Some Commonly Asked Questions about the Labor-Religion Coalition's
Fair Trade Eyewitness Delegations to the Dominican Republic

Is it dangerous to travel to the Dominican Republic?
There are risks associated with any travel to a foreign country. Labor-Religion delegations take safety precautions in two major ways: we travel as a group in our own vehicles with our own drivers and we travel with people and organizers who know the area and the communities we visit. The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean tourist destination and, while we will not be following a typical tourist itinerary, we will be warmly received.

Where will we stay during the trip?
Accommodations are modest, in local hotels with private baths and two beds to a room, with air conditioning (when available). (The single room supplement is $100 per person.) While visiting the cocoa cooperative, we will stay in home stays with families.

What about food?
Meals will be in local restaurants or with our families during the home stays. Food is simple and will include some traditional Dominican dishes. Our hosts are aware of health issues related to food and water and take great care to keep us well. Every attempt is made to accommodate vegetarians. If you have special dietary needs, please feel free to discuss them with Maureen.

Who leads the trips?
Maureen Casey has been organizing and leading delegations to the Border of Mexico with the Labor-Religion Coalition since 1997. She has extensive experience with group dynamics and health as well as the realities of global economics and fair trade. In the Dominican Republic, we work with 4TDominicanRepublic, a reputable travel association with a long history of accompanying groups in the Dominican Republic.

 What kind of clothing should I plan to bring?
Dress is casual but neat: slacks or jeans with t-shirts or casual shirts; nothing torn or with holes. The weather can be hot in the summer but may be cooler in the mountainous cocoa regions. The preparatory information you receive will list specific recommendations for clothing and other items to bring.

What is a typical day on a delegation like?
Days are fully scheduled and can include meetings with people involved with human rights, environmental problems, education and health issues, immigration concerns, fair trade and corporate free trade. We travel by van or truck to meetings and meals and to various cities and villages in the DR. We will spend some of our days in the capital and/or other cities and several days in the countryside in cocoa communities. Homestays are arranged with members of Fair Trade cocoa cooperatives to learn about the benefits and challenges of Fair Trade and the process of growing and processing cocoa.

Will I need a lot of extra money?
All travel, food, and housing expenses in the DR are provided for in the cost of the trip. It is useful to plan on bringing some money ($75 - $100 is usually enough) for personal expenses like small souvenirs. (We try to schedule some time for tourist shopping.) ATMs are available for receiving money in Dominican pesos.

What about air travel?
Each participant is responsible for arranging her or his own air travel. However, to keep costs as reasonable as possible, we may travel as a group out of the New York City area. Please be in touch with Maureen for travel details and costs. If you plan to arrive or leave on days other than those scheduled, extra transfer and housing charges will apply.

To learn more, to ask questions, or to receive an application, contact MAUREEN CASEY, 518-213-2000 x6294 or 518-268-8564, maureenc@labor-religion.org Visit www.labor-religion.org for more information. Revised March 2010