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IRTF Events Calendar

October 15, 2025 to October 31, 2025: Take Action - Support Local Migrant Initiatives

Click on link to the right to see more!

Consider your position in your community. What can you contribute to undocumented community members or migrant organizations?

Do you know any legal, mental health, social work professionals?

What about school employees?

We need EVERYONE to consider how they can mobilize support for vulnerable migrant families.

If you yourself don’t hold a professional position that is needed, consider this: Could you serve as a first-call, point person for someone who is detained? Reach out to them to initiate a supportive conversation.  Are you positioned to do child pick-up and safeguarding? Well-connected with community orgs or professionally situated to help with legal, medical or other needs?

See the attached flyer for more resources and ways to get involved.

October 15, 2025 to October 31, 2025: Stay Safe & Stay Informed - Migration Detention Resources

Click the link on the right to learn more!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

What to do if you are arrested, visited, or questioned by ICE

Say you wish to remain silent and immediately request to speak with a lawyer. Do not sign anything. Ask to see a warrant. https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-what-to-do-if-arrested-detainedimmigration/

Ohio National Lawyers Guild Hotline: (614) 654-6477

Call this number if you are arrested during a demonstration or visited/questioned by ICE

Ohio Immigration Hotline: hotline@ohioimmigrant.org or 419-777-HELP (4357)

Call this number to share information about harmful incidents involving immigrants such as ICE arrests or raids, or to request resources and guidance on policy and legal matters.

Access ICE and CBP detention statistics

Scroll to bottom: https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-management Watch this video for help interpreting the data: https://www.instagram.com/ reel/DLiQzYVRZGv/igsh=MWF3Y2s0NDZxbXh5aA%3D%3D

Keep track of immigration court data from Transactional Records Access Clearing House (TRAC)

Immigration info home: https://tracreports.org/immigration/ New proceedings filed: https://tracreports.org/phptools/immigration/ntanew/

Follow Austin Kocher on Substack to read about current immigration enforcement https://substack.com/@austinkocher/posts

October 19, 2025: Anti-Militairsm: Voices from the Holy Land -- "The Israel Occupation Tech Lab"
3pm
online

source: Nonviolence International

From spyware and facial recognition to drones and biometric databases, technology has become one of the Israeli occupation’s most powerful tools of control. These systems are not only deployed against Palestinians, but also marketed globally as “battle-tested,” fueling a growing industry of surveillance and repression. In this Film Salon, we will explore how the occupation has turned Palestine into a testing ground for technologies of domination which have, in the United States, abetted the decay of privacy and other civil rights. Panelists will discuss the global reach of these tools, their impact on human rights, and the urgent need to imagine collective alternatives rooted in justice and freedom. Register below and join us on October 19 at 3:00 PM Eastern for a discussion with: - Helga Tawil-Souri: Palestinian-American scholar and Associate Professor, NYU; filmmaker - Omar Zahzah: Assistant Professor, AMED Studies, San Francisco State University - Mohammed Natsheh: Palestinian human rights activist in South Hebron Hills Our moderator will be Bianca Perrachi, human rights activist, Nonviolence International, and co-founder, Esperança Solidária. NOTE: After you register, you will immediately get an Approved response - BUT then look in your email for an email From: Zoom with the word "Confirmation" at the end of the subject line...there you'll find the link and password to watch the film in advance of the Salon event.

Watch the Trailer: https://tinyurl.com/VFHL-October2025Trailer

https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/the_israel_occupation_tech_lab_online_film_salon_round_table

 

 

October 23, 2025: Exploited Labor Solidarity: Banned Books Bingo with Cleveland Jobs with Justice
6:30PM
UAW 1250 Hall, 17250 Hummel Rd, Brook Park.

Please join us for our 28th Annual Celebration - Banned Book Bingo in partnership with Red Wine and Blue on Thursday, light food and beverages will be provided.

Banned Book Bingo features books by Women Authors, Authors of Color, LGBTQ+ Authors, books about racism, sexuality, gender, and history. Walk away with the knowledge of how you can push back against book banners by standing up and supporting freedom, democracy, equality, and inclusion!

 

Please consider sponsoring our event by donating an ad in our Program Book, which will be published on our website, shared across social media, and distributed electronically to all attendees of our event and to anyone who requests a copy. Get your tickets or more information about how to sponsor our event here!

If you would like to sponsor our event but would prefer to pay by check, you can get the sponsorship forms here. The deadline for advertising in the program book is the close of business on Friday, October 10th. Please make your check payable to Cleveland Jobs with Justice and send it to:

Cleveland Jobs with Justice
14500 Lorain Avenue #110005
Cleveland, OH, 44111

Please email the ad in PDF, JPG, or PNG format to dkline@clevelandjwj.org. A JPG or PNG file is preferred.

Thank you for always being a sponsor and supporter of Worker Justice. We look forward to seeing you at this event. Let me know if you have questions or need additional information. You can reach me at 216-310-7657 or by email at dkline@clevelandjwj.org.

October 24, 2025 to October 26, 2025: Annual World Beyond War Conference #NoWar2025
online

This year's conference theme is abolition. How do we move towards a world without wars, weapons, police, prisons, the death penalty, and borders? How can we work towards our collective liberation, recognizing that oppressions are interconnected? Come to #NoWar2025 to explore how we can join in solidarity across movements and borders to abolish these interwoven systems and build a world based on common security. 

View event on WBW website here: https://worldbeyondwar.org/nowar2025/?link_id=3&can_id=540e92ff874a6b94a0ca720db2a7dff1&source=email-learning-from-alternatives-to-militarism-police-prisons&email_referrer=email_2846323&email_subject=youre-invited-to-our-annual-conference-october-24-26

Register here: https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/nowar2025?clear_id=true 

 

#NoWar2025 Schedule

All sessions will be broadcast on Zoom. All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

 

Day 1: Making the Case for Abolition

3:00pm-3:30pm EDT: Welcome & Opening Remarks from WBW’s Co-Founder and Executive Director David Swanson

World BEYOND War’s Co-Founder and Executive Director David Swanson will provide the opening remarks for the #NoWar2025 Conference, with an introduction to World BEYOND War’s mission and the conference theme.

3:30pm-4:30pm EDT: Reports from WBW Chapters Around the World

4:30pm-4:45pm EDT: Break

4:45pm-5:00pm EDT: Performance

5:00pm-6:30pm EDT: Panel: Making the Case for Abolition

6:30pm-7:00pm EDT: Breakout Rooms: What does abolition mean to you?

 

Day 2: Learning from Examples of Abolition Movements

1:00pm-1:15pm EDT: Performance
1:15pm-2:30pm EDT: Panel: Case Studies of Abolition

2:30pm-2:45pm EDT: Break

2:45pm-4:00pm EDT: Panel: Learning from Abolitionist Movements and Cultivating Intersectionality

4:00pm-4:15pm EDT: Break

4:15pm-5:15pm EDT: Training: We Keep Us Safe: Preparing for Arrests and Building Communities of Abolition

 

Day 3: Exploring a World Beyond War / Imagining the Abolitionist Future

12:15pm-12:30pm EDT: Performance by Dana Dajani, award-winning Palestinian-American poet

12:30pm-1:45pm EDT: Active Bystander Intervention and De-escalation Training

1:45pm-2:00pm EDT: Break

2:00pm-3:15pm EDT: Panel: Indigenous Restorative Justice: Pathways towards Abolition

3:15pm-3:30pm EDT: Closing Words by WBW Board President Kathy Kelly

3:30pm-4:15pm EDT: Breakout Rooms: What does a world beyond war look like to you?

October 24, 2025 to October 26, 2025: Anti-Militarism: #NoWar2025 Explores Abolition Movements
Day 1: 3:30pm-7:00pm, Day 2: 1:00pm-5:15pm, Day 3: 12:30pm-4:15pm
online

source: WorldBeyondWar

#NoWar2025: Exploring Abolition Movements

Friday, October 24 - Sunday, October 26, 2025 on Zoom

How do we move towards a world without wars, weapons, police, prisons, the death penalty, and borders? How can we work towards our collective liberation, recognizing that oppressions are interconnected? Come to #NoWar2025 to explore how we can join in solidarity across movements and borders to abolish these interwoven systems and build a world based on common security — “no one is safe until all are safe.”

There are successful examples of abolition throughout history that we can learn from. Virtually no one in societies that have abolished such things wants to bring back dueling, slavery, serfdom, human sacrifice, cannibalism, child labor, or other evils that are understood as beyond reform. As we envision and struggle to bring forth a world free of war, we need to come together and learn from other abolition movements such as those working to abolish police, prisons, and the surveillance state. When is the moral and strategic approach properly to “end it, not mend it,” and how does such an approach differ from one aimed at reforming or “modernizing”? What can we learn from past and current abolitionist movements? How can we advance the cause of war abolition from being understood as overwhelming, to being recognized as necessary?

#NoWar2025 will make the case for abolition, explore intersections between abolitionist movements, learn from successful case studies of abolition, and strategize about how we can truly move towards a world beyond war.

to register click here

October 24, 2025: Migrant Justice: law symposium at Cleveland State
8:45AM - 5:00PM
CSU College of Law

The Cleveland State Law Review 2025 symposium inspects heightened pressures against public and private institutions and communities and reviews vehicles for redress available to aggrieved persons: attorney representation and civic participation in governance. The morning program includes panels and speeches on the independence of the judiciary, reform of immigration courts, and nonprofit organizations' efforts to address community issues. Over lunch, the constitutionality of the administrative state is considered. The afternoon features a speech on the gap between people's rights and remedies followed by two panel discussions: one on procedures and recent caselaw concerning impact litigation and another on the role of public discourse and direct citizen participation in keeping American democracy secure. The symposium closes with notes on how the concentration of economic and political power seen in recent years is placing strain on America’s constitutional order.

Free registration. To register click https://www.law.csuohio.edu/newsevents/stress-fractures-democracy-and-peoples-response .

9:00a–10:15a       The Independence of the Judiciary

  • Maureen O’Connor, Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Ohio (Ret.), Charles F. Kettering Foundation
  • Michael Donnelly, Justice of Supreme Court of Ohio (Fmr.), Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
  • Judge Carly Edelstein, 10th District Court of Appeals for the State of Ohio
  • Judge Philip Calabrese, United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • Moderator:  Abigail Moncrieff, Cleveland State University College of Law

10:30a–11:00a     Morning Keynote:  Immigration Court Reform

  • Jennifer Peyton, Kriezelman Burton & Associates LLC

11:15a–12:00p    Advocating for Communities Under Stress

  • Alana Jochum, Advocates for Trans Equality
  • John Plecnik, Lake County Commissioner
  • Moderator: pending

 12:30p–1:00p       Constitutional Grounds of the Administrative State

  • Dr. Michael Spicer, Cleveland State University Levin College of Public Affairs

 1:00p–1:30p        Afternoon Keynote:  The Increasing Gap Between Rights and Remedies

  • Joseph Mead, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection

1:45p–3:00p        Making the Difference Through Impact Litigation

  • Elizabeth Bonham, Friedman, Gilbert + Gerhardstein
  • Freda Levenson, American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio
  • Joseph Mead, Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection
  • Moderator: Doron Kalir, Cleveland State University College of Law

3:15p–4:30p        The Voice of The People

  • Chris Tavenor, Ohio Environmental Council 
  • Maria Bruno, Ohioans Against Extremism
  • Chris Schmitt, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • Dan Mouthrop, City Club of Cleveland
  • Moderator: pending

4:30p–5:00p        Citizens v. Oligarchs

  • Joseph Geevarghese, Our Revolution

 

October 24, 2025: Migrant Justice: Litigating for Liberation with OCSILiO
6:30-8:30pm
Westminster Presbyterian, 353 E Pine St, Wooster, Ohio

source: OCSILiO

 

Litigating for Liberation with OCSILiO

 “....rooted in the belief that no one should be imprisoned for seeking safety”

Friday, October 24, 6:30 pm, at Westminster Presbyterian Church Mackey Hall 353 E. Pine St., Wooster, OH 44691

Learn more about OCSILiO’s mission in action in defending detained Ohio immigrants in their high-stake deportation proceedings “....rooted in the belief that no one should be imprisoned for seeking safety.”

Hear from OCSILiO Executive Director, Brian Hoffman, plus first-hand stories from OCSILiO staff, College of Wooster interns, and immigrants defended by OCSILiO, with Q/A to follow. Enjoy Central American finger foods provided by Immigrant Worker Project AMIGAS co-operative.

Free-will offerings for OCSILiO will be accepted (with gifts of time and talent also appreciated).

RSVP online encouraged at wpcwoo.org/litigating or office@wpcwooster.org

Learn more about OCSILiO and donate online www.ocsilio.org

OCSILiO: The Ohio Center for Strategic Immigration Litigation & Outreach

 

October 26, 2025: Anti-Militarism: Extend Voices from the Ground
1:30PM
online

source: Extend--Learning for Justice in Israel-Palestine

Dear friends,

We are living through a time of unprecedented violence, authoritarianism, and disregard for human rights in both the United States and Israel-Palestine. As we near two years since October 7, and reflect during the High Holy Days, many of us are asking how we can act out our commitments to peace, democracy, and human rights.

 Since 2013, Extend has worked to raise the voices of grassroots activists fighting for these shared values by bringing delegations to communities in Israel-Palestine. Today, we’re excited to launch a new virtual initiative that will bring these voices to you in your home.

 Extend Voices From the Ground is a new virtual series that will give you the chance to hear from our partners in Israel-Palestine wherever you are around the world. This program is free and open to all. We will host a conversation bimonthly to hear from an activist in Israel-Palestine who will offer the unique perspective from their community.

 We will launch Extend Voices From the Ground on October 26––register here to join us. Our first guest is Ejdea3 Hathaleen, an activist from Umm al-Kheir and the brother-in-law of Awdah Hathaleen, a renowned activist and long-time Extend partner who was murdered by an Israeli settler this summer. Ejdea3 will be in conversation with myself and Isaac Johnston, Extend’s former Jerusalem Director. We will speak about Awdah Hathaleen’s legacy of nonviolent civil disobedience and how we can stand in solidarity with in Umm al-Kheir as the community faces ongoing violence.

 Please join us to launch Extend Voices From the Ground with this vital conversation.

To register, click here

October 29, 2025: Human Rights: global struggle against authoritarianism, practical strategies to safeguard democracy amidst rising autocracy
10:30AM-12:00PM
online

Capping off Human Rights Awards Month, WOLA President Carolina Jiménez Sandoval will join Dr. Steven Levitsky, co-author of the best-selling book How Democracies Die, for an in-depth conversation about the mounting threats to democratic institutions and the urgent need to defend them. Together, they will examine how authoritarianism is taking root around the world, including in the Americas, and what lessons can be drawn for building stronger, more resilient democracies. This event will also shine a spotlight on WOLA’s work and the efforts of our 2025 Human Rights Award honorees, highlighting their leadership in advancing justice, accountability, and human rights. By connecting the work of WOLA and our honorees to the broader global struggle against authoritarianism, the conversation will underscore both the challenges we face and the practical strategies that can help safeguard democracy in an era of rising autocracy.

to register click here

November 9, 2025: Commemoration of the Martyrs: Historic Memory & Art
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
2592 W 14th St. Cleveland, OH 44113, USA

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the sacrifice of four U.S. churchwomen in El Salvador—Jean Donovan, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, and Maryknoll Sisters Ita Ford and Maura Clarke—whose brutal killings inspired the founding of IRTF in Cleveland. On Sunday, November 9, 2025, we will honor their legacy and commemorate human rights defenders in Central America and Colombia who lost their lives this past year. Our guest speaker and musician Sebastián Torogóz will share reflections on El Salvador’s ongoing struggles for democracy amid the “State of Exception,” as part of his Book & Music Tour (Nov 1–15) organized by Alma de Izote Collective and CRLN. The tour connects art, memory, and solidarity across the Midwest through storytelling, song, and political education.

to register click here

November 27, 2025 to December 2, 2025: Honduras: Join the 2025 Electoral Observation Delegation
online

sources: Global Exchange and Honduras Now!

Defend Democracy in Honduras: Join the 2025 Election Observation Mission

On November 30, 2025, Hondurans will head to the polls to elect a new President, Congress, and municipal authorities. These are the first Central American elections of the Trump 2.0 era, and the stakes could not be higher in such a small region where the U.S. has tremendous influence.

The sweeping attack on democratic institutions that we are experiencing in the United States since Donald Trump returned to power is not confined to our borders. Hondurans are acutely aware that the authoritarian winds blowing from Washington are stirring their political climate, and not for the better. In the lead-up to the 2025 elections, Honduras faces a volatile mix of dangers: fragile institutions vulnerable to manipulation, narco-money and corruption shaping campaigns, and the ever-present risk of electoral violence and political intimidation. At the same time, U.S. right-wing politicians are openly meddling in Honduran affairs, comparing the country to Venezuela or Cuba to justify interference. Today, U.S. leaders are not even pretending to defend democracy or human rights—they are openly hostile to them.

The political climate in Honduras is polarized, institutions are fragile, and malign forces—both at home and in Washington—are maneuvering to undermine free choice. For Honduran social movements, this election is not just about politics; it is about survival and the future of democracy itself.

The Democratic Struggle in Honduras

Honduras has endured a long history of U.S. interference and dictatorship. For much of the 20th century, the country was ruled by oligarchic regimes propped up by Washington. In 2009, a U.S.-sanctioned military coup shattered democratic institutions and was shamefully whitewashed by the Obama White House.

Our partner, the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD), was born in the enduring spirit of democratic struggle forged out of that crisis. Since then, CESPAD has been on the frontlines of defending democracy, documenting abuses, and pressing for reforms.

Four years ago, CESPAD invited Global Exchange to help organize the international aspect of their civic observation of a critical “return to democracy” election. In that contest, the ruling party of Juan Orlando Hernández—widely considered the last of the “golpista” presidents—was soundly defeated. Soon afterward, Hernández himself was charged with narco-trafficking and extradited to the United States.

This year, Global Exchange is again joining with CESPAD, the Honduras Solidarity Network (HSN), and partners across Central America, Mexico, and Colombia to organize international election observations.

Why International Observation Matters

Election observation is not about endorsing candidates. It is about protecting the right of Hondurans to choose their own future free from intimidation, fraud, or foreign intervention. Observers help deter abuses, reduce violence, and shine a light on irregularities that might otherwise be hidden. Just as importantly, they stand shoulder to shoulder with Honduran movements risking everything to defend democracy.

Global Exchange’s role is rooted in solidarity, not foreign interests. We do not accept U.S. government funding. Together with CESPAD, HSN, and our regional allies, we are building a multinational observation mission grounded in people-to-people solidarity and a shared determination to protect democratic space.

Be Part of the Mission

Global Exchange, CESPAD and the HSN are organizing an international delegation to join our Honduran partners in observing this historic election.

Dates in country: November 27 – December 2, 2025

  • Arrive: November 27
  • Trainings: November 28–29
  • Election Day: November 30
  • Debrief: December 1
  • Depart: December 2

Application deadline: Please submit your application by early October.  We recognize that is a short turnaround time, but we want to give accepted applicants plenty of time to buy plane tickets and make other travel arrangements. We will do our best to confirm on-time applications the following week.

Spots are limited, and funding support is available based on applicants’ skills, experience, and contributions to the mission. We are offering three levels of participation:

  • Full scholarshipscovering all participation costs, including food, lodging, and local transport (limited availability).
  • Partial scholarshipscovering food, lodging, and local transport.
  • Self-funded participationfor those able to cover their own costs.

to apply click here

November 28, 2025 to December 10, 2025: Delegation to El Salvador & Honduras: Pilgrimage to Walk with Deported Women and Their Families

source: Share Foundation

2025 December Delegation - SHARE Foundation

Apply here to join this delegation.

The SHARE Foundation and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) invite you to join us in celebration of the 45th anniversary of Ita, Maura, Dorothy and Jean.

2025 is a year of anniversaries; it is the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si, the Holy Year of Jubilee, the 45th anniversary of the martyrdom of Monseñor Romero, and the ninth  anniversary of the martyrdom of Berta Cáceres… and many more.

We want to remember our sisters alive in the struggle for a better world; we remember them by continuing walking with The People of God of El Salvador, Honduras and of our communities.

We celebrate the lives of our sisters by embracing Laudato Si on its 10th anniversary and continue planting seeds of hope that produce healthy food to nourish our tired bodies, and care for our Madre Tierra.

We invite you to bring our sisters to the presente by planting seeds of solidarity: 


Join the Pilgrimage to El Salvador November 28th to December 6th, 2025. Walk on holy land with the people of Ita, Maura, Dorothy, Jean, Romero, Berta, the people of God.

  1. Join the Virtual Pilgrimage to follow the Pilgrimage to El Salvador and Honduras. You will receive daily reflections, pictures and invitations to FaceBook live. Register here: https://forms.gle/HphV6kahuhRwR9cC7
  2. Educate your community about Ita, Maura, Dorothy and Jean during 2025; organize an event, show a movie, and or invite friends and family for a house gathering for a toast in celebration of their lives.
  3. Support women’s projects in El Salvador and Honduras: help with fundraising for local projects promoting women’s rights, health care, community development and support for refugees deported from the US.
  4. Host a woman from El Salvador or Honduras to visit your city for 2 to 3 days to educate your community and plant seeds of solidarity in May – June 2026.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the lives of our sisters; help us invite others by sharing this invitation among your friends and other contacts. Contact us with any suggestions or questions: Jose Artiga: jose@share-elsalvador.org telephone + 1 510 848 8487 and Bridget Bearss: bbearss@lcwr.org Visit www.share-elsalvador.org

 

MORE BASIC QUESTIONS/ANSWERS ABOUT THE DELEGATION

A Pilgrimage / Peregrinaje is a journey to a holy place. You as a pilgrim / Peregrinus will be walking on Holy Land Walking with the People of God ( el Pueblo de Dios).

 1. Who is inviting you? SHARE and LCWR are extending an invitation from Christian Base Communities in El Salvador to women religious and lay women and men to join them on this special Pilgrimage to walk with the People of God in Holy Land.

2. What are the dates?

Pilgrimage to El Salvador, November 28 to December 6, 2025.

Pilgrimage to Honduras December 6 to 10, 2025

November 28th: travel to El Salvador, arriving any time and returning on December 6th; for those going on to Honduras, will travel by land on December 6th and return home from SAP San Pedro Sula Airport.

3. What are the objectives of the delegation?

a. To remember and celebrate the lives of Ita, Maura, Dorothy and Jean.

b. To be in solidarity with the organized people of El Salvador and Honduras.

c. To return to the U.S. and continue planting the seeds of solidarity. We hope each pilgrim will become a promoter of solidarity, including organizing presentations to share their story, educating their elected officials in Congress, hosting a guest from El Salvador who is visiting the US, and raising funds to support SHARE’s partners in El Salvador.

4. What is the Cost?

The cost for the Pilgrimage to El Salvador is $1,250 plus airfare. The cost for Honduras is $450 which includes housing, food, translation, in-country transportation, partner organization honoraria, and organization of events. The total cost for El Salvador and Honduras is $1700.

5. What airport do I fly to?

Arrive in El Salvador’s Monsenor Oscar Romero Airport SAL, anytime on November 28th. Depart December 6th from El Salvador. For delegates going to Honduras, return on December 10th from San Pedro Sula SAP airport.

6. When do I pay?

First payment is a $100 NON-refundable on or before September 1. Second payment on or before November 1. To pay, please send a check for $1,250 or $1700 to SHARE Foundation, memo line Roses in December, and send to 2425 College Ave. Berkeley, CA 94704; or online at share-elsalvador.org (plus a 3% processing fee)

 7. How do I apply for a partial scholarship?

Please send a letter to jose@share elsalvador.org We have many ideas and suggestions on how to fundraise for this trip, please contact Jose at 510 848 8487.

8. I would like to join the Pilgrimage, but I cannot go on the delegation; are there other ways to be part of this Pilgrimage?

Yes, there are several ways to be part: a. Join the online pilgrimage to receive before, during, and after emails with pictures, reflections, and invitations to Zoom on activities. Register HERE. b. Sponsor a Pilgrim with a donation and frequent flyer miles. c. Join the organizing team to help with the Pilgrimage.

9. Are children and youth welcomed?

Yes, minors are welcomed as long as they are accompanied by a relative or guardian. Pilgrims in their 80s and plus are also welcomed and we will do our best to accommodate any mobility need they may have. Please advise us beforehand of any such needs.

10. Where will we stay? We will stay in humble guest houses or hotels in El Salvador.

Meals are simple and healthy and we will have access to purified water at all times.

11. Who should come to this delegation?

Young and old, women and men, elected officials and their aides, journalists and people working in the media, artists, and religious leaders. Younger folks, women and people of color are encouraged to join. People working with justice issues such as immigration rights, women’s rights, etc., are most welcome.

12. Are there concerns about safety?

Safety is one of our primary concerns and we take all possible measures to insure the safety of our delegates. El Salvador and Honduras have a long history of being one of the most violent countries in the region, yet some of these conditions have improved over the past few years. Our itinerary is developed in close collaboration with partners in El Salvador and Honduras who are aware of the risks and mindful to reduce them in every possible way. We will be lodged in secure locations and will not be traveling at night; being part of a group provides some safety. We will not participate in demonstrations or knowingly enter situations that would put us at risk. This delegation is one of accompaniment and we encourage participants to consider both the risks and the rewards of this form of activism. SHARE and LCWR have sponsored these delegations for several decades following very strict security measures and, thanks be to God and our martyrs, we have had zero negative incidents. If people are still concerned about safety, they should not go on this Pilgrimage. Please check and follow the US Travel Advisories travel.state.gov

13. What are the expectations for preparation and follow-up for this journey?

Some weeks before the program begins, you’ll be asked to engage with study materials that will help you understand the people and places we will visit, as well as the long history of US intervention in the region. On your return home, we hope you will find many ways to share your experience and all that you’ve learned with your community and engage with your local congressmembers. We will support you with ideas and resources for action and advocacy. Those with particular skills will be asked to organize presentations, blog, write and produce media pieces. There will be 3 required Preparatory Calls for Delegates: the first Thursday of September, October and November at 4 pm PST/7 pm EST.

14. Do I need a passport or a visa to travel?

A valid passport with an expiration date no less than 6 months from the date you are returning is necessary for travel. U.S. citizens do not need a visa.

15. Do I need to speak Spanish?

Spanish is not necessary for participation. Interpretation will always be provided.

16. Are there any cultural issues or group norms to be aware of?

YES:

a. Wearing modest clothing is most appropriate. Women in El Salvador do not usually wear shorts. Skirts, capris and long pants work best. Men often wear longer shorts.

b. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the retreat houses where we stay, and it is not appropriate to be drinking in the context of so much suffering in the communities we visit.

c. It is possible that particular people may approach you personally for financial help of some kind. Please know that SHARE offers support to organizations not to individuals; this is the best way to be in solidarity. We ask you not to give any person-to-person financial assistance if approached.

17. When is the deadline?

How do I sign up: Deadline is October 15th. Please apply at share-elsalvador.org

Please send us any additional questions to jose@share-elsalvador.org .