Exploring California is Global Exchange's domestic travel program. Based on the concept of our international Reality Tours, Exploring California brings home the idea of interactive, issue-oriented travel.
Our trips span from California's southern border with Mexico, where we talk with local organizations and residents on both sides about free trade, immigration and labor issues. In northern California, the tours look at the economical and ecological factors behind the struggle over trees, jobs and water. Trips to the Central Coast and the Central Valley give us a chance to explore farming, land use and labor. In the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, we look at several issues, including environmental justice, education, criminal justice, labor issues in the garment industry and housing.
Due to strong relationships with host organizations, we are able to meet with local groups all over the state. Exploring California participants learn first-hand about what is happening in various communities and how they are organizing for positive social change. Because of our commitment to look at tough, often gridlocked issues with fresh eyes, we bring together diverse groups of people to share intense, thought-provoking and inspirational experiences.
