Migrant Journey Immersion Program
Immersion trips with the Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network are an opportunity for young adults to learn and serve alongside migrant farmworkers.
Since 2008 CMFN has partnered with Creighton University in Omaha, NE for an annual week-long immersion for 9- 12 students focusing on the migrant farmworker reality. To date, immersion experiences have taken place in California, Ohio, Colorado, N. Carolina and Texas.
Beginning in 2013-14, CMFN is opening this program to other colleges, universities and churches to offer immersion experiences to more groups of students, young adults and church members. We invite leaders of such groups in the U.S. to contact us for more information about the possibility of coordinating a domestic immersion experience for your students or church group during the coming year.
Goals of the CMFN Migrant Journey Immersion Program:
- Act in solidarity to promote human dignity and the rights of workers, by connecting immersions trip participants with migrant community leaders
- Raise awareness of the living and working conditions of migrant farmworkers and rural immigrants and the social issues that impact these communities, by participating in daily activities with migrants
- Explore the connections between faith, service, and justice, by prayerfully reflecting on daily experiences during the immersion trip, and sharing in prayer and worship with the migrant community
- Highlight examples of successful grassroots leadership and community organizing efforts
The focus of CMFN’s Migrant Journey Immersion program is on learning through experience about the culture, people and places that participants visit. Our goals do not necessarily include measurable, direct service. Rather, CMFN sees each immersion as an opportunity for mutuality in mission, intended to benefit both visiting participants and host communities. We believe that this approach respects the dignity of hard-working and capable host communities who have much to teach about the justice issues they engage with daily. By coming to be and do with instead of for, we affirm the capability of these hosting community members and local leaders.
CMFN staff will work to match interested host communities with interested groups to create positive, mutually beneficial experiences.
Contact Us to Inquire about a possible trip!
More Information for Colleges, Universities and Churches interested in a Group Immersion.
Information for Farmworker Communities interested in hosting an Immersion Group.