COMMON GROUND ON THE BORDER
JANUARY 15 -17, 2026
THE GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
SAHUARITA, ARIZONA
REGISTRATION
OPENING
SOON!
This year’s theme is “From Border to Belonging: A celebration of commitment, compassion, and community across the US/Mexico borderlands.”
The United States-Mexico borderlands has always been a beautiful mix of culture, language, cuisine, economies, and people. It has also been a place of struggle, high and low temperatures, a fragile environment, and the push and pull of immigration.
The Borderlands is the perfect place to explore the arts, touch the culture, and have deeper conversations about the complicated issues that collide here. We hope you will come and explore with us all the possibilities.
Thursday is a day of engaging field trips to immerse ourselves in the culture, life, and issues along the US/Mexico border.
On Friday we will have keynote addresses in the morning, classes in the afternoon, and a great dinner followed by an amazing concert.
On Saturday we will have keynote addresses and a festival in the morning, classes in the afternoon and another great dinner followed by an evening with film and theater director Josefina Lopez, writer of the award-winning film “Real Women Have Curves.” There will be a showing of the film and a Q&A with the author.
COMMON GROUND ON THE BORDER
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
7:30 am Field Trips Ideas
A Day in Nogales, Mexico. Limit 12
Another Day in Nogales, Mexico Limit 12
Desert Searches Limit 18
Humane Borders Water Drop Limit 12
Samaritan Water Drops Limit 8
La Casa Misericordia Limit 30
Migrant Memorial Walk - Laurie Jurs Limit 12
Cross Installation with Alvaro Enciso Limit 12
Food Packet Making (for Samaritans vans)
Hygiene Kit Making (Rita Danks maybe?)
5:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 pm (Confirmed) Premiere Documentary Film Screening: "Samaritans" documentary film by David Damian Figueroa --- Cast: Shura Wallin, Pastor Randy Mayer, Jaime Brusstar, Rita Danks, Gail Kocourek, Pancho Martin, and Alvaro Enciso
Join us for an impactful evening as we premiere "Samaritans," a moving documentary that captures the dedication of older American volunteers providing life-saving aid to migrants at the US-Mexico border. With a running time of one hour, this film honors the memory of those who have tragically lost their lives in pursuit of the American Dream and highlights the urgent call for compassion and justice in migration. Experience the inspiring stories of the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans, who have selflessly helped over
30,000 migrants in distress in Southern Arizona's harsh desert, embodying the spirit of humanity and resilience.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
8:30 am Registration
9:00 am Welcome and Orientation
9:15 - 10:15 am Keynote Address: Erick Meza – Sierra Club
Eric Meza
Erick Meza is the current Borderlands Coordinator for the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter and Permaculture educator from the Sonoran Desert. He will be speaking about the ecological damage of building the border wall and all of the destruction that falls in its wake.
*** 10:00 am (Confirmed) Author Spotlight and Conversation: "Dead of Summer" with author Enrique Castillo (confirmed)
Join us for an intimate Author Spotlight featuring Enrique Castillo, a celebrated Mexican American actor, writer, director, and producer. Known for his iconic roles in "El Norte" and "Blood in Blood Out," Castillo brings his experiences as a migrant child Farmworker along with his artistic vision to life through his latest work, “The Dead of Summer.” This gripping tale unfolds in a remote desert hamlet near the California/ Mexico border, where danger and supernatural elements intertwine amidst violent sandstorms and ancient legends. Castillo expertly weaves together themes of cultural displacement and ancestral struggles, grounding his characters in the rich tapestry of the Southwest. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a profound narrative that challenges the boundaries of Chicano literature with the ease of a master storyteller.
10:30 - 11:30 am Keynote Address: Todd Miller – Border Chronicle
Todd Miller
Todd Miller for the past 15 years Todd has dedicated himself to in depth reporting and writing about immigration, the militarization of the US/Mexico Border, and the communities and people that live there. He has written 4 books including Border Patrol Nation, Empire of Borders, Build Bridges not Walls, and Storming the Wall.
He is also co-founder of The Border Chronicle.
11:30 - 1:00 pm Lunch Break - Eva Tamales??
1:00 - 2:30 pm Keynote Address: Diane Maldonado (Diane Confirmed not necessarily time)
Songs from the Soil: Diane Maldonado's Stories from America's Agricultural Fields (An acoustic performance)
Diane Maldonado is not just a recording artist; she is a captivating storyteller with roots that weave through the
rugged landscapes of Idaho. once a migrant child, her journey has been anything but ordinary. She first emerged from the vibrant cultural melting pot of San Antonio, Texas, where she commanded the stage as the dynamic frontwoman of the acclaimed Tejano group, Amor y Pasión. under her electrifying leadership, Amor y Pasión burst onto the music scene with their debut LP, "Sangre Caliente," in 1998, igniting a passion that resonated deeply within the hearts of their listeners. Just two years later, they followed up with "Besa Besa," further solidifying their place in the hearts of Tejano music lovers. Now based in San Antonio, Diane continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, infusing her performances with a rare blend of emotion and energy that captivates audiences far and wide. Her story is one of resilience, rhythm, and relentless ambition, inviting listeners to join her on a melodic journey that transcends borders and speaks to the soul. Will you be part of the next chapter in her remarkable saga?
2:45 - 4:45 pm Classes
BREAK
5:45 - 6:45 pm Dinner (Food Bank)
7:00 - 9:00 pm (Confirmed) Film Screening: "El Norte" with David Villapondo
Panelists: Enrique Castillo (confirmed) and Orquidea Morales (Invited)
Revival Screening of the Academy Award-nominated film"El Norte"at Common Ground on the Border 2026 with
cast member/actor Enrique Castillo. "El Norte" follows the harrowing journey of two indigenous siblings, Enrique
and Rosa, as they flee the devastation of the Guatemalan Civil War in search of a better life in the United States. Facing the tragic realities of ethnic and political persecution, they navigate through Mexico's perilous landscapes,
encountering both adversity and moments of dark humor along the way. With powerful performances by Zaide Silvia Gutierrez and David Villapando, this critically acclaimed film highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Celebrated for its cultural and historical significance, "El Norte" remains a poignant exploration of identity, survival, and the immigrant experience.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration
9:00 - 9:15 am Gathering, Announcements, Orientation
9:15 - 10:15 am Keynote Address:
10:15 - 11:00 am Border Fair on the Patio
11:00 - 12:00 pm Keynote Address: Alba Jaramillo (Law and Justice Network)
Alba Jaramillo
Alba Jamarillo J.D. is co-executive director of the Immigration Law and Justice Network and is the founder of the founder of Teatro Dignidad (Dignity Theater).
Alba is a celebrated local and national leader in the area of immigration, human rights, and the arts. She will be bringing insights to the current legal situation that relates to the heavy-handed immigration enforcement and the impact on migrancommunities, their families and activists.
12:00 - 1:30 pm Lunch (Eva??)
1:30 - 3:30 pm Classes
3:30 - 5:45 pm BREAK
5:45 - 7:00 pm Dinner (Manuel's)
7:00 - 9:00 pm (Confirmed) Exclusive Film Screening: Ugly Little Monkeys
Performance: Los Changuitos Feos Movie and Concert
Panelists: David Valdez, Co-Director (Confirmed)
Enrique Castillo, Co-Director (Confirmed)
Wilford Arvizu - Author/Former Changuito
Adalberto Gallegos - Recording Artist/Former Changuito
"Ugly Little Monkeys" - The story of the world-renowned mariachi youth group, "Los Changuitos Feos."
Join us for an exclusive screening featuring the powerful film executive produced by Edward James olmos, co- directed by veteran filmmakers David Valdez and Enrique Castillo. The film explores the dark challenges of assimilation faced b Mexican/American families, where pride in heritage clashes with prejudice and the harsh realities of speaking Spanish. Through the lens of nostalgic pop culture, it reflects on the struggle to maintain
cultural identity amidst societal pressures while navigating childhood influences from Mexican traditions and American entertainment.
REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS can be made by contacting our registrar Maria Wong at maria@commongroundonthehill.org. For all other questions contact Charlene Virts at charlenevirts@gmail.com.
CLASSES
Alba Jaramillo -Legal Issues
Making Tortillas
Anna Maria – Music
Eric Meza – Desert Floral and Fauna
Francisco Cantu – Writing or something
Alvaro Encino – Making Crosses
Todd Miller – Something