Sisters Across the Straits: A Delegation Visit to Cuba

SAS 1

In the spirit of cooperation and strengthening relations with women’s groups in Cuba, the League of Women Voters of Florida Education Fund sponsors Sisters Across the Straits — delegation visits to Cuba to learn about the nation’s history, culture and social structure and to forge relationships with civic organizations, academics at the University of Havana and members of Federación de Mujeres Cubanas.

These visits to Cuba are an important step toward improving relations and building partnerships with our neighbors to the South. The social and economic rewards of these visits can be of mutual benefit and may lead to a better understanding after decades of isolation. Travel to Cuba is restricted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United Sates Treasury Department. Each participant must be in compliance with the license to travel issued by OFAC, which requires that each person will have a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interaction between the travelers and individuals in Cuba. The LWVF Education Fund has been approved for educational exchange activities in a field related to women’s studies.

SAS 2 Under the leadership of League Director and former state Representative Annie Betancourt, three delegations have successfully traveled to Cuba in February, May and October of 2011. Agendas were carefully arranged to maximize the time in Cuba. The meetings and the specific topics of discussion are defined based upon the final research interests and final composition of the delegation. Delegation members interact with counterparts and participate in an honest dialogue to understand daily life situations as a method of researching the role of women in Cuban society and exploring differences and similarities in a didactic environment.

Check out a Sisters Across the Straits brochure, including a sample itinerary and agenda, which are subject to change with each visit.

For more information about future Sisters Across the Straits delegation visits to Cuba or to join the waiting list, please contact the state office. As the first steps to joining a delegation, please submit the Application to Travel, along with a copy of your passport and a $250 non-refundable registration fee made out as a tax-deductible donation to the LWVF Education Fund.

COST

Non-refundable registration fee: $250
Single occupancy: $2,000
Double occupancy: $1,800

Price includes:

Round-trip airfare from Miami
Six-night accommodations in first-class hotel
Full schedule of people-to-people educational exchanges
Some meals, including six breakfasts and five dinners
All ground transportation aboard air-conditioned motor coach
Professional guide (bilingual) plus League group leader
Thought-provoking exchanges with academics and women leaders
Visits to museums and historical sites

UPCOMING TRIPS

September 3-9, 2012*
October 8-14, 2012*
November 12-18, 2012* FULL

*These trip dates are subject to change.

TRAVEL FORMS AND NECESSARY STEPS

If you are joining a delegation, please submit the following forms and payments as they are requested from the state office.

1. Application to Travel
2. Copy of Passport
3. $250 Non-refundable Registration Fee
4. Travel Affidavit
5. Terms & Conditions
6. Final Balance

USEFUL RESOURCES FOR TRAVELERS

Safe Trip Info Packet
Sample Trip Itinerary
Travel Tips
What You Need to Know About the Cuba Embargo

TESTIMONIALS

"Keep doing this. It's very important to educate the American public, especially in Florida. Excellent value for the money."

"The camaraderie with the other women and the opportunities to interact in a structured way with the locals - the professors, FMC women, etc. We would not have had these opportunities without Annie arranging them in advance, and this made the trip much more productive."

"Seeing Cuba, meeting the people, learning about their fascinating culture, history, and status of women...and getting to know new dynamic League members!"