2007
Delegation Packet
PRINTABLE VERSION IN PDF: 2006 DELEGATION PACKET 
(Last Updated March 6, 2007)
“There is much that The United States has to offer El Salvador, but there is just as much that El Salvador has to offer the United States. Together, we can develop the approach that will be needed to assure that the economic, social, and political futures of both El Salvador and the United States are humane and progressive.” -Archbishop Oscar Romero
SO YOU WANT TO GO TO EL SALVADOR?!
Step-By-Step Preparation For A Share Sistering Delegation
Six to twelve months before you travel:
- Look at your delegation calendar, see what dates are available and contact the El Salvador Office. (See our website’s delegations section for all the information in this section: www.share-elsalvador.org/delegations)
- Communicate your interest in visiting the community with your Salvadoran sisters and brothers and solicit from them good reasons for a visit, possible dates and their hopes/thoughts about trip objectives.
- Select a delegation coordinator or co-coordinators to be in touch with El Salvador. If committee coordinator will not be on the delegation please be sure to keep delegation coordinator in the loop.
Four to six months before you plan to leave:
- Send a message to your local promoter, the SHARE offices in Washington D.C., El Salvador, and San Francisco outlining:
-your intent to travel
-overall theme or objective
-proposed dates
-type of assistance requested from SHARE
-include a request for delegation packets
3. Begin to discuss what type of focus you would like your delegation to have. The overall theme or objective does not need to be too specific at this time, just let us know if you have a specific focus (i.e. youth or women), how long you’d like to spend in your community, briefings you would like to have (i.e. rural policy, education, faith perspectives for justice work today, US government policy towards El Salvador, etc.)
- Discuss the type of assistance you need, this might range from full set-up (translators, coordinators, transportation, lodging and food arrangements, itinerary set-up) to arrangement of a few meetings OR translation OR transportation. For those of you new to delegations work, virtually all of the rural sistering relationships require full set-ups, as do some of the urban partnerships. It will cost $300 per person in your group for the full set-up, plus individual costs for coordination, translation, transport, lodging, meals, etc. Keep in mind that SHARE is eager to help in fundraising for your delegation, discuss this among your group and contact the San Francisco Office for more details. In addition, SHARE hopes to be able to offer one scholarship per delegation, if someone is in need of a scholarship; please do not hesitate to contact Chloe Schwabe , US Grassroots Coordinator at elinor@share-elsalvador.org or 202-319-5540.
- You will hear back from the El Salvador Office about whether or not we can accommodate you around your proposed dates and what services we can offer. We can usually accommodate full set-ups without a hitch, EXCEPT within a week before or after, or during those times which have been outlined on the delegation calendar, which is listed on our website.
5. Continue communication with your sister region or community about their and your hopes and visions for the trip.
Also at four to six months
- Begin meeting regularly with key committee members to begin the process of bonding around the delegation and to:
-Develop a timeline for recruitment, fundraising, itinerary planning, and orientation.
- Outline the type and size of group that you'd like to create.
- Begin to disseminate information and trip applications.
- Target Spanish speakers and other specially skilled community members for participation.
- Set an application deadline (at least ten weeks prior to departure)
- Design a process for review and acceptance
- Ensure that potential travelers have passports valid until six months after projected return to the USA. MAKE SURE THAT NON-U.S. CITIZENS CHECK INTO VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVEL TO EL SALVADOR!
- Look into airfares, travel routes, etc. and keep your ear to the ground for good deals.
- Begin planning pre-trip activities within your parish and/or community.
Four months prior to travel :
- Send the ES office (with copies to your local promoter) refined objectives, including what you'd like to learn, what you and your sisters hope to share, as well as what your vision is for utilizing the trip to build your sistering committee and its work. This latter piece is called "organizational development" or "committee development" and constitutes a central reason why we all do delegations. If you would like to bounce ideas back and forth about "organizational development" through delegations, contact Danny Burridge,Grassroots Delegations Coordinator: danny@share-elsalvador.org.
- Also send to the ES office (Danny Burridge danny@share-elsalvador.org) specific thoughts about what you'd like to do on the ground in ES, how long you'd like to stay in your sister community/parish, what sort of spiritual sharing you're planning, what else you want to see in El Salvador, excursions you might want to take, where you want to stay, folks with whom you especially want to meet, etc. We encourage rural partnerships to visit at least one rural area besides their sister community and urban partnerships to spend at least one day in the countryside and vice-versa - for perspective and a more comprehensive understanding of the Salvadoran reality. We will alert you about any special events or happenings that will be taking place during your delegation.
- If you are brand new to sistering and delegations, DON'T WORRY! We have routine itineraries and can mock up a draft or two for your review, even if you don't have lots of specific ideas going into the planning!
At thethree month mark:
- You should have a schedule of local meetings with trip participants in hand for orientations, prayer circles, spiritual retreats, fundraising events, and/or getting-acquainted opportunities. For new delegates, an early orientation will help allay fears, promote dialogue, and provide key tools for packing, immunizations, mental and spiritual preparation.
(See “Ideas for Delegation Meetings” and Resource Guide for helpful information about these meetings!)
Two monthsbefore you arrive:
- Finalize delegate list and begin orientation of delegates. Delegates should get started on their background reading (Resource Guide is available on our website, and will be emailed to you by the Grassroots Delegation Coordinator in the El Salvador Office).
- Send completed applications and liability waivers to the El Salvador Office through your coordinator. Also, send your set-up fee as a group through your delegation coordinator to the San Francisco Office. All other expenses will be paid directly to providers in ES. All travelers on SHARE delegations MUST sign waivers before departure. Print a copy of your registration with the US embassy from the internet when you fill it out online and bring it with you to El Salvador, when you get there, give it to your delegation coordinator.
- Meet with your committee and fellow travelers to finalize your itinerary requests and send to ES office.
- Once the waivers and fees are received, you will receive a draft itinerary based on your requests for your review and modification. FEEL FREE TO SUGGEST CHANGES! The purpose of the draft itinerary is to give everyone a chance to try the trip on for size and tweak it so that the plans fit your group. Once the itinerary is agreed upon, on-the-ground arrangements will be made in ES (lodging, transport, meetings, etc.)
- Finalize travel arrangements and purchase tickets (if you have not done so).
One to three months before departure :
- Hold orientations, prayer circles, events, etc. to build momentum for the trip and ensure that delegates are prepared. For events, some parishes have sponsored a Salvadoran Sunday featuring Salvadoran handicrafts, food, music, etc to raise funds and generate interest. Other groups have had salsa lessons or movie nights. For other ideas and help organizing orientations, fundraisers and/or other activities, please contact Elly Jordan at the Washington D.C. Office, elinor@ share-elsalvador.org.
- Maintain communication with your sisters regarding materials they might need, changes in plans, spiritual reflections/passages you'll be sharing in worship together, etc.
- Send a letter with brief biographies on all delegates, special skills, Spanish language level, dietary and other restrictions, and special needs or concerns to the ES SHARE office, so that we can make you all feel comfortable and welcome!
During the weeks immediately before the trip:
- Follow up with delegation members to ensure that they have scheduled shots (if they choose to have them), purchased necessary items, etc.
- Confirm travel plans with the airlines.
- Assure that all group members review information in the resource guide.
- Rest. Know that you will be extraordinarily well taken care of!
THE COMMITMENT
We the SHARE community , believe that the success of this delegation will determine your committee’s future accompaniment of El Salvador. So therefore we are committed:
- To making your experience in El Salvador an experience that will initiate, or affirm, your participation and understanding of the struggle for justice in El Salvador and the developing world alike.
- To help prepare, set-up, and accompany your visit to El Salvador and to try to make it a balance of learning, sharing, and reflection.
- To evaluating your visit with you and supporting your committee when you return home and use the delegation experience as an organizational tool.
We ask that you as a SHARE Sister committee be committedto:
Pre-trip Preparation:
- Read and discuss SHARE’s delegation orientation materials, and participate in the orientation organized by your committee.
- Work together to define the parish committee’s objectives for doing the delegation as well as the delegate’s individual objectives.
- Be open to reflecting upon political, economic, and faith-based issues from a variety of perspectives.
- Prepare to learn from, and walk with Salvadorans, seeking to understand their realities, and hear their analysis and vision.
- Reflect on the different natures of charity and justice. Participation in the delegation is based on the desire to listen and understand problems without seeking to resolve them. Learning about proposals that seek solutions to systemic problems, and global community building.
Participation while in El Salvador:
- Work to understand the nature and objectives of the SHARE Foundation .
- Gracefully handle experiences and realities radically different than ones own. (i.e.: be tactful, courteous and polite with staff, other delegates, Salvadoran guides and communities as you encounter new foods, rustic accommodations, etc.)
- Respect and trust our Salvadoran guides, our delegation coordinators, and the SHARE staff, abiding by their recommendations.
- Support all the members of the delegation throughout the experience.
- Actively engage in the experience so that you can effectively share it upon returning home.
- Accompany sister community spiritually and physically, through advocacy and worship.
Staying involved when you return:
- Formally share your El Salvador experience with a group of peers, co-workers, or parish members within three months of your return.
- Continue to learn about U.S. political and economic policy regarding Latin America and its effects on El Salvador.
- Help your committee participate in SHARE’s Advocacy Program and respond to the justice issues that affect El Salvador (ex. letter writing, calling your Member of Congress, lobbying, demonstrating, etc.).
- Participate in parish/committee organization, attend meetings and support the sistering relationship with the sister community and all of El Salvador.
- Look for relationships between the economic and political justice issues encountered in El Salvador and the economic and political justice issues in my own city and state.
- Sign up for SHARE’s listserv and get periodic updates on the latest news affecting the organized poor in El Salvador.
- Support SHARE’s work in fundraising endeavors when possible.
2006 SHARE Delegation Budget Estimate
(Last updated Oct. 12, 2005)
Notes:
- Please be prepared for minor adjustments along the way, as an additional person or two is invited for a meal, or as minor changes are made in transport needs. Also please have a reasonable emergency fund for medicines, incidentals, etc. should they be necessary.
- Please bring cash, in bills no larger than $20. Each group should have a treasurer who is responsible for making all payments, collecting receipts, etc.
- There will be a safe place in the guesthouse to store all money, passports, and tickets.
- All expenses should be paid directly in El Salvador except $300 per delegate coordination fee (sent directly to SHARE National Office in San Francisco).
Transportation
- Coaster in San Salvador - fits up to 22 people ($100 per day)
- Coaster outside of San Salvador (airport is outside of San Salvador) ($120 per day)
- Bus in San Salvador ($115 per day)
- Bus outside of San Salvador ($170 per day)
- Optional tip for driver
Lodging/ meals
- Lunch out in San Salvador ($4)
- Meals in countryside ($2.50)
- Night at guesthouse and breakfast next morning ($13.50)
- Additional breakfast at guesthouse ($2)
- Additional lunches and dinners at guesthouse ($4)
- Final dinner out ($10- this can be less depending on drinks, etc.)
- Optional tip for guesthouse workers
Optional donations for groups we are meeting with whom SHARE does not fund
This is OPTIONAL, between $10 and $50 if you decide to give. Donations are not necessary for meetings with SHARE-funded local partners.
Translation fee $150 per day
Set-up/Coordination fee: $300 per delegate, sent to SHARE National Office (598 Bosworth St. #1; San Francisco, CA 94131)
Water, incidentals: $50
Emergency fund: $200 recommended
Additional guests
Please consider additional costs for guests from community (inc. night at guesthouse), and budget approximately $50 for occasional meal guests as situations lend themselves.
Tourist Card: $10
Airport exit tax: $27.15 per person
Please contact Danny Burridge, SHARE Delegation Coordinator, for more information.
(danny@share-elsalvador.org)
Guidelines and Security Measures for Delegations to El Salvador
The following guidelines reflect SHARE’s commitment to take our responsibility to safeguard our delegations’ security seriously. We seek to create a secure environment as you accompany your Salvadoran brothers and sisters in their struggle for a just and democratic society. We will inform you of current threats to safety while at the same time try to keep in perspective the reasons we are here and what we are trying to do in El Salvador.
Recent reports indicate that El Salvador has experienced a rise in violence and crime - both random and organized - since the signing of the peace accords in 1992. As a matter of fact, El Salvador is now considered the most violent country in Latin America. As Padre Daniel Sanchez of the Maria Madre de los Pobres urban parish told a delegation, “we are seeing delinquency (generic term for crime here) not just in the impoverished communities or marginalized communities like the Madre Parish, nor just in Escalon where the rich live, but everywhere, including the countryside”.
National studies indicate that the root causes of the current situation include extreme poverty related to ten years of neo-liberal economics, lack of programs to support reinsertion into society for people after the war, too many guns, and (in spite of reforms) a still-corrupt judicial system. Although the new government talks about “fighting crime” we have not seen any changes in society -- only sensational news coverage that, among other things, has served to de-sensitize Salvadorans and those of us who are living here to the severity of the situation. In fact, there are now thirteen murders in El Salvador per month, and it is considered to have one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world.
To put today’s violence in context it is important to know that just days after the UN truth commission stated that the Salvadoran government and army were responsible for 95% of the war time human rights violations, the government passed a general immunity law. This law has helped to deepen the impunity with which all criminals act, letting them believe that there is no moral authority by which to judge their decisions. The government has responded to this rise in crime by creating the Anti-Maras (gang) Act, or the “Supermanodura” (hard handed) laws as it is often called. These laws give more freedom to the police to make arrests on suspicion rather than probable cause. Many of these laws not only violate provisions made in the Salvadoran Constitution, but also break international treaties that were made during the peace accords through the United Nations.
Perhaps people do not feel a “rise in crime” from day to day -- the crime, like poverty, is a reflection of systemic problems in society resulting from a long history of social and economic injustices. Even though the war has been over for years, the lives of the majority of the people in El Salvador have not improved. Currently, the people are struggling for basic rights -- a struggle we can join by walking with our sisters and brothers as they seek access to land, health care, education, justice, work, and decent housing. There is as great a need for the physical accompaniment from U.S. sisters now as during the war, as we all work towards a safe and just future for El Salvador.
To help keep perspective, though, we suggest that you consider the following:
- On the ground we are explicit in our security orientation, and have never had any alarming experiences to date.
- The targets of violent crime are not foreigners.
- Crime in El Salvador is not very much different than that of big cities in the U.S. like Chicago, Detroit or Washington D.C. and the same safety measures you would use there apply to ES.
- You will find that Salvadorans’ sensitivity to violent crime is less acute than that of North Americans. We tend to be more shocked than they when we see, for example, very graphic pictures in the newspapers that you wouldn’t see in the U.S.
Female travelers should also be advised that machismo, or sexism, is a serious problem in El Salvador. One of the major cultural critiques of the FMLN is its failure to address sexism. Currently, progressive feminist groups are working to combat this issue. What is more, those of Anglo dissent are seen on television and movies as both wealthy and promiscuous, therefore the impression that precedes you is not pretty. Be prepared to be whistled at, spoken to in a derogatory manner, or just “scoped out” on a regular basis. It is recommended that women not respond to these comments, since it is a sure way of inviting trouble and continued, intensified harassment.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Respect the decisions made by delegation coordinators and our hosts. It is important that a process for decision-making and problem solving be agreed upon by the coordinators and delegates before arriving in El Salvador. During the visit, delegation coordinators may need to hear concerns and suggestions of all delegation participants. When it is necessary to make a group decision, the coordinators will facilitate the group process and will make the final decision, always acting in consultation with our hosts who are most familiar with the situation in their country.
It is important to remember that as part of our objectives, we are in El Salvador to provide support to our Salvadoran hosts. This means maintaining good group discipline and an attitude of flexibility to most effectively respond to their needs.
Stay with the group. It is critical to be accompanied at all times by your coordinator or Salvadoran friends. We advise groups to not be on the streets after dark - city or countryside.
Don’t wear jewelry that you would mind losing (necklaces, earrings, rings, etc.). Most foreigners here keep their watches in their pockets when out in public.
Don’t carry other valuables with you. Keep your camera secure and pocket money at a minimum. If you will be shopping for crafts, your coordinators will choose a place that is most secure. But .... always be on guard for pickpockets.
If you are about to be robbed - DON’T RESIST! Just quietly hand over your money. (That’s why you shouldn’t carry much around with you.)
In the end we want you to know how important sister parish delegations are to the promotion and strengthening of our solidarity with the Salvadoran people and their struggle for justice and democracy. So as SHARE we are dedicated to making them the best and safest experiences possible.
HEALTH TIPS TO AVOID DIARRHEA AND DISENTARY
Diarrhea is a top concern to those traveling in El Salvador. Our dietary staples will include rice, beans, pupusas (tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans and/or meat), bread, tortillas, fried chicken and/or meat, cabbage salad, eggs, plantains, french fries, and root vegetables. Here are the steps you can take to avoid the stomach bug:
- Drink only bottled, purified water, bottled or canned sodas, juices, or beers, or water which you know has been boiled for several minutes. The water quality rule also applies to when you brush your teeth.
- Avoid ice, order drinks without ice by saying sin hielo or “scene yellow” with your best Spanish inflection. Ice is generally not made from boiled or purified water.
- Only eat cooked vegetables. Only eat fruit which has a peel and that you have peeled yourself. In fancier restaurants, salads are ok because they are washed in good water.
- All meat should be well cooked. Shellfish and cooked fish are fine but when in doubt ask your coordinator.
- Milk and milk products should be avoided unless you know they have been pasteurized and are fresh.
- Avoid food sold on the street altogether; street vendors don’t always have access to sanitary cooking conditions.
- Keep your hands as clean as you can, especially around mealtime.
What you are trying to avoid is “the runs,” heavy dehydrating diarrhea. Anything you eat or drink with tap water in it can give you the runs. If a problem develops -- stop all coffee, tea, citrus (fruit and juice), beans, dairy, salad, and grease-laden food. Drink LOTS of bottled, purified water or water that has been boiled for five minutes, and stick to crackers, bread, bananas, soup broths, rice, plain chicken, and other familiar foods.
Mild queasiness accompanied by loose stools is often best handled with rest, constant hydration, and light food intake. Strong anti-diarrhea medications can interrupt your body’s natural healing process and trap bacteria inside. If you absolutely need a remedy for diarrhea you can take heavy-duty anti-diarrhea (e.g. Immodium) meds at your discretion, but they should really be looked upon as a last resort. Pepto Bismol is a great comfort when your stomach is neither quite right nor quite wrong. Many times the problem is not serious and clears up without medicine.
Diarrhea accompanied by a high fever for several days can indicate something more serious (malaria, e.g.) and warrants a doctors visit.
DISEASE INFORMATION
SUGGESTED IMMUNIZATIONS
- Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is not present in El Salvador; however, a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for persons over six months of age coming from infected areas.
- Cholera: Cholera is present in this country. Cholera vaccine is not required or recommended according to international health regulations (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cholera vaccine provides incomplete protection. Strict adherence to food and water precautions lowers risk.
- Malaria Risk: Risk of malaria is present in rural areas below 600 meters only. Risk is increased during the rainy season. We will advise your delegation coordinator if you will be visiting a high-risk malaria area.
RECOMMENDED IMMUNIZATIONS
- Update tetanus/diphtheria, measles/mumps/rubella, and polio vaccines as appropriate to age and date of last dose
- Gamma globulin is given for protection against Hepatitis A and is strongly recommended
- Typhoid Fever vaccine
SPECIAL ADVISORIES
- Hepatitis B virus is common among inhabitants of El Salvador. The virus is transmitted from person to person through blood contaminated needles or sexual contact. Vaccination is recommended for persons providing health care and those who plan extended residence in the area.
- There have been outbreaks of Dengue Fever, a mosquito-born virus. There is no immunization except to protect against mosquitoes bites. It is important to note that the Dengue mosquito is a daytime mosquito.
For further information contact Center for Disease Control at: http:/www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm
PACKING LIST FOR TRAVELERS
**As bags are sometimes lost en route, be sure to pack two changes of clothes, important documents, medicine, toiletries, and your camera in a carryon bag!
DOCUMENTS
- Passport, plus a photocopy of the first page of passport*
- Identification (driver’s license)
- Money belt or other means of carrying valuables safely
- Part II of Delegation Packet – background information and glossary of organizations
CLOTHING
Weather will be hot and humid (80-90 degrees and sticky) in most regions of El Salvador. Bring a long-sleeved sweater or light jacket for chilly evenings and overly air-conditioned planes. For meetings, dress should be neat and clean, but not fancy. Skirts, nice jeans, cotton pants and a blouse/shirt are fine. You may not feel comfortable in shorts and a tee. Rainy season begins in May and ends in September-October. If you will be traveling during these months, bring a light poncho and shoes that can handle lots of mud.
- Lightweight skirts, pants, dresses, shirts, etc. (Cotton is best, jeans are fine -- just hot)*
- One nice outfit (for formal interviews, religious services, etc.)*
- Walking shoes*
- Sturdy Sandals
- Flip Flops (for bedtime, showers, etc.)
- Rain gear (light poncho)
- Sun glasses and sun hat **
- Change of underclothes for each day (+ one)*
- Plastic bag for dirty clothes
- Bathing suit
- Long sleeved shirt or light jacket
EQUIPMENT AND TOILETRIES
- Light blanket and sheet, sleep sack or light sleeping bag*
- Aspirin/Tylenol -- your preferred headache reliever
- Pepto Bismol (tablets travel more easily than liquid)*
- Sun screen*
- Bandages/first aid material
- Mosquito repellent with DEET (30-38% strength for adults and 6-10% for children) and a cortisone cream (for bites)*
- Roll of toilet paper/packets of soft tissue (important but can be purchased in ES)
- Personal hygiene products (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo)
- Comb, brush, small mirror, etc.
- Towel and washcloth
- Packets of Wash-n-Dry to carry in your purse/pocket/knapsack
- Anti-malarial and/or other prophylactic medications
- Any other prescription medicine (be sure it is in your name and in the original packaging)
- Three zip-lock bags of various sizes (to keep things dust-free and to store soiled items)
- Water Bottle
- Flashlight (Mini-Mag brand is small, light, cheap and convenient)
* These items are absolutely necessary
OPTIONAL (Ideas from past delegations)
- Your favorite munchies -- granola, candy bars, raisins, crackers, gum -- energy food. (We may not be able to stop to eat often enough to please all appetites, so be prepared!)
- Lip balm (with sunscreen)
- Comfortable shoulder bag or knapsack
- Spanish dictionary or Spanish phrase sheet
- Leisure reading (for plane or when you need to relax)
- Penknife
- Ear plugs or cotton (if roosters at 4 am or traffic might bother your sleep)
- Camera (Best to bring disposables -- they are small and less tempting to petty thieves. If you bring your own camera, make sure it has fresh batteries and bring plenty of film - slide or print, depending on your needs. Film and batteries are expensive in ES.)
- Notebook and journal
- Pens and pencils
- Cassette players (small) and plenty of blank tapes
IMAGES OF HOME (to help convey your reality to your sisters and brothers)
- Picture of your family
- Pictures of your community/church family
- Picture of yourself (to leave behind with your new friends)
- Promotional materials about your sistering relationship, plans, accomplishments
TIPS FOR TRAVEL IN EL SALVADOR
1. Prepare for the unexpected and for the following anticipated inconveniences:
- Scarcities of clean water, hot water and electricity
- Use of latrines rather than toilets
- Transportation delays
- Flight changes, delays, lost bags
- Same food over and over
- Overly soft beds, overly hard beds, sparse accommodations
- Noise and light streaming in windows early in the a.m.
- A lot of insects (windows and doors have no screens)
- Occasional glitches in plans -- you won’t get to do everything you planned
- Crafty petty thieves
2. Pro-active Measures
- Come rested if you are able -- you won’t catch up on sleep while traveling
- While traveling, especially on days in the countryside, designate one “photographer” and share photos so that your group does not come into the community looking like the paparazzi
- Only bring battery operated appliances and extra batteries
- Drink lots of bottled water to avoid dehydration (it can creep up on you)
- Carry currency and a photocopy of first two pages of your passport in a money belt
- Shower whenever there is water
- Wash hands frequently (to ensure clean hands at mealtimes, also bring Wash n’ Dries)
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes by applying repellant sparingly at four-hour intervals
- Allow extra time when traveling from point A to point B
- Bring a lock for your bag
- Don’t put purses/bags down. Carry them down your front, especially in buses and markets.
- Pack all essentials in carry-on (especially medicines)
- Don’t over pack -- bring only the essentials
- Bring clothes that don’t need ironing
Ideas for Delegation Meetings
1. Watch a video such as :
Romero. Starring Raul Julia. Vidmark Entertainment video. 105 minutes
Innocent Voices Luis Mandosky, Oscar Orlando Torres (2004) A story about young boys coming of age in the midst of the civil war in El Salvador.
School of Assassins , narrated by Susan Sarandon, 1995 Academy Award Nominee. Available from Maryknoll World Productions.
Roses in December. The story of Jean Donovan by Ana Carrigan and Bernard Stone. Available from Maryknoll World Productions. Tel. 1-800-227-8523.
- Invite a Salvadoran American to one of your meetings.
- Find a Salvadoran Recipe and make it as a group.
- Have each group member introduce one of the Martyrs from the Civil War in El Salvador, telling about their life and death.
- After reading the economic section of the resource guide, have group members write down the home countries of each item purchased the next time they go grocery shopping, the next meeting, discuss what the various locations means with regard to free trade, import-export companies, farm subsidies in the United States, CAFTA, and PPP.
- After reading the economic section of the resource guide, do a “closet inventory” noting everything that you wear regularly and what country it was made in. Discuss what the various locations means with regard to free trade, import-export companies, CAFTA, and PPP.
- Ask each group member to record what he or she did in a day. Then ask them to imagine the energy that they would have had to put into similar activities if they were without:
- A road between their home and the nearest city/town
- Running water
- Electricity
- Find how your members of Congress voted on CAFTA. Discuss what you can do while in El Salvador and after your trip to educate others on trade issues.
- Ask others who have been to El Salvador prior to help you construct a history of your sister community or region.
Be creative and have fun, this is the adventure of a lifetime!!
A Co-Leader DOES:
- Prepare Delegates for the trip.
- Know delegates and their basic needs.
- Devote energies to the group.
- Act as a focal point to express concerns.
- Give input for the agenda to SHARE and stay in constant contact with the Delegation Coordinator in the El Salvador Office before the delegation.
- Stay aware of daily schedule changes.
- Work with team’s financial leader and expect responsibility of individual delegates, works with group to designate “photographer” for each day of the trip.
- Represent group when appropriate.
- Take authority in true Emergencies along with SHARE Coordinator.
- Take Responsibility for gathering important documents from delegates.
ACo-LeaderDOESNOT:
- Work all alone.
- Know everything about every delegate.
- Become a counselor.
- Set entire agenda.
- Force group processing.
- Act as sole liaison.
- Personally supervise people.
- Assume position of treasurer for the group.
- Tire themselves out before the trip or split their energies so they cannot enjoy El Salvador!
PRINTABLE VERSION IN PDF: 2006 DELEGATION PACKET
Delegations 