What: This immersion experience will invite students to enter into solidarity with the people, culture, history, and other realities that exist in the San Diego region of the U.S./Mexico border. Throughout the week, we will explore the causes and complications of migration, the impact of U.S. immigration policies, and - ultimately - how we as people of faith can respond to these pressing issues.

Why: This experience will empower participants to:

To encounter the people of God in an intentional and meaningful way.
To understand service and justice as lifelong commitments.
To deepen spirituality and faith in relation to service and justice.
To learn more about the impact of injustice on our local communities.
To embody this experience as we go forward in our lives and practice the values of spirituality, solidarity, sustainability, and social justice.

Who: This group will include two Student Coordinators, twelve USD student participants, and two University Ministry staff members.

When: March 4-10, 2023. We’ll depart from the Ministry Center mid-morning on Saturday, March 4th, and return in the early afternoon of Friday, March 10th.

How: During the week, we will:

Actively and lovingly engage the four pillars of the Romero Immersion Program: Spirituality, Social Justice, Solidarity, and Sustainability. They are experienced through living simply, daily group and individual prayer and reflection, meaningful conversations about justice and social systems, and increased commitment to coming to a fuller understanding of our shared humanity.
Examine historical and present immigration policies and their impacts on the life of those in border regions.
Visit migrant shelters and listen to the stories of those who are impacted by border and immigration policies.
Meet with community members, activists, faith leaders, and academics throughout San Diego who are fighting for migrant justice on both sides of the border.
Think critically and intersectionally about the relationships between climate change and migration patterns.
Deepen our commitment to the longstanding faith tradition of welcoming the stranger and standing in solidarity with those negatively affected by power and injustice.
Leave with tools to take action for positive social change.

Where: Our group will camp in yurts at the Tijuana River Valley Regional Campground (which is in San Diego) for the duration of the week. Students will sleep in bunk beds and have access to bathrooms and showers. In the spirit of simple living, we will prepare many of our own meals, enjoy reflection around the fire, hike, and enjoy the beautiful park.

Apply here! Applications are due Monday, December 5th by 11:59pm