International Project

"This puts a human face on economic policies like NAFTA."

NEWS

October/ November delegation features annual Day of the Dead service along Border fence
During the delegation from October 28 through November 3, 2008, participants will join in a memorial for those who have lost their lives crossing into America. For details, read reflections composed during the 2007 delegation (link below). For a printable application, click here. Thanks for helping us spread the word about Border Witness delegations by printing and posting this updated Oct.-Nov. 2008 flyer. Print the Commonly Asked Questions sheet on the back.

Building Bridges for a more just world
Ten young people returned to their homes on February 23, 2008, after experiencing the human side of what they study in class and hear on the news—globalization, immigration, the border fence, international trade. They were part of the Labor-Religion delegation that traveled to El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, the Mexican city across the Rio Grande, during the school vacation week. MORE

Blogging from the Border
Our 23rd delegation returned from El Paso/ Ciudad Juarez on Nov. 4, 2007. Click here to see photos (thanks to Wayne Downing and Dan Gersten) and daily reflections written by delegation member Alan Lubin, NYSUT Executive Vice President.

School vacation on the US/ Mexico border
A group of 25 traveled to the Matamoros and Reynosa area of Mexico near the US city of McAllen from Sunday, February 18 through Friday, Feb. 23, 2007. The delegation included 15 youth, 6 adults and four staff members. Some of these young people spoke about their experiences in an interview for The Roundtable program at Northeast Public Radio WAMC, the National Public Radio station in Albany, NY. Click here to learn more and download a podcast. (Search by airdate, Tuesday, March 6.)

Following the delegation to the same area in February 2006, youth delegates make the front page. Click here to read “Over river, a new view of global trade: Teens go south of border to meet poor workers who make goods sold in U.S.” a front page feature article published in the Albany Times Union newspaper. Young people spoke (and shared photographs) with reporter Kate Gurnett the day after they returned from Mexico.

Mexican Labor News and Analysis
This publication from UE's International Solidarity section features current articles formatted for easy reading. UE, the United Electircal, Radio & Machine Workers of America, is an International Project ally.

Read about travel from October 30-November 4, 2006 to El Paso, Texas and Cuidad Juarez, Mexico. "Tim Travels to Texas (and Beyond" is a thoughtful account (with photos) of the delegation experience by Tim Wilson, Social Justice Coordinator at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester. Click here for other details about the trip. For background, see an article from New York Teacher about our 2003 trip to the same area (with photos by Marie Triller).

An interview with a recent delegate
A member of the international Project's 20th delegation, Floyd Cameron traveled to the border of El Paso/ Juarez from October 28-November 3, 2005. Read the interview by Courtney Clifford.

Teacher to Teacher Solidarity
"Union members reaching across borders in solidarity to challenge the global economy," is a description of an exchange program bringing together teachers in New York state with adult educators in the Mexican state of Guanajuato who are struggling to form an independent, democratic union. The union lost in a May 2005 election, but according to Maureen Casey, International Project Coordiator and one of the nine international observers, "It was truly a ritual of democracy." Click here to see the full report. For information about the independent union and the exchange program, click here.

February 2004 Youth Delegation
Returning Border Witness delegates spoke at a news conference at the Albany International Airport at 6 p.m. on February 20, 2004. Click here for the news release,"Youth spend winter vacation learning about poverty on Mexican border."Our 14th delegation traveled from Sunday, February 15, 2004 to Friday, February 20. This was the winter vacation week for many schools in New York state. Activities of special interest to young people—families, religious or other youth groups, student organizations—made this visit to the McAllen/ Matamoros area especially valuable. Interested in a future delegation? Please complete an application early to assure a spot. A short form is available to print, fill out and mail or fax to us. The cost of $1750 includes round trip airfare to the Border, transportation to and within Mexico, meals, housing, translation and preparatory materials. Partial scholarships are available. Click here for details.

Special Border Pilgrimage Delegation: a Journey of Hope and Life along the US-Mexico Border
To read about the delegation, click here. The Border Pilgrimage Delegation was in the El Paso/ Cuidad Juarez area from October 28-Nov. 3, 2003. The Border Working Group, sponsor of the 2003 Pilgrimage, prepared an 18 page Border Information Packet, available online (in pdf format) on the web site of the Religious Task Force on Central America and Mexico. (Click in the box on the right.) The packet contains the following sections:
•border enforcement
•migrant death
•racism
•environmental injustice
•stories of people who risk everything in crossing the border
•quotations from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures and the Koran that speak to the ancient concern for the migrant
•church statements that encourage us to welcome and care for the migrants we meet
•resources for more information
•tools for advocacy

Rainbow Project celebrates its first graduate [Click on the headline to see an article published in New York Teacher , Jan. 29, 2003]An outgrowth of delegations to the U.S.-Mexican border, the Rainbow Project encourages school construction and helps young people continue school beyond sixth grade when they often leave to work in the maquiladoras. It is sponsored by the New York State United Teachers and the International Project. Scholarships assist students who want to attend middle and high school but cannot afford required books, uniforms and school supplies. Full and partial scholarships are provided from donations to the Coalition.

Tenth delegation featured in quarterly newsletter
A group traveled to El Paso and Cuidad Juarez in partnership with the Maryknoll Border Project of El Paso to coordinate our first experience in Ciudad Juarez from November 7-12, 2002. Across the border from El Paso, Ciudad Juarez is the largest maquiladora city in Mexico. More than one million people work in the factories of the city. Here more than anywhere, the impact of the NAFTA model of free trade can be clearly seen from a variety of perspectives.

RESOURCES

Frequently asked Questions About Delegations

Share Your Delegation Experience—Ideas, Post-Delegation Outreach Report (for you to print and mail)

Order Border Witness

NAFTA: Trading Democracy Click the underlined words to read from NOW with Bill Moyers.

Scholarship Program

Toronto Star article “Mexicans Pay Price for NAFTA” still of interest.[April 15, 2001]

Since 1997, more than 200 people have traveled with Labor-Religion delegations. The experience can be life-changing. Participants will join others to learn face-to-face about the impact of NAFTA and the current global economy on
•labor and trade
•immigration
•environmental degradation
•exploitation of women
•education
•health
•human rights

Why a Labor-Religion delegation to the Border? Since the implementation of NAFTA more than 1.3 million Mexicans are working in maquiladoras (factories for export) along the Border. Corporations continue to move plants to the Border in search of lower wages and manufacturing costs. Instead of providing a boom for the economies of Mexico and the U.S., NAFTA and the maquiladoras exploit workers on both sides of the Border, contribute to the environmental degradation of the region, and financially reward the few at the expense of the many. Unions and religious congregations have a long tradition of supporting the rights of workers and the dreams of people for a decent living and a brighter future for their children. Those rights and dreams are systematically violated along the Border. It is important that we, people of faith and union supporters and members, go to see ourselves the results of "free trade" and return to our communities dedicated to speaking the truth and seeking corporate and government accountability. COST: $1750 per person. Includes round-trip airfare, transportation to the Border and between towns and neighborhoods in Mexico, meals, housing, translation and preparatory materials. Based on double occupancy; single rooms available for an additional cost.

As of June 2008, PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED for re-entry into the United States by land from Mexico. You must have a current passport after June 2008 to travel with our delegations.

Commonly Asked Questions About Delegations
for Oct.-Nov. 2008 Is it dangerous to travel to the Border in Mexico?
There are risks associated with any travel to a foreign country. Labor-Religion delegations are safe for two major reasons: 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 where we visit.
Where do delegation members stay during the trip?
We arrange to stay in modest hotels during our time along the Border except for one night in the Mexican neighborhood (colonia) of Anapra. Except for the one night in a dormitory setting with a shared bathroom, all rooms have private baths and hot water. Rooms are usually double occupancy with two double beds per room with heat and air conditioning. Single rooms are available at an additional cost. Usually the hotels in which we stay have meeting rooms for our use.
Where do we eat meals?
Meals are often taken in local restaurants; breakfast is "family style" at our hotel. In addition, we make every effort to have the opportunity of sharing of some of our meals with workers and with families in the colonias (neighborhoods). They prepare meals that we share with them and their neighbors. Money for food, paper goods, utensils, and drinks is sent ahead of us to the Mexican organizers who see to it that our hosts do not incur personal expense to feed us. What is the food like?
Food is simple and celebratory with a Border Mexican flavor. We may be served fajitas, tamales (corn meal stuffed with beans or meat), enchiladas, tostadas, or chiles rellenos and soups. Groups are often offered meat dishes (usually chicken) as a sign of hospitality. Rice and beans are usual with meals, as are flour tortillas. Soda is generally served as beverage. Our hosts are aware of health issues related to food and water and take great care to keep us well.
What kind of clothing should I plan to bring?
Dress is casual but neat: slacks or jeans with t-shirts or casual shirts. The weather can vary extensively on the Border. The preparatory information you receive for your delegation 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 on both sides of the Border and their allies involved with human rights, environmental problems, education and health issues, and immigration rights. We travel by van to colonias for meetings and meals; we drive through industrial parks to see the extent and kinds of maquiladoras in the community. We visit sites of environmental damage. Delegations may visit homes or project sites, be given presentations about wages and living expenses, or visit with people migrating north for work. A day may include a visit to a school and end with late meetings or a fiesta. We try to schedule time each day for reflection and/or relaxation.
Will I need a lot of extra money?
All travel, food, and housing expenses on the Border are provided for in the cost of the trip. It is useful to plan on bringing some money ($50 - $75 is usually enough) for personal expenses: a glass of wine, small souvenirs. (We try to schedule a small amount of time for tourist shopping.)
What about a passport?
As of June 2008, PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED for re-entry into the United States by land from Mexico. YOU MUST HAVE A CURRENT PASSPORT (after 6/08) to travel with our delegations. Passport applications are available through any U.S. Post Office. Revised April 2008

“I have found on my return that I am more motivated to truly work toward a world of social justice. No statistic, or picture, or speaker could possibly have motivated me as much as this entire experience did.”
member of the February 2002 youth delegation

"This was a fabulous trip--both politically and personally.... One of those live changing experiences. GO ON A DELEGATION!"
Leyla Vural, November 1998 delegation

"The hope and determination of the Mexican people we met
is inspiring beyond words. I have so much to learn from them about such critical values as community and generosity and commitment."
Brian O'Shaughnessy, Feb. '99

"The delegation from Day One was a memorable, challenging and inspirational experience. It was demanding of time and energy but worthwhile in
all aspects."
Sr. Therese Marie Camardella, Nov. '98

"This was an even more positive and worthwhile experience than I had
anticipated."
George Rubenstien, February '99

"I will never forget the faces of the children."
Scott Montani, November '97

"This has been a most moving and profound experience...yet energizing as you witness the spirit and strength of the people."
Ken Cielatka, February 2000

"I feel as if I experienced more in the short time we were in Mexico that I have in just about all my life."
Amy Luraschi, June 1999

"This opportunity surpassed my expectations. To be on site, participating in discussions in workers' homes, visiting schools, being a guest at he fiestas was impressive, informative and action engendering."
Jean Rawa, June 1999

 
Border Witness:Youth Confront NAFTA "The rhetoric of NAFTA's success must be held accountable to the words and images of "Border Witness." Here is a book that raises policy and ethical questions every citizen and elected official should have to answer. Youthful outrage at the unjust treatment of hard-working human beings is a hopeful sign that change is on the horizon."
Thomas Y. Hobart, Jr., Retired President, New York State United Teachers Border Witness tells the story of a February 2001 "Youth Delegation" to the Border of Mexico: Commentary from youth, ages 12 - 21, add poetry and moral outrage to a narrative written by Maureen Casey, International Project Coordinator.

Text is in English and Spanish.

Over 50 color photographs by Marie Triller, a professional photographer who accompanied the delegation, will bring Border scenes, both beautiful and horrific (one colonia lives on an active garbage dump thirty acres wide), to the hearts and consciences of readers across New York State and beyond.

Border Witness is much more than a beautiful and disturbing and inspiring book. It can be an organizing tool, especially in the recruitment of young organizers and youth willing to dedicate their lives to the union movement. Fully aware that they traveled as witnesses, not tourists, youth delegates returned from the February trip to speak about all they experienced. Audiences included religious congregations, school and community groups. All came back convinced that NAFTA should not be continued or expanded unless significantly changed.

Border Witness can also be a vehicle for inspiring a new generation of activists. The February 2001 delegation, in the words of the youth, "changed our lives forever." Some, such as Emily Wistar are now leaders of the anti-sweatshop movement. She is interested in working on living wage campaigns because "it's very wrong that hard-working people in the U.S. live in poverty." From the mouths of youth and from the teachings of all the major religious traditions, ethical principles play an important part in the anti-sweatshop movement and the protests/debates over free trade policy.

Border Witness allows the moral high ground to be prophetically voiced for "responsible trade" and policies that protect the worker rights. Labor-in-the-Pulpit participants can also use it on Labor Day weekend or, as in New York City, throughout the year.The Labor-Religion Coalition believes

Border Witness can be put to immediate use in the anti-sweatshop movement across the country. The book comes at a perfect time, for example, for the "SWEATFREE SCHOOLS CAMPAIGN." It will complement two significant breakthroughs in the campaign.The first involves discovery, through the work of a UNITE "Uniform Coordinator," of a "union-made" supplier of school uniforms. Although the Sweatfree Schools Campaign has engaged the support of almost all of the state's Catholic school districts, comprising 715 schools and just over 300,000 students, superintendents have been frustrated by a missing piece—the lack of a union-made supplier. Campaign organizers will be re-visiting Catholic administrators with the news of these union-made uniforms, and with Border Witness.

New legislation is the second breakthrough. Former New York State Governor Pataki signed into law a bill allowing the state's 700 + school districts to consider labor standards (international as well as domestic) when evaluating bids for the purchase of apparel. The bill states that a school board can deny even the lowest bidder a contract if it "fails to provide the board sufficient information" about the treatment of the workers on the far end of production. Border Witness has been an important "sweatfree" organizing tool in outreach to public school boards. Teaching materials using the book are being developed. Click here for an order form.

The Rainbow Schools Project

In response to the communities that we have been visiting in Mexico, the New York State Labor-Religion Coalition is working with residents to build two new schools. The schools are in the communities of Matamoros and Valle Hermoso. It is called the Rainbow Project because after delegates visited one of the old schools in a totally inadequate building and discussed the hope of a new school, the group walked outside to see a rainbow in the sky. They saw this as a sign of hope that new schools would become a reality. Contributions toward the building of the schools are welcome.

Last Updated: 06/17/2008
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