What is the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice?
Historically organized to educate participants about the six Jesuit martyrs who were killed in El Salvador in 1989 and the role of the School of the Americas in their killings, the Teach-In now includes a two day program of speakers on current human rights issues and a broad range of social justice issues, accompanied by smaller break-out sessions.
For the last ten years, this program has been held in Columbus, GA, where students gather for the Teach-In and the large vigil calling for the closure of the School of Americas. In an effort to chart a new direction, this program was held at Georgetown University, November 13-15, 2010 where thousands of students from Jesuit universities and high schools gathered to examine some of the most pressing justice concerns of the Ignatian family. In particular, this past year’s program focused on immigration reform, climate change, and the closing the School of the Americas. The event also featured an opportunity for legislative advocacy on Monday, November 15th.
When is the Ignatian Family Teach-In and how will I get there?
Creighton will be taking a chartered bus from Omaha to Washington, DC leaving in the late afternoon on Friday, November 11th and returning in the late afternoon on Tuesday, November 15th.
How much does the trip cost?
The total cost of the trip to students will be approximately $150 per person thanks to contributions from the Creighton Students Union, the Jesuit Community and others. This helps to cover the costs of the hotel, the bus, some food, and the registration fee for the Teach-In. Faculty and Staff are asked to pay the unsubsidized per person costs (Contact Maria Teresa Gaston for more information).
Who is eligible to go on the trip?
The trip is open to all Creighton students, faculty, and staff. We are limited by the number of seats on the bus.
How can I learn more about the trip?
You can attend one of two informational meetings about the trip, on Tuesday, September 27th at 9pm in the CCSJ or Thursday, September 29th at 11am in the CCSJ. Additionally, there will be an in-depth education night held on Wednesday, October 5th at 9pm in the CCSJ.
Where will I be staying?
We will have hotel rooms at the Georgetown University Hotel where the Teach-In will be held. You will most likely be sharing a hotel room with three other Creighton students on the trip.
How do I sign up?
The online application will be available after the first information meeting on Tuesday, September 27th, 2011. Applications and money are due Monday, October 10th, 2011. Students can also apply for a scholarship for the trip. Scholarship applications are due to Wendy Maliszewski by 4 pm on Wednesday, October 5th.
What should I bring and not bring?
You should bring clothing that is comfortable as well as appropriate for a conference. You will need business casual clothing for the advocacy day visits on Capitol Hill. We will be on the bus for an extended period of time, so you will want comfortable clothing and you may want to bring a book to read, or something to keep you occupied. You should also bring a pillow and possibly a sleeping bag. You can view the extended list of what to bring here.
What is the selection process?
Once all applications are received, the IFTJ Core Team and the CCSJ Office Staff will make selection decisions and let you know if your application has been accepted as soon as possible.
What kind of commitment is involved?
Those who participate will attend a five-hour mini-retreat, a short gathering with their focus group, a logistical meeting the week of the trip, and a post-trip reflection and evaluation session.
If I have questions now, whom should I contact?
There are six student coordinators of the trip: Rebecca Bloom, Savanna McHenry, Tim Nendick, Elizabeth Samson, Andrew Smith and Becca Stephan. Feel free to contact any of the student coordinators with questions (contact info located below), or call the CCSJ (402-280-1290).
