Alternative Spring Break in Mexico
Sponsored by Harvard Hillel and American Jewish World Service (AJWS)

March 23rd-30th

Interested in spending your break in the developing world, doing social justice work and learning about poverty and development from a Jewish perspective? This year, a group of Harvard students will be heading to El Hombre Sobre la Tierra, a sustainable development organization for Mayans on the Yucatan Peninsula, to do farming and construction work during their spring break. All students are welcome to join.

*        Live, learn and work among rural communities in the developing world.

*        Explore local traditions and international development.

*        Pursue social justice within a pluralistic Jewish group.

Have you read the trip info sheet yet? If you have, here are answers to frequently asked questions:

There's no way at this point to put a dollar amount on how much the trip will ultimately cost, because we are absolutely committed to making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate in this trip, regardless of financial means. We will be expecting the group to commit to participating in substantial group and individual fundraising efforts, with the full support of Hillel (in fact, Hillel has already begun fundraising). Of course, we expect you to speak with your parents to find out what portion of the individual fundraising your family is able to cover.

In the past, most participants have been able to cover their airfare (about $600) through individual fundraising from their family and home community, and group fundraising efforts have covered registration fees for the trip. But again, don't let this figure dissuade you: we are committed to making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate in this trip, regardless of financial means. If you have more questions, please contact Gabi Soble, Director of Student Activities at Harvard Hillel: gabi@hillel.harvard.edu

The $250 deposit, due with your application on January 11th, will be refunded if you are not accepted to participate on the trip. If you decide not to participate in the trip after turning in the deposit, a portion of it may be refundable, depending on the date.

A former participant says: "you definitely shouldn't feel like you have to be involved at Hillel to participate in this trip because you'll have lots of opportunities to meet everyone on the trip and get to know them in advance!"

Whatever your background (Jewish or not, lots of Jewish knowledge or little) the trip only assumes a willingness to engage in social justice work and learning, often with Jewish teachings in mind--it does not assume any background.