Join this intercultural, human rights centered journey in El Salvador!
This journey will pair human right theory with direct experience to help participants deepen their understanding of the history and current realities in El Salvador. Through community visits, conversations with local leaders, and expert testimony, participants will strengthen their capacity to understand the root causes of immigration and be advocates for human rights in their own communities. The delegation will be intercultural (participants will be from both North and Central America), allowing for diverse perspectives and deep connection.
To learn more about this immersion learning opportunity, email Gina Collignon, Senior Associate for Justice Education, gcollignon@uucsj.org.
El Salvador serves as a powerful setting through which to understand the human rights challenges we are facing both at home and globally. In the words of our partner, Cristosal, “[El Salvador’s] recent tragic history of grave human rights violations, and inspiring resistance and progress toward greater freedom are powerful testimonies to our ability to effect social change and serve as models to look at human rights challenges in our world today. El Salvador is a global crossroads, offering a unique perspective on how our interconnectedness and global relationships affect vulnerable populations.”
Cristosal began in 2000 as a collaboration between Episcopal clergy in the United States and El Salvador. The organization works to advance human rights in Central America through rights-based research, learning, victim accompaniment, strategic litigation, and community development. To learn more about Cristosal, visit their website: https://cristosal.org/en/home-2/
Please direct any questions about this journey to Gina Collignon, Senior Associate for Justice Education, gcollignon@uucsj.org
What to Expect
During the journey, participants can expect workshops on human rights theory, speakers from local communities, and field visits. Each day will incorporate worship or spiritual grounding to help the group remain present and connected. As this delegation is a collaboration between Cristosal and UUCSJ, a UU Program Leader will be present to help lead worships and reflections, and connect learnings to a UU commitment to social justice action.
The journey will cost approximately $1,300 per person. Participant fees include lodging, local transportation, three meals a day, coordination and logistics, interpretation and trip guidance, workshop leaders, local activities, and a UU Program Leader who leads spiritual reflection. In addition, a portion of the fees are contributed to a Salvadoran participant scholarship fund.
Accommodations are dormitory style – clean, safe, and with hot water – with shared rooms divided by gender identity. During the journey, the group may also visit rural communities with basic living conditions (outside toilets, etc.).
Participant fees do NOT include: Additional food, beverages, souvenirs, alcohol, airfare, tourist visa, or any activities outside of our planned itinerary.
UUCSJ may offer generous financial aid based on need.
