Anyone with a commitment to, or willingness to learn about, social justice should apply for a delegation. We encourage participation of people from diverse backgrounds.

The minimum age for a delegation is 18, and some exceptions may apply. Most trips are inter-generational (age 18-80+). Reach out if you have any questions.

Typical trips range in size from 10 to 20 individuals, with 14 as the average number.

Delegates will stay together in modest, but safe and clean guesthouses. This typically involves dormitory style rooms (2-6 people per room), and private baths for each room. When staying with a family, the homes are usually humble and rustic. Though conditions may be much different from those to which delegates are accustomed, delegates consistently rate home stays as one of the highlights of their trip.

Your delegation fee covers just about everything except airfare: food, lodging, translation, accompaniment, facilitation, reading and preparation materials, orientation and on-the-ground transportation (in Colombia, internal airfare is also covered in the price). The prices of delegations vary depending on length of stay and country you’re visiting. By checking the online delegation page you can find the price of the specific delegation that interests you. Also you can contact the delegation coordinator, this email address is given for each delegation on the delegation schedule page as well.

If you cancel more than 30 days prior to departure, your delegation fee is usually fully refundable, less the $300 non-refundable deposit. If you cancel closer to the departure date than 30 days, you are subject to cancellation fees, which may result in a refund of less than 100%. Contact liz@solidaritycollective.org for more information.

Sliding scale prices are available for every delegation and are included in the delegation application. Extensive fundraising support is provided in terms of raising funds online and thinking about raising funds through your local community. Contact liz@solidaritycollective.org or the delegation coordinator for more information. Delegates seeking financial assistance have a very successful track record of raising the needed funds. Unfortunately at this time, we have little to no scholarships available.

Preparation for the delegation is an important part of your experience. Before departing for your trip, you will receive reading materials that cover health precautions, items to pack, what to expect from your delegation, and a reading packet. An extensive orientation and training session takes place prior to travel and on the first day of your delegation. This includes cultural awareness, health and safety guidelines, a non-violence workshop, and an introduction to consensus based decision-making. You will also become familiar with international development policies as well as the historic and current political reality of the country you’re visiting.

We can custom design delegations for organizations, universities, and religious groups. If you are interested, and can recruit a group of 10 or more, contact us.

Some colleges offer credit for participation in a WFP delegation. Inquire with your school or contact liz@solidaritycollective.org

On your delegation, you will gain invaluable experience that will serve you personally, academically, and professionally for years to come. By going on a delegation, you will learn about grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, international peacemaking, conflict mediation and group process, cross-cultural sensitivity, diplomacy and much more.

All delegations are set up and facilitated by International Program Directors, who are based in our program sites for 2-4 years. These coordinators accompany the groups, providing translation and facilitation; Program Directors are extremely experienced leading delegations and can serve as a valuable resource in answering questions regarding U.S. foreign policy in the country you are visiting.

The safety of our delegates is of the utmost concern to the Collective. We have been hosting delegations to Latin America since 1983 and have extensive networks in the countries in which we operate. This experience has allowed us to responsibly and safely coordinate delegations. Before beginning any delegation, participants receive an extensive security and health briefing, and go over common sense precautions. By following such measures, delegations are generally very safe. In Colombia and Honduras, the level of political violence requires a much more extensive training and these delegations are not for everyone. Contact liz@solidaritycollective.org.