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Policy Recommendation:

Eliminate the Policy Prohibiting Parish Participation on Corazón Activities in Mexico

Background on Corazón

Corazón is a ministry deploying volunteers in the United States to provide physical, spiritual and social support to people living in poverty in Mexico. Corazón was the inspiration of two young idealists and a retired homemaker, none of whom saw any problem with giving up their comforts for a day or a weekend of helping others. Today, builds homes and provides a variety of services to the needy in Mexico. Corazón has connected over 15,000 people who share this simple, basic notion of giving and sharing.

Corazón is known for building homes for the needy in Mexico. Corazón developed its first “One-day house build” program in 1979. A one-room plywood house on a raised wooden floor is constructed solely by volunteers. The one-bedroom homes cost roughly $600 to build, and although small, these homes are safer and better then what the typical Tijuana family lives in. Many families live in shacks and improvised shelters, often with no paved flooring. Corazon’s “Build a House in a Day” program takes a group of 40-50 dedicated volunteers into the marginalized communities of Tijuana and Tecate and builds an eligible family a home, all in just one day!

In recent years, with the economic downturn in 2008 coupled with the Mexican government’s crackdown on the drug trafficking has led to some lean years for Corazón activities. While many programs similar to Corazón in Mexico have either put their programs on hold or abandoned their work completely, this ministry has endured. The staff and volunteers of Corazon are security aware on their trips to Mexico. Tenants of security precautions are:

• Corazón staff monitors the situation on the ground in Mexico and are aware and informed of anything that might affect your visit.

• Corazón has radio communication not just between staff in Mexico and staff in the US, but within the caravan itself.

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• Corazón escort volunteers from the US, across the border to the project site, and then back home, well before dark.

• Corazón groups will be among friends in Mexico, in villages far from the violence.

• Corazón staff and volunteers will watch over the group and vehicles during the stay in Mexico.

Corazón has touched the lives of thousands of families and volunteers on both sides of the border by continuing to provide opportunities through an array of programs designed to provide a safety net of services for our participants in Mexico. Corazón has built a total of approximately 1,500 homes and continues to build. With the continued love and support of caring people, Corazón will continue to change lives by creating mutually beneficial relationships across the borders.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Corazón Policy

With the increase safety risk involved with traveling to Mexico, the Diocese of Orange instituted a moratorium on travel to Mexico in support of Corazón builds. This policy has been in place for several years and has been emulated by other Diocese in California. In reassessing this policy position, Reverend Brendan Manson and Diocesan Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, Mark Dubeau recommend that the Diocese permit our parishes to re-start our Diocesan support to the ministry of Corazón. Participation on Corazón builds are permitted with the parish or school adhering to the following mandatory guidelines. These guidelines have been reviewed and accepted by our personal liability and property damage insurance carrier.

The proposed Guidelines for Participation are presented on the following page.

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Mandatory Guidelines for Parishes to Participate in Corazón Trips to Mexico

1. A parish sponsored Corazón trip to Mexico must have the Pastor’s written approval. A letter of approval must be kept on hand at the parish and a copy provided to the Diocesan Office of Risk Management.

2. The Pastor will himself be or appoint a member of his parish community to be the Lead Coordinator for the trip. The Lead Coordinator will be responsible to:

a. Work with staff from Corazón: i. Corazón Office information:

Jennifer Allen, Executive Director 2001 E. 1st Street, Suite 201 Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 547-0357

ii. The Corazón Construction Application is included as Attachment A.

iii. Establish a date approved for the build. iv. Make arrangements for a bus rental for the transportation of

the build team. v. Pay for the cost of the build no later than thirty days prior

to the build. b. Coordinate any fundraising that may be required to raise funds to

purchase the materials for the build. c. Develop and present to the Pastor a list of parish volunteers who

will be participating on the trip. d. If minors will be on the trip, ensure that all adult participants have

complied with Diocesan Safe Environment requirements. e. Instruct and monitor the activities of the volunteers while in Mexico.

3. Transportation to Mexico – All Corazón volunteers are required to travel

by bus to the build site. Arrangement for bus transportation should be made with one of the pre-qualified bus companies approved by Corazón

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staff. Bus transportation can be arranged to pick up volunteers in Orange County or near the border. The cost of bus transportation will be higher if picking up volunteers in Orange County. Transportation by personal automobile is not permitted. If a group desires to use a bus company not pre-qualified by Corazón, they must submit the information to Corazón staff far enough in advance that the reliability of the bus company can be verified and Corazón staff can discuss logistics with them. Also for transportation in Mexico, the alternative bus company must provide buses accommodating 50 or less passengers.

4. Travel by Minors – Supervised travel of minors on the Corazón trip to Mexico is permitted only with adult chaperones sufficient to maintain a minimum of one adult for every ten minors.

5. If minors are on the trip, all adults must comply with Diocese Safe Environment Requirements. The requirements include adult volunteers undergoing a background screening and being cleared through the LiveScan fingerprinting process. The Safe Environment requirements are described further on Attachment B. Please allow plenty of time for this requirement to be processed prior to the build.

6. Property and Liability Insurance – Diocesan insurance will apply to the volunteers on the trip solely for activities directly related to the Corazón mission.

7. A Corazón bulletin describing preparation for a house build trip and a typical schedule for a trip is provided as Attachment C.

8. Safety / Stay with group – For the safety of the volunteers and due to insurance requirements, all volunteers must stay with the Corazón group throughout the trip. Separate travel or side trips to other destinations are not permitted. All volunteers must utilize the bus to get from the border to the job site, remain at the jobsite throughout the work day,

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and return to the border on the bus. Additional information on Corazón’s the safety program is included as Attachment D.

9. Side trips in Mexico for any purpose including but not limited to shopping and dining are prohibited.

Office Use Only: Project # _______________ Date Rcv’d: ______________ Deposit Amt: ___________

! PO Box 2669 ! Laguna Hil ls CA 92654 ! 714.547.0357 ! Fax 949.830.7429 ! www.corazon.org !off ice@corazon.org !

Corazón Construction Application Welcome to comunidad Corazón. We offer a wide variety of opportunities to volunteer. However, many volunteers and sponsors first become involved with Corazón through our construction projects. Corazón has been building and repairing homes in Mexico since it’s beginning in 1978. Below are just some of the ways that you can become involved in our community. If you have a specific project in mind, please contact the office, 714.547.0357 or office@corazon.org, and we’ll be glad to work with you to plan your project.

Group Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Group Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

Group Leader Name: _____________________________________________________________________________

Group Leader Phone (BEST NUMBER TO REACH YOU): _______________________________________________

Group Leader Email: ______________________________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: • PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE.• A $1,000 non-refundable deposit must accompany this application to be considered. See web site for full REFUND

POLICY. You will receive a confirmation email within 2 weeks of receipt of application.• Balance is due 30 days prior to the start of the project. A 30 day notice must be given in case of cancellation.• All volunteers must complete a profile online in order to sign a waiver of liability and register for a project.• ALL NEW GROUP LEADERS must contact the U.S. Operations Manager, for a consultation prior to the project date.

Projects Project Cost

Maximum # of

Volunteers

Your Commitment

Construction Projects – Build a Future (Projects include a Scholarship Sponsorship) Date: House Build with bathroom $8,400 50 $ Date: House Build $7,800 50 $ Date: Room Addition $3,500 25 $ Date: Bus Rental $800 - $1,800 Seats 50 ppl $

Choose-a-Project (CAP projects use recycled lumber) Date: Drywall (large) $600 5 to 10 $ Date: Drywall (small) $400 5 to 10 $ Date: Roofing (large) $500 2 to 5 $ Date: Roofing (small) $400 2 to 5 $ Date: Concrete (large) $650 2 to 10 $ Date: Concrete (small) $350 2 to 10 $ Date: Bathroom $600 5 to 10 $ Date: Masonry $200 Varies $ Date: Painting (large/small) $350/$250 2 to 10 $

Lunch provided – suggested donation to cover costs $50 $ TOTAL $

COMMENTS/SPECIAL REQUESTS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Attachment "A"

Office Use Only: Project # _______________ Date Rcv’d: ______________ Deposit Amt: ___________

! PO Box 2669 ! Laguna Hil ls CA 92654 ! 714.547.0357 ! Fax 949.830.7429 ! www.corazon.org ! off ice@corazon.org !

Sponsor Agreement Form A successful construction project in Mexico requires many hours of work by your group as well as Corazón staff and volunteers. Please review the following responsibilities with your group and sign and submit this form along with a deposit to the Corazón office. We are excited to have this partnership with you, and we look forward to your continuous support of our programs. We, the Sponsor Group, agree that we will: For construction projects:

! Limit the number of volunteers on a House Build project to 50 and on an Addition to 25

! Provide a house-warming gift for the family. SEE HOUSE WARMING GIFT hand-out

! Bring extra hammers, tool belt and/or nail apron, gloves, paintbrushes, extension poles and paint rollers

! Bring LOTS of WATER, sunscreen, energy, flexibility, a positive attitude and a smile

! Encourage all volunteers to register online at www.corazon.org to complete a volunteer profile and waiver

form. (volunteer profile must be completed only once)

! If you are a New Sponsoring Group, a consultation with the Corazón U.S. Operations Manager, is suggested. Please contact her prior to your project date to make arrangements

! Submit the balance of project 30 days before the project date

! Carpool and minimize the number of vehicles going to Mexico, 15 maximum for one project. BUS RENTAL

INQUIRIES CONTACT THE CORAZÓN OFFICE.

! Meet at H Street East in Chula Vista at 6 a.m., listen to the morning talk, leave the parking lot at 6:30AM and follow caravan procedures

! Do not give out any money or in-kind donations to participants or other children and families in the community

Corazón agrees that we will: For construction projects:

! Provide a volunteer Lead Builder, Sat Supervisor and Blue Shirts to guide you through the construction project.

! Purchase and deliver the materials for your project to the project site.

! Coordinate with community leaders and staff to have the project site prepared.

! Assure a safe and successful experience for your group.

! Meet with your group in Chula Vista at 6 a.m. at H Street East the day of your project.

! Lead your group in a caravan to and from the project site. Thanks again for your time and participation. We ask that you be flexible as we prepare for your project date. Due to needs and circumstances in Mexico, some changes (family, location, etc.) may take place with your project and we will do our best to inform you in a timely manner. NOTE: Your application is not complete without this form. Please sign and return this form along with your deposit.

____________________________________________ ________________________________ _____________ Sponsor Group Name Group Leader Signature Date

¡Gracias! Thank You!

Connect with Us

Policy on Supervision of Children and Youth in Ministry

1. Ministry to minors should be viewed as a service that considers first and foremost the minors’ well-being, security and growth. Every adult (18+) who has been entrusted to minister to minors should have the attitude that as “Church”, we all share the mission to protect them from harm and provide an environment where children and youth are able to play, worship and learn without the threat of harm.

2. All employees and volunteers in the Diocese of Orange must:

• Obey civil and criminal laws with regard to the well-being and safety of minors.

• Familiarize and conform to all Child and Youth Protection policies and procedures of the Diocese of Orange.

• Undergo a background screening and be cleared through the LiveScan fingerprinting process.

• Complete a diocesan approved safe environment training course every three years for employees, every four years for volunteers.

3. It is never prudent for an employee or volunteer (18+) to be alone with a

minor. However, when such a situation cannot be avoided: • Another adult should be informed that the meeting will be taking place. • The meeting place should be accessible and visible. • Unless there is a clear window in the door of the meeting place, the door

should be left open or ajar.

4. Parishioners, especially minors, should always be met in open space areas of a parish or diocesan facility, NEVER in living quarters or enclosed space.

5. Minors over the age of 16 may work in parish or diocesan offices with

special attention given to their safety and security.

6. Adults (18+) are NEVER to be the only adult in a bathroom, shower room, locker room or other dressing areas whenever minors are using such

D I O C E S E O F O R A N G E

OFFICE OF CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION Pastoral Center 13280 Chapman Ave. Garden Grove, CA 92840 Phone (714) 282-3125 FAX (714) 282-4277

Attachment "B"

facilities unless necessary for supervisory situations, and in such situations it is expected to have two adults.

7. Official adult chaperones must be at least 25 years old.

8. Youth group activities, meetings or events of any kind WITHIN the parish boundaries must have a minimum of one 25 year old adult chaperone on campus for every 15-20 minors. This adult chaperone is responsible for all activity that an 18+ leader may be supervising in another location on site regardless of being physically present in the specific room activity is taking place.

9. Youth group meetings, events or trips of any kind OUTSIDE of the parish boundaries must have a minimum of one 25 year old adult chaperone for every 5-10 minors. At least one of the chaperones should be of the same sex as the minors.

10. Alcoholic beverages shall not be served or consumed on site the

parish/school or at any parish/school sponsored activities intended primarily for minors. In addition, under no circumstance during any youth activities, events and/or trips should adult chaperones and/or minors use alcohol or controlled substances. Any person found to be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance shall be removed from the premises immediately.

11. All overnight trips with minors must have a minimum of two adult

chaperones over the age of 25. An adult may NEVER engage in an overnight trip alone with a minor, (other than a parent with his/her own child).

12. When driving is needed, a compliant adult chaperone must also have full coverage insurance card for the vehicle they are driving and a valid state license. Further important notes:

• If driving will occur to and from a location with same youths in a vehicle then one adult driver is permitted.

• If driving will result in dropping youth off, which can leave one adult and one minor in a vehicle, then two adults must be present in the vehicle.

• If driver has own child along with other youths, then one adult driver is permitted.

Building Community Across Borders since 1978

Saturday Bulletin Thank you for participating in building futures! This bulletin is intended to give you a brief overview of what you need to prepare for the project in order to have the best Corazón experience possible.

Before You Go Checklist Documentation: U.S. citizens are required to have a U.S. passport or passport cards. Sentri card & Global

Entry card are also accepted.

Mexican Auto Insurance: Check with your insurance carrier, some offer coverage in Mexico. If not, you

can purchase insurance online BEFORE the build with Baja Bound, our proud partner. Visit the Baja Bound website at www.bajabound.com.

Supplies to bring: Bring plenty of water and liquids to stay hydrated. Other suggested supplies to

bring: sunscreen, hat, gloves, snacks, handy wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, trash bags, canopy and change of clothes and shoes. Dress comfortably and appropriately. Wear closed-toe shoes. You are in a different culture on a construction site. Do not bring anything you can't afford to lose.

Equipment to bring: Bring a hammer, tool belt or nail apron to insure your involvement. Some tools

will be provided but we don’t have enough for everyone so bring your own. Other suggested tools included: chalk line, utility knife, tape measure, pencil, gloves & painting supplies (paint rollers, extension poles, paint trays & brushes), pencil & gloves. The only power tool we use is a skill saw and that will be provided.

Fill the tank: Please fill up your vehicle’s

gas tank before leaving the U.S.

Carpool: Please carpool to keep the cars to

a minimum so the caravan is manageable, and no one gets lost.

Safety: Your safety is very important to us. The Lead Builder will review safety tips. Skill saws may only be

used by approved volunteers.

Project Day Schedule

Meet at 6:00 AM: Meet in front of Haggen @ the Terra Nova Plaza parking lot in Chula Vista (360 E. H Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910). Take the 805 to H

Street East exit, go right and the parking lot is on the right. Please be on time. We will not wait for anyone.

Review & Departure: 6:20 – 6:30AM: There will be a

brief review on caravan procedures, driving instructions and project & safety info. If you have expertise or special skills that might be relevant, please talk to the Lead Builder.

The Caravan to Mexico: The caravan will stay

together and wait for any cars that are instructed to go through secondary inspection. A Corazón staff member will greet the caravan at a local gas station.

Arrival at Site 7:30AM: The Lead Builder will go over

safety and building procedures.

Stick to the plan - For safety, timeliness, and

consistency, all volunteers must follow instructions and procedures of the Lead Builder. The house builds are a standardized process that must be followed to ensure the success of the build.

Lunch 12:00PM: A traditional Mexican lunch

consisting of beans, rice, and cactus salad will be provided by the Corazón family. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about Corazón at this time.

Resume Work 1:00PM: Follow instructions given by

the Lead Builder to ensure successful completion.

Closing Ceremony 4:30PM: The family will receive

the keys to their home and house warming gift during this time. Make sure you don’t miss this memorable experience!

Departure 5:00: You will receive further instructions

and a map. Passports are required to cross the border.

Survey: Corazón values your opinion and would like

to invite you to take our brief survey that will be emailed to you and should take no more than 15 minutes of your time. Please complete our survey to improve our services and future experiences.

¡Gracias! Thank You!

Attachment "C"

Building Community Across Borders since 1978

Corazón ♥ P.O. Box 2669 ♥ Laguna Hills CA 92654 ♥ www.corazon.org ♥ office@corazon.org ♥ ph: 714.547.0357

Corazón Security Measures May 2012 We believe that the accounts of violence you read about in the papers or see on the television do not affect your travel to Tijuana with Corazón. Much of this reported violence has occurred in other states in Mexico, far from the California border. While there have been incidents of violence involving Americans, these involved some decidedly risky behavior Driving late at night, displaying tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment, and camping on isolated beaches have inherent risks. These were attractive and vulnerable targets where nationality was not the motive; they were simple robberies and assaults. However, common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas and avoiding areas where criminal activity might be expected to occur can help ensure that travel to Mexico is both safe and enjoyable. Corazón employs a number of safeguards and procedures to make your day in Mexico a safe and productive one. First and foremost, the areas that Corazón works in are not the same ones where reported violent events have taken place. Additionally, with well over 7,000 people having participated in our program throughout the years, we also have wide community support. The people in Mexico know us and they look out for us. In addition to this community support Corazon has specific measures in place to further ensure our safety while working across the border. Specifically:

We are in frequent contact with the US Consulate in Tijuana, the Department of Binational Affairs, as well as the local and state police. Each of these entities is capable of responding to an emergency, if any were to arise. This regular communication with the authorities enables them to warn us of any unusual activity scheduled anywhere near our route to the worksite.

We have prepared and rehearsed written action plans for emergency scenarios. Each staff person is trained how to respond to these scenarios and carries a list of emergency phone numbers.

We have Mexican staff members on duty every Saturday to assist us with any incidents that may arise. We are in radio contact with our Mexico office from the time we leave the parking lot in the U.S. until we return to the border.

Your trip begins very early in the morning, in the safety of a caravan. You will be guided across the border to the project site and then back to the border at the end of the day. This caravan will stay with you for the entire day in Mexico.

If a member of the caravan has car trouble (like a flat tire or a traffic ticket) the caravan as a whole (or some staff members) will stay with you and assist you until your issues are resolved. Every caravan has Corazon staff members in cars at the front and back, as well as scattered throughout the line.

Each staff car is in radio communication with the other staff members ensuring that any breaks in the caravan process are quickly recognized and remedied. For especially large caravans more staff vehicles will provide support to assure that there are no complications as we move through intersections near the border.

Our projects are designed to be easily completed in one day, with the goal of getting your group safely back to the border before dark. Should you somehow become separated from the caravan, we will supply you with maps to guide you through Tijuana and make your crossing back home as safe and easy as possible. We review the maps and the caravan process at lunch time. The map also includes important information concerning your legal

Attachment "D"

Building Community Across Borders since 1978

Corazón ♥ P.O. Box 2669 ♥ Laguna Hills CA 92654 ♥ www.corazon.org ♥ office@corazon.org ♥ ph: 714.547.0357

rights in case you are stopped by police, along with local phone numbers for Corazón staff members, both in the US and Mexico.

During the day we have Corazon participants watching our jobsite as well as your vehicles. This constant surveillance further ensures the safety of your vehicles and contributes to your assurance that your vehicle is not at risk of theft or vandalism.

If a group so desires, we have arrangements with bus companies to charter both 25 & 50 passenger buses,

It is not our intent to downplay your concerns about the violence that is occurring in Mexico. We do, however, want you to understand all the safeguards Corazón has traditionally had in place to assure your safety, as well as the additional measures we have added in the last few years.

We monitor the situation on the ground in Mexico and are aware and informed of anything that might affect your visit.

We have radio communication not just between staff in Mexico and staff in the US, but within the caravan itself.

We escort you from the US, across the border to the project site, and then back home, well before dark

Your group will be among our friends in Mexico, in villages far from the violence you read and hear about, who will watch over you and your vehicles during your stay in their community.

Our goal is to make this day a memorable one. We believe we have all the components in place to do so.

If you have any questions regarding your trip to Mexico with Corazón, please don’t hesitate to call the office at 714.547.0357.

Thank You for Your Support!