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Plowshares Traveling Seminar: A Dialogue between the US and Cuba: Religion, Economics, Ecology, and Human Rights  March 9-18, 2004

U.S. policies toward Cuba continue to be controversial within both major political parties.  While many other Latin American countries struggle with massive debt, see more and more children living and begging on the streets, and find their airstrips used to transport drugs to the U.S., Cuba has largely avoided these situations. 

Cuba does, however, have other problems including often severe restrictions on individual, civil, and political rights.  Some Cuban Americans strongly oppose closer relations with Castro.  Others urge restoration of relationships.  Genuine dialogue with Cubans themselves about different ideologies and approaches to development seems crucial to constructive future relationships.  Cubans have much to share about reducing poverty and inequality, building an economy outside of the control of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and about the experience of Christians living in a revolutionary society.

Preparation and orientation take the form of assigned advance reading, discussion sessions, and an orientation program before departure for Cuba.  Participants will spend ten days in an immersion experience in Cuba as guests of civic and church agencies.  The group will meet with religious leaders, educators, professionals, and government representatives.  The seminar will visit Havana, including the magnificent old city which is in the process of being restored; Matanzas, where the seminary is located in a rural village in central Cuba; Veradero, one of the most beautiful beach areas in the Caribbean; and other sites of cultural and environmental significance.  Plowshares has a license from the U.S. Treasury Department for travel to Cuba.

For more information or to register: Contact Plowshares; PDF Version of Seminar Announcement; Seminar Application