[border wall header art]
© Leslie DeGrassi
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
7:30 am Field Trips - Arrive at The Good Shepherd
***For possible Field Trip options, click on the FIELD TRIPS button above. Field trips will be confirmed by Oct. 15.
5:00 - 7:00 pm Dinner on your own
​​​​7:00 - 9:00 pm Premiere Documentary Film Screening of "Samaritans" by David (Confirmed) Damian Figueroa​
Cast: Shura Wallin, Pastor Randy Mayer, Jaime Brusstar, Rita Danks, Gail Kocourek, Pancho Martin, and Alvaro Enciso
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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.
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All are invited to attend; you do not need to be a conference participant to come. There will be
a request for donations, at the door, to support the work of the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration
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9:00 - 9:15 am Welcome and Orientation
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9:15-10:15 am Keynote Address: Erick Meza - Sierra Club​​
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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.
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10:30 am-11:30 am Author Spotlight and Conversation: "Dead of Summer" with (Confirmed) author Enrique Castillo
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​ 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.
11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lunch On Your Own (Eva will be selling Tamales)
1:00 - 2:30 pm Keynote Address: Diane Maldonado - Songs of the Soil
(Confirmed)
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
*** For sample descriptions of last year's class offerings,
please see CLASSES section at the bottom of this page.
Actual classes for 2026 will be here to review and chooose on Oct. 15.
4:45 - 5:45 pm Free Time
5:45 - 6:45 pm Dinner provided by the Food Bank
7:00 - 9:00 pm Film Screening: "El Norte" with David Villapondo
(Confirmed) Panelists: Enrique Castillo (Confirmed) and Orquidea Morales (Invited)
Revival Screening of the Academy Award-nominated film "El Norte" 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.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration
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9:00 - 9:15 am Gathering, Announcements and Orientation
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9:15 - 10:15 am Keynote Addresses: Todd Miller - The Border Chronicle
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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.
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10:15 - 11:00 am Border Fair on the Patio
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11:00 - 12:00 pm Keynote Address: Alba Jaramillo - Law and Justice Network
(Confirmed)
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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 relate to the heavy-handed immigration enforcement and the impact on migrant communities, their families and activists.
12:00 - 1:30 pm Lunch On Your Own (Eva will be selling Tamales)
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1:30 - 3:30 pm​ Classes
*** For sample descriptions of last year's class offerings,
please see CLASSES section at the bottom of this page.
Actual classes for 2026 will be here to review and chooose on Oct. 15.
3:30 - 5:45 pm Free Time
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5:45 - 7:00 pm Dinner at Manuel's Mexican Restaurant
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7:00 - 9:00 pm Exclusive Film Screening: "Ugly Little Monkeys" (Los Changuitos Feos)
(Confirmed) Performance: Los Changuitos Feos
​ 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 by 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.
*** SAMPLE FIELD TRIPS from LAST YEAR 2025***
(Many will be the same, but not yet confirmed - check back here on Oct. 15th)
Field trips are designed to give different perspectives of the border, immigration, and the humanitarian work that takes place. For groups coming to Common Ground, group members should choose a variety of trips, so they can bring back an assortment of experiences to their community.
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Please arrive at The Good Shepherd by 7:30 am.
Attendees will need to bring their own lunch and snacks. Dinner will be on their own.
Humane Borders Water Trip
Humane Borders was founded in 2000 to stop the suffering in the desert by putting water out on well traveled migrant trails. People will experience the harshness of the desert, hear stories of migrant realities, and literally save lives by putting out large quantities of water in the desolate desert.
A Day in Nogales, Mexico
Join us for a meaningful day in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico and visit the Kino Border Initiative. Spend the day with Shura Wallin, co-founder of the Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans, and filmmaker, author, and humanitarian aid volunteer David Damian Figueroa, learning about the migrant experience and the Samaritans, who provide various volunteer support to the borderlands. Includes walking tour, shopping, and non-hosted lunch.
*This activity requires 3 miles of walking. *Must bring a US Passport & government ID.
Limit: 10 participants
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Desert/Border Wall Search
This field trip will journey through the desert and to the border wall, bringing humanitarian aid to people in distress.
Limit: 8 participants
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Trip to Border Wall
This field trip will show people the vast desert, the oppressive wall and folks will spend time cleaning up some of the belongings left behind.
Limit: 12 participants
Water Drops
This field trip will take place in the desert where we will deposit water out on the migrant trails.
Limit: 8 participants
La Casa Misericordia
This trip will venture into Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, to visit a migrant shelter run by Sister Lika. There will be opportunities to meet migrant families.
Limit: 30 participants
Migrant Memorial Walk
This easy hike will take place in the desert within sight of Green Valley, where three or four migrants gave up their lives.
Limit: 12 participants
Trip with Alvaro Enciso
This field trip will accompany Alvaro on his weekly trip to honor migrants who have died in the desert, by placing a cross and remembering them.
Limit: 12 participants
Tumacácori Mission
We will travel south of Green Valley with Rev. Pedro Goycolea to learn about Father Kino, the conquistadores and the Doctrine of Discovery.
Limit: 12 participants
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Some Solutions for U.S. Border and Immigration Problems
Join Alyson Ball for a discussion of potential federal policy and procedure changes that could have a positive effect on the situation at the border and throughout the country. This discussion includes a summary of the international and domestic causes of the US border situation as well as suggested improvements that would avert mass migrations to our southern border while benefitting American citizens and the US economy. Limit: 30 participants
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Old Mexican Sayings to Guide your Journey
Join David Damian Figueroa as we delve into the timeless wisdom of old Mexican sayings and apply them to our personal and professional relationships. Discover the power of quotes, thoughts on life, and personal wisdom as we reflect on lessons learned throughout the years. Gain valuable insights and guidance to help navigate life's journey and connect with wisdom of generations past. Limit: 20 participants
Canciones de Mis Padres
Peter Dalton Ronstadt's workshop is a living, breathing experience about the musical roots of the Ronstadt family that has lived in this valley for over five generations. Songs and stories will be shared as people begin to get a sense of the desert, the border, and a musical family that has an enormous impact on music in the United States. No limit
Making Artistic Desert Crosses
Alvaro Enciso is an artist from Colombia who has been making crosses for more than 10 years. Each week he makes a trek out in the Sonoran Desert to place a cross in a place where lie the remains of a migrants who has died in the journey. He will tell many stories about his project Donde Mueren Los Sueños / Where Dreams Die, while he instructs folks how to make a desert cross. Limit: 12 participants
How to Make Authentic Mexican Salsa
Andrea Cano, a long time advocate for immigrant rights in Oregon, has lived and worked in Mexico. From roots in Michoacán, Andrea will show you how to make several from different regions of the country as you learn about the culture, spirituality, historical and political significance of these condiments. Limit: 12 participants
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Finding the Border in Your Community
Noel Andersen and Randy Mayer are both United Church of Christ pastors who have engaged people and congregations around the country to find the immigrant community near where they are located. They will help you understand the urgency of finding the border in your own community when you return home and how to accompany the strangers in your midst that you may not have even noticed. Limit: 30 participants
Weaving a Desert Memory
Charlene Virts, fiber artist, will help us to fashion a piece of art that will remind us of the beauty and nature of the Sonoran Desert. We will create a small woven piece using cactus, bark, vines, and grasses from the desert. Whether you participated in a trip to the wall, or visited the mission at Tumacácori, or wandered the desert on the memorial walk, the materials in this weaving will be reminder of your time there. Limit: 12 participants​​
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