GATE (Global Awareness Through Experience)

Mexico City and Chiapas

July 5 - 15, 2012

Registration deadline: April 13th, 2012

Contrast the dynamics of life in Mexico City with the rural reality of Chiapas. Meet with people who offer hope through alternative models of work, society and governance. See the importance of water projects and schools in isolated areas. Learn of the unique contributions of the indigenous people to Mexican reality today. Understand the struggle for land and rights. Appreciate the natural beauty of this Mexican State.

Join us as we stand in solidarity with people and organizations.

Visiting a rural community in Chiapas.

In Mexico City:

Guided tour of National Museum of Anthropology
Learn of contemporary reality
Hear from Women for Dialogue on women's reality in Mexico City and Chiapas
Visit Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Understand the reality of children of the street by a psychologist who works with youth
Learn how violence affects everyday family life

The Chiapas portion includes:

Witness a curandero (healer) and his work with the indigenous people and the customs of the area; see his museum-size collection of traje (typical clothing)
Listen to a presentation on the modern history of Mexico with a focus on current events
Visit the villages of San Juan Chamula, where unique indigenous rituals take place daily, and Zinacantan, where weavers do their work and sell their wares
Learn about the state of Mexican economy and how it affects the people
Visit with offices and groups working in Chiapas and a chance to dialogue with them