Albuquerque Cultures & Community

About the Week

Albuquerque, New Mexico is a historic city with rich cultural diversity; and yet, the poverty rate in New Mexico is almost 20%. The number of children experiencing poverty in New Mexico is one of the highest in the nation. The population of people experiencing homelessness has grown in recent years as migrants move to Albuquerque from the north and the south. Additionally, indigenous communities in New Mexico experienced high rates of Covid-19. Groups participating in Albuquerque Cultures and Community weeks will learn will about the diverse communities within Albuquerque and New Mexico and have the opportunity to visit one of the 19 indigenous Pueblo communities in the area. The week will include both service and educational experiences. Your group will speak daily with expert guest leaders, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, spend a day in a local Pueblo area, learn about the Doctrine of Discovery, and have conversations about practicing cultural humility. Your group will have time together each evening for a justice-based Bible study and discussion focused on learning about root causes, systemic issues, policy and advocacy, so that you may go back to your community with a new awareness, understanding, and vision to work for justice beyond the mission trip week. Cost is $375 per participant and includes: • Breakfast and Lunch, Monday morning through Friday morning. (Dinners are on your own.) • Lodging in a local church • A dedicated Site-Coordinator & trained young adult staff to facilitate your week • Fully planned service and educational experiences • Honorariums for speakers, costs for activities, entrance fees • A t-shirt for each participant • Printed discussion guides for small groups • Online consultation with Be the Neighbor planning staff in the spring • Online training for your adult leaders in late May or early June Note that your group is responsible for transportation during the week.