A Border Experience
MCALLEN, TEXAS NOVEMBER 15-17, 2019
Host: Call To Action/Rio Grande Valley
Two-Fold Purpose
This event will provide an understanding of the true border situation to national CTA members and fellow travelers, and will contribute to national activism regarding the critical issues faced by the marginalized on our border. This will be three days of immersion and activism, not just listening.
Tentative Schedule
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH, 7 – 9 PM
Opening session: prayerful moments, orientation, reflections by a panel of local activists (legal, environmental, religious, etc.), and a small-group activity.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH, 9 AM (OR 7:30 AM) – 5 PM
At 7:30 am there will be an optional excursion to the international bridge for a prayer service.
The official day, beginning at 9 am, is centered on two experiences and activities in the border community. Participants will be transported to significant sites in the area.
The field trips will bracket a free lunch hosted by La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) at the historic United Farm Workers union hall established by Cesar Chavez. During lunch, we will hear testimony from those directly involved with the undocumented community.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH, 7:30 PM – 9 PM
After returning to the hotel, participants will be on their own for the evening meal.
At 7:30 we will gather in small groups to reflect on the day. Each group will record the most significant revelations of the experiences. These will be compiled for review the next day.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, 9 AM – 12 NOON
The final session will include a presentation of Saturday’s data, a speaker from the local community, small-group work on future opportunities for national and local CTA efforts, and a closing liturgical celebration.
Participation is Limited
To accommodate the field trips without overwhelming our host facilities, and to allow small group interactions to be manageable, attendance is limited to 50 participants.
Fees
$100 (early-bird) or $125 (after October 15th ).
Reduced fee scholarships are available for students or CTA 20/30s. Contact Jerry Brazier at gdbrazier@gmail.com for details.
Hotel
The Wyndham Garden in McAllen will be hosting this event.
Rooms have been set aside at a meeting rate of $75 per night. This includes daily breakfast and free transportation to and from the McAllen airport.
Reservations must be made directly with The Wyndham Garden by phone (956-994-0505) to ensure the meeting rate (please indicate that you are with CTA when calling). Neither CTA nor the RGV Chapter will be making reservations.
For further information
Contact: Jerry Brazier
email: gdbrazier@gmail.com
call/text: 956-212-5854
