Question 1

What are the qualifications for joining a trip to Latin America and the Caribbean?

Accepted Answer

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. Our delegations involve a fair amount of walking and navigating stairs, rugged terrain, and inclines. If you needs or concerns about accessibility and accommodations  on delegations, please reach out to info@solidaritycollective.org.

Question 2

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age for a delegation is 18, and some exceptions may apply. Reach out for more information on possible youth delegations through institutions. Most trips are inter-generational (age 18-80+). Please be prepared to engage with people of varied life experiences and worldviews.

Question 3

How many people will be on the trip?

Accepted Answer

Typical trips range in size from 10 to 20 individuals, with 12 as the average number.

Question 4

What are the accommodations like?

Accepted Answer

Delegates will stay together in modest, but safe and clean guesthouses. This typically involves dormitory style rooms (2-4 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. Conditions vary across country site but can include:  cold showers, thin mattresses and intermittent wifi.

Question 5

What does my delegation fee cover and how much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

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). For our Cuba delegations, there is an additional $100 visa cost. 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.

Question 6

What happens if I am not be able to go on the delegation? Is my delegation fee refundable?

Accepted Answer

One Month Prior to Delegation Departure
Refund requests received up to 1 month before delegation departure will be issued a full refund minus the $300 deposit.

30 Days or Less until Delegation Departure Date
Delegation Credit: Refund requests received with less than 1 month of departure are eligible for a delegation credit of the entire delegation fee amount less the $300 deposit and any non-refundable expenses already incurred by Witness for Peace Solidarity Collective, such as domestic airline tickets or lodging. This delegation credit amount can be applied toward a future WFPSC delegation of your choice. This credit will be issued in the form of a written letter with the requisite accounting information from the WFPSC Delegations Organizer.

Cash Refunds: For delegates wishing to receive a cash refund, any refund request received less than 1 month before the departure of the delegation is eligible for a 50% cash refund of the full delegation fee, less the $300 deposit, $50 processing fee and any non-refundable expenses already incurred by WFPSC, such as domestic airline tickets or lodging.

COVID: If the delegation is canceled due to COVID by WFPSC, full refunds will be given to all delegates.

Travel delays: WFPSC cannot offer a refund to delegates that do not arrive or depart on the scheduled dates due to changes or cancellations made by airlines or other transportation companies. We encourage delegates to seek appropriate refunds directly from transportation company representatives.

Schedule changes: Due to the sensitive nature of WFPSC delegations, itineraries are subject to change. If there is domestic air travel, WFPSC will refund to delegates any funds it is able to recover whenever possible, if the itinerary is changed due to security or other safety concerns.

In case of new travel restrictions to Cuba: in case of changes in U.S. law that means the total impossibility of traveling to Cuba, refund will be given to delegates except for $200 for vetting and recruiting work.

Note -Travel health insurance: airline ticket from the U.S. includes travel health insurance for your stay in Cuba. If you are not traveling from the U.S, please check with your delegation leader about health insurance.

Question 7

Are Sliding Scale prices and fundraising support available?

Accepted Answer

Sliding scale prices are available for every delegation and are included in the delegation application. Fundraising support is provided in terms of raising funds online and thinking about raising funds through your local community. Unfortunately at this time, we have little to no scholarships available.

Question 8

Is there any training or orientation before or during the delegation?

Accepted Answer

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 materials. 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,  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.

Question 9

I would like to coordinate a delegation for a group of people. Can you customize a delegation for my group?

Accepted Answer

We can custom design delegations for organizations, universities, and faith communities. Please fill out the application form here.

Question 10

Can I get academic credit for my delegation experience?

Accepted Answer

Some colleges offer credit for participation in a WFPSC delegations. Inquire with your institutions first to determine the course requirements. Independent study options have worked well in the past for students.

Question 11

What type of skills will I learn on a trip with the WFP Solidarity Collective?

Accepted Answer

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 the history and current implications of U.S. intervention in Latin America and the Caribbean, grassroots organizing, alternative group processes, cross-cultural sensitivity, policy advocacy  and much more.

Question 12

Who sets up the trip and accompanies the group?

Accepted Answer

All delegations are set up and facilitated by International Program Directors, who are based in our program sites. These program directors accompany the groups, providing interpretation and facilitation. Program Directors are experienced leading delegations and can serve as a valuable resource in answering questions regarding U.S. foreign policy in the country you are visiting. Delegation coordinators are responsible for stateside recruitment and will also be accompanying the delegation.

Question 13

Is it dangerous to travel to Latin America and the Caribbean?

Accepted Answer

The safety of our delegates is of the utmost concern to WFPSC. 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. All WFPSC staff are the final decision-makers with safety and security concerns. Delegates must respect and follow the decisions made by WFPSC staff.

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.

Question 14

Can I go out in the evenings while on delegation?

Accepted Answer

We want to honor and respect the autonomy and different levels of travel experience that delegates have as well as the fact that some may have roots in the country we are visiting. Going out at night (dancing, to a bar, etc…) is not always recommended or allowed. WFPSC staff should always be consulted as some country sites have specific policies and safety guidelines must be followed. Additionally, delegates should always consider how going out will affect their engagement on the delegation (falling asleep in early morning meetings with community members and waking up roommates, for example).

Question 15

Can specific dietary needs be accommodated?

Accepted Answer

Food accommodations vary across country sites and program directors should always be consulted before delegates book a flight if the diet is very restrictive. Our communities are not always able to accommodate vegans, and people with gluten allergies as cross-contamination is possible. We can often accommodate vegetarians, however the diet is often more limited. Bringing snacks is allowed and recommended.

Question 16

What is internet and phone connectivity like on a delegation?

Accepted Answer

Honduras and Colombia: Check with your phone carrier for phone options. Wifi is consistently available at lodging. Delegates are usually able to communicate with loved ones via messaging apps and take care of internet business when settled in their rooms or in common areas.

Cuba: Wifi cards will be available for purchase once delegates arrive at lodging, where they can be used in common areas. Wifi gives you access to email, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, etc. To access a bank account or other financial accounts (Paypal, Venmo, etc) you must download a VPN (a private network) to your device before you arrive. You will most likely be without internet access for the majority of your trip. Remind friends and family that “no news is good news.”

Delegation FAQs