Regis Border Immersion Trip

As students called to be contemplatives in action, and as our immigration and foreign policies have become increasingly divisive, we feel it is our duty to examine the historical context and modern day effects of these policies and the unjust structures that serve to reinforce them. Because of this reality, a group of twenty Regis students is uniting to join thousands of organizers and activists from around the world to engage in collective binational action at the 2017 SOAW Convergence at the U.S./Mexico border.

This November 10-12, our Regis delegation will learn about the U.S. militarization of the border, current immigration policies, and the systems of oppression that criminalize and kill migrants, refugees, and marginalized communities, as well as peaceful means of addressing these issues. We will do so by engaging in non-violent organized protest, visiting the Eloy Detention Center, attending activist and community organization-led  teach-ins and a remembrance/commemorative vigil for those impacted by the violent practices of U.S. governmental organizations like the SOA/WHINSEC and Border Patrol. WHINSEC, formerly The School of the Americas, is a combat training school for Latin American soldiers located in Ft. Benning, GA. Many of its graduates have committed atrocious human rights violations, leaving trails of blood and suffering in their own countries as a result of the military tactics they learn from WHINSEC, made possible by the $18 million annual U.S. taxpayer funding of the school.

We feel called to engage with these difficult social justice issues and aim to bring new tools and experiences back to the Regis community in order to increase local awareness and action. Supporting this cause will make this trip a reality and thus help us grow as students and practitioners of nonviolence, peace, and justice. Any donation amount is sincerely appreciated, and we hope that your thoughts and positive energy will be with us as we embark on this important experience.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, and see http://www.soaw.org/border/2017-encuentro/ for more information on the Convergence and its important history.