Dear Friends,

Join a Reality Tour to learn about political activism around the globe and become an active citizen diplomat!  For the past 21 years our delegations have offered an educational experience that includes face-to-face meetings with local activists and organizations working for positive changes in their communities.  Join one of our upcoming delegations that are sure to be a life-changing and empowering experience.  Meet the People, Learn the Facts, Make a Difference!

This newsletter includes highlights about:

Jordan/Syria: War & Displacement in the Middle East 

Palestine/Israel: Prospects for Peace with Justice

Mexico: Chiapas-Anniversary of NAFTA and the Zapatista Uprising

India: The Gandhian Legacy and Grassroots Development 

Thank You for Supporting the RT Scholarship Fund

Jordan/Syria: War & Displacement in the Middle East
11/24/09-12/05/09  $2,150 p.p.

Take a journey to Jordan and Syria to learn about the current political situation by meeting with academics, activists, business people and humanitarian relief workers.  Visit the ancient carved city of Petra, the Umayyad mosque, and the souq (marketplace) of Damascus.  Hear the local perspectives on the status of Iraqi and Palestinian refugees and the role of the US government in Jordan and Syria.  Contact Henry for more information: 1-800-497-1994 ext. 251

Palestine/Israel: Prospects for Peace with Justice
12/05-12/15/09  $2,250 p.p.  (5-7 participants)*

Come to Palestine/Israel to experience the conflict from both sides of the Wall.  Participants will hear a spectrum of Palestinian and Israeli voices and learn about their understanding of the conflict and hopes for a solution.  Visit Muslim, Jewish and Christian holy sites to learn about the role these places play in the present situation.  Learn more about US involvemment and gain a better understanding and appreciation for the situation being faced by Palestinians and Israelis alike.  Contact Henry for more information: 1-800-497-1994 ext. 251

*$2,050 (8-10 participants)   $1,900 (11-15 participants)

Mexico: Chiapas-Anniversary of NAFTA and the Zapatista Uprising
12/27/09-01/04/10  $1,000p.p.

Celebrate the history and the beauty of Chiapas and learn what has motivated the Zapatista movements in Mexico.  Examine the recent history of the Chiapas region and hear about the challenges facing the struggle for indigenous autonomy.  Learn about the direct effects of globalization in the context of NAFTA and the on-going efforts for economic justice and democracy.  Contact Sneh for more information: 1-800-497-1994 ext. 221

India: The Gandhian Legacy and Grassroots Development
12/29/09-01/11/10  $2,900 p.p.

Join Arun Gandhi and Tuhar Gandhi, direct descendants of Mahatma Gandhi, on a trek through modern India.  Visit Gandhi's home, headquarters and an ashram where he lived.  See development cooperatives, ashrams and self-help groups that have been founded on Gandhian Principles.  Observe how those principles are applied today in conflict resolution situations and sustainable development projects.  Travel throughout the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to expereicne the blend of culture and history throughtout India.  Contact Alessandro for more information: 1-800-497-1994 ext 225

Thank You for Supporting the RT Scholarship Fund

On Friday, August 7th Global Exchange's Reality Tours held a fundraising event to support our Scholarship Fund for low-income applicants.  There was lots of music food and fun while members, staff and friends danced, placed bids on awesome raffling items and watched a slideshow featuring pictures of past trips.  All of the proceeds raised at the event will go directly into the Reality Tours Scholarship Fund, and we giver our sincerest thanks to those who have helped to support the travel-learning experience for everyone who seeks the opportunity!