIDD

Introduction to social analysis

Presentation on "The Struggle for Human Rights in Mexico"

Wednesday, January 21

Day in Amatlan exploring Indigenous Spirituality

Thursday, January 22

Presentation on "Immigration and the Border"

Introduction to the Zapatistia movement

Presentation on "EZLN and La Otra Campana"

Friday, January 23

Visit Sijuane Kuentepec (women's) Cooperative in Cuentepec

Cuernavac Quest economic experience and debriefing

Saturday, January 24

Dialogue with indigenous artisan from Tlamacazapa Guerrero and market opportunity with the United Artisans

Final Reflection

Social Analysis Presentation and Action Plan

Closing Liturgy

Sunday, January 25

Travel back to Chicago

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This trip was sponsored by:

• The CHICAGO RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP NETWORK on LATIN AMERICA:  www.crln.org

and

• ELCA World Hunger:  www.elca.org/hunger

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