As a result of neo-liberal economic policies, Oaxaca exports a large number of migrants every year to northern Mexico and the United States. In spite of government development programs which favor international corporate interests over local needs, Oaxacans maintain a vital culture of struggle and resistance based in local indigenous traditions--Oaxaca has the largest indigenous population of any Mexican state, with 16 different indigenous groups. Women are often at the forefront of these struggles, organizing themselves and their communities to fight repression and leading the efforts to revitalize languages and culture. In this delegation we will examine the effects of globalization on Oaxaca firsthand by speaking with local social organizations and indigenous leaders as well as visiting indigenous communities. We will speak with migrant organizations, indigenous women leaders, and learn about the repercussions of resort tourism development for local people.

Program Highlights:

• Revisit last year's social unrest and meet with Oaxaca Peoples' Popular Assembly (APPO, for its acronym in Spanish) members to learn about the current situation in Oaxaca
• Learn about the social movement of professors and teachers for justice
• Take part in the Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos celebration!
• Visit different communities and appreciate the altars people have set up for their ancestors.
• Walk around the beautiful colonial city of Oaxaca and learn about its history.
• Learn about Oaxacan migration to the U.S.
• Meet artists and learn about the role they play in the popular movement of Oaxaca
• Learn about the indigenous people of Oaxaca, their history and their struggle to maintain their identity.
• Visit the archaeological sites of Monte Albán and Mitla.
• Learn about the women of Loxicha and their struggle to liberate imprisoned members of their communities.
• Visit Fair Trade coffee and mezcal cooperatives.
• Examine the impact of GMOs in Oaxaca's agriculture.
• Visit Teotitlan del Valle and learn about indigenous weavings.
• Learn what communities in Sierra de Juarez are doing to promote sustainable ecotourism projects.
• Hike in the Sierra Norte and enjoy the experience of bird-watching
• Learn about the impact of neoliberal policies and Plan Puebla Panama in local communities.
• Examine the role of indigenous women as carriers of their culture and traditions.

Cost: $1250

Price Includes:

• Double-room accommodations; two meals per day; transportation to and from all programmed activities; guides and translators; a qualified trip leader; all program activities; and reading materials.
• International airfare, lunches, airport departure taxes, tips, and personal expenses are not included.
• Single rooms are available for an additional $200.
• Participants will arrive and depart from the Oaxaca City airport. The trip leader will be at the airport from 3pm to 5pm on October 26. Participants can depart anytime on November 3. Please make your flight arrangements accordingly.
• Please note that participants can also arrive at the Mexico City airport and take a bus to Oaxaca City. It is a 7 hour ride. If arriving by bus, please go directly to the hotel. Ask program coordinator for directions.

How to Register:

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Sneh with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 221.