Sisters Across the Straits: A Delegation Visit to Cuba

 

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 the Federación de Mujeres Cubanas.

These visits to Cuba represent 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 traveler will have a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interactions between themself and individuals in Cuba. The LWVF Education Fund has been approved for educational exchange activities in a field related to women’s studies.

Under the leadership of League Director and former state Representative Annie Betancourt, three delegations successfully traveled to Cuba in February, May and October of 2011 and six delegations in March, April, May, September, October and November of 2012.

For more information, check out this Sisters Across the Straits brochure, which includes more about the history of the trip and a sample itinerary.

If you are interested in learning more about LWVFEF's future Sisters Across the Straits delegation visits to Cuba or joining the waiting list, please send an email to: LWVFoffice@gmail.com.

TRIP PRICE

May 19-26, 2013 Delegation Price
Total Trip Price (if paid by check): $3,350*
Total Trip Price (if paid by credit card): $3,450*

*This price applies to the May 2013 delegation visit only. Fall 2013 prices are subject to change.

Trip price includes:

Round-trip airfare from Tampa
Hotel accommodations in Cuba for seven nights
Full schedule of people-to-people educational exchanges
Some meals, including seven breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners
All ground transportation aboard air-conditioned motor coach
Professional bilingual tour guide, plus League group leader
Tips for tour guide, driver and wait staff
Thought-provoking exchanges with academics and women leaders
Visits to museums and historical sites
 

UPCOMING TRIPS

Spring 2013
May 19-26

Fall 2013
September 2-8
October 14-20
November 11-17
December 9-15
 

REUNION LUNCHEON!

Join us during Legislative Summit and Convention for a Sisters Across the Straits reunion luncheon! Enjoy arroz con frijoles, tostones and fresh Cuban bread, all while reminiscing in the company of friends! Click here to register today!
 

MAY 19-26 DELEGATION: TRAVEL FORMS AND NECESSARY STEPS

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

1. Application to Travel
2. Color Copy of Passport
3. League Membership (You MUST be a League member to travel with LWVFEF; click here to join.)
4. Travel Affidavit (Please contact LWVFoffice@gmail.com for the OFAC number.)
5. Terms & Conditions
6. Final Balance (Either mail a check or pay via credit card by contacting the state office.)

 

USEFUL RESOURCES FOR TRAVELERS

May Trip Itinerary
Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Need to Know About the Cuba Embargo
Podcast on the Cuban Spirit by League Members
Women's Work: Gender Equality in Cuba and the Role of Women Building Cuba's Future

COMMEMORATIVE 2013 CALENDARS

To purchase a 2013 Commemorative Sisters Across the Straits desk calendar, please click on the 'Buy Now' button below.

    

Number Ordered

1 Cuba Calendar $15.00 USD2 Cuba Calendars $25.00 USD3 Cuba Calendars $37.00 USD4 Cuba Calendars $47.00 USD5 Cuba Calendars $57.00 USD

 

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!"

"This was the MOST exciting trip of the many all over the world that I can remember.  A dream come true! Your itinerary was perfect - you covered it all for us. I want a return visit to Cuba soon!"

"Annie was a welcoming and knowledgable guide to Cuba. Viva la Liga!!!"
 

IMPORTANT NOTE

It's very important to understand that this trip will be unlike any other League trip.

In order to adhere to the US government requirements for travel to Cuba, this trip will not allow for the flexibility we build into other itineraries; as a guest you will be required to participate in our full-time schedule of people-to-people education exchange activities.

The educational exchanges on this trip will allow for some walking, including going up and down stairs and traversing uneven footing, so participants must be in good physical condition at the time they travel.

The quality of the hotels will not be on par with resort hotels in other destinations. And the meals, while fresh and healthy, will be quite simple.

DISCLAIMER: The League of Women Voters of Florida ("LWVF") shall not be liable for any injuries or any damage to any participant or be subject to any claim, demand, injury, or damages, whatsoever, including without limitation, those damages from acts of passive or active negligence on the part of LWVF, its officers, employees, or volunteers. Participant does hereby expressly release and discharge LWVF, its officers, employees, or volunteers from all such claims, demands, injuries, damages, actions or causes of action. Participant acknowledges that he/she has carefully read this paragraph and fully understands that this is a waiver and release of liability. Participant expressly agrees that use of LWVF services is at their sole risk.