Established in 2015, Lasallians Without Borders (LWOB) calls on Lasallians to go “beyond borders” to be closer to the poor and the unprotected, and to walk with those on the margins.
Inspired by a call from the 45th General Chapter of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools the General Chapter, Brother Jorge Gallardo de Alba, Vicar General, observed that “There is no other place in the Lasallian world with such a big presence along the same geographical border [than the US-Mexico border].” LWOB was formed in response to that reality.
Below is a full list of gatherings and events throughout the year.
El Otro Lado (The Other Side). El Otro Lado is a 5-day immersion program for high school students in which they experience the realities of life for migrants and refugees along the US-Mexico border. San Miguel High School, in Tucson, Arizona has hosted the experience since 2008. In 2016, the program added Cathedral High School in El Paso, Texas as a host site. Tijuana, Mexico is currently being considered as a third host site.
One Book Two Districts. Ministries from the SFNO and México Norte Districts participate in a guided and curriculum resource-supported reading of a book selected for critical reflection on current issues concerning social inequity and the struggle for human rights. See announcement on 2023 spring semester One Book Two Districts selection.
Migrant Needs Assessment. This assessment is designed to create a database of the most vulnerable migrant populations to inform a possible response by the Lasallian Family in the Districts of Mexico Norte and San Francisco New Orleans. Research focuses on migrant children and their educational needs on both sides of the border.
Collaboration with the District of México Norte. Representatives from both Districts work together to develop shared initiatives that can best serve our migrant populations.
The Lasallians Without Borders Committee (LWOB) develops and conducts specific and immediate initiatives regarding the response of the District to vulnerable migrant populations, especially the young, at the US-Mexico border.
Committee Members
Yolanda Franco
LWOB Committee Chair
Coordinator, Beyond Borders Initiatives
Kenenna Amuzie
SFNO Director, Young Lasallians
Brother Cesar Pablo Campos, FSC
Director of Pastoral Youth Ministry and Vocation Ministry,
North Mexico Representative
Rocio Xa CervantesSFNO Representative
Anna Fernandez
SFNO Representative
Sister Jodi Cecilia Min, OP
Community Partner Representative
Abelardo Ortiz
North Mexico Representative
Carter Powers
SFNO Representative
Resources
For Lasallians Without Borders DACA educational resources, click here.