JOIN RAINBOW WORLD FUND ON A HUMANITARIAN JOURNEY TO GUATEMALA : July 20-30, 2023 Land of the Mayan People
Learn about the cultural, historical, spiritual, and political realities of the developing world.  Explore human rights issues with a people whose traditions span centuries of development.

The Rainbow World Fund Guatemalan Journey is an educational and cultural experience. We will learn from Guatemalans about the realities in their country by visiting projects that serve the Guatemalan people and engaging in social, cultural and artist exchanges. The trip includes visits to diverse communities, meeting with leaders from a variety of fields, spending time with the LGBTQ+ community and learning about their struggles, we will experience great Guatemalan hospitality, and there will be plenty of opportunities to practice your Spanish. The program strives to connect participants with the realities, struggles and hopes that Guatemalans experience each day. We also hope to bridge connections with Americans and Guatemalans to build understanding and partnerships. This will be RWF's eighth trip to Guatemala

Travel With A Purpose

• Learn about the cultural, historical, spiritual, and political realities of the developing world. 

• Explore human rights issues with a people whose traditions span centuries of development.

• Experience ancient, colonial, and modern influences that have molded cultures of unique strength

• Meet with members of the LGBTQ+ community, artists, and leaders in many fields

• Learn about a transgender "underground railroad" that helps transgender women from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras get a new start in life

• Visit medical clinics, art institutions

• Meet survivors of the 36-year civil war and hear their stories

• Participate in Mayan spiritual rituals with local Shamans

• Help deliver medical and educational supplies ... be forever changed.

The dates of the trip are July 20-30, 2022. We will be traveling as a humanitarian aid group and our itinerary reflects this. Each journey is unique, and we are still creating the itinerary for the trip.We will be traveling as a humanitarian aid group and our itinerary reflects this. Each journey is unique! Here are a some of the highlights:

Days 1-2: Our itinerary begins in Guatemala City. After we land and gather our suitcase, we will meet our guides Julio, a native of Guatemala, and Doris, a native of Canada, and then we will travel and hour away to La Antigua Guatemala aka Antigua, a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture as well as several ruins of colonial churches. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala and as the Spanish colonial capital for a time. It has been designated a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearly 500-year-old city is surrounded by three volcanoes - it is like being transported back in time. Antigua will be a base for us to visit humanitarian projects and sites of cultural interest. While we are there we will meet with members of the LGBTQ+ community including OTRANS a nonprofit that services the transgender population. OTRANS runs a defacto "underground railroad" that helps transgender woman from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras find safety, supportive community, and work. While in Antigua will have and chance to visit the towns historic plazas, churches, and ruins. We will visit Coaba Farms and learn about organic farming and how climate change is impacting the country.

Days 3-6: We will then head 2.5 hours south to stunning Lake Atitlán - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way there we will stop in Iximche an ancient Mayan City archeological site for a tour. We will stay on the northern shore of Lake Atitlán in the town of Panajachel (aka “Pana”) a cosmopolitan crossroads. The town offer stunning views of the volcanic lake and is a home to many artists. We will stay in Pana for four nights and use it as a base for our adventures.

We will take a day trip to Chichicastenango, a town in the El Quiché Department, known for its traditional K'iche' Maya culture. 98.5% of the municipality's population is indigenous Mayan K'iche. We will visit the 400-year-old church of Santo Tomás and be there for the famous outdoor market - the largest in Central America.

We will take a boat over the lake to San Juan La Laguna one of the villages around the lake. We will visit a coffee project, and the artisans of San Juan, visual artists and see their incredible paintings. We will visit the Natural Dye Weaving Centre and the Chocolate Café.

We will participate in an ancient healing ceremony with a Mayan Shaman. We will learn about the 36-year civil war (1960-1996) and how it continues to impact the country. We will learn about the many forms of mysticism practiced in the area. We will visit a variety of humanitarian projects. There will be an opportunity to hike in the Reserva Natura Atitlan.

We will visit Santa Lucia Utatlan, our guide Julio’s community, and meet the women of the Mayan Skills Project. We will attend a local concert.

Days 7-8: We will travel one hour to the mountain valley city of Quezaltenango and stay there for two nights. On the way there we will go to Chwitiziribal and visit a school and the Fuentes Georginas hot springs. Quezaltenango has a mix of architectural styles from Spanish colonial, to neoclassical, to gothic. Among other highlights we will visit a fair trade weaving cooperative and learn about this ancient tradition.

Day 9-10: We will return to Antigua for the last two nights of our trip. We will meet with the leaders of Transiciones (Transitions) a nonprofit that is dedicated to advancing the rights, dignity and social inclusion of Guatemalans with disabilities by providing mobility equipment and opportunities for independent living. Transiciones makes personalized wheelchairs suitable for local conditions, as well as prosthetic legs and orthotic braces. Most of the staff in the wheelchair factory have mobility impairments from gunshots, polio, motor vehicle accidents, spina bifida or other birth defects. As wheelchair users themselves, they understand the fundamental importance of having the right wheelchair for each user.

There may be be time for an optional trip up to the northern jungle to visit the Tikal - a city and cultural center for ancient Mayan civilization. Many beautiful buildings have been uncovered and many more wait to be discovered. Among the many Maya sites in Central America, Tikal is perhaps the most breathtaking because of the scattered impressive pyramids and buildings which have been restored in an area with many more ruined buildings still enveloped by the jungle. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested in a day trip to Tikal.

Day 11: We depart from Antigua and drive 1 hour to the airport in Guatemala City.

LEARN MORE HERE!

July 20-30, 2023: The trip cost is $2,800 this price includes all hotels and accommodations, in-country transportation by private van, all meals, most gratuities, translation and guide services, speaker’s fees, entrance fees to special events. It does not include round trip air transportation from the USA. Participants can take optional day trip (via airplane) to visit the Mayan ruins and jungle at Tikal. If you are interested in this trip please click this text and send us an email to set up an interview. LEARN MORE HERE!

The RWF World Tree of Hope is a global holiday project promoting peace, love and humanitarianism for our community of San Francisco and for all people on earth. The tree is displayed at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. 

About the Tree: The Rainbow World Fund (RWF) World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world, decorated with over 17,000 origami cranes and stars, each hand folded and inscribed with wishes for the future of the world. The wishes come from people of all ages, all faiths and all walks of life. The cranes are not mere decorations in a holiday display; they are representations of hopes and dreams. Since 2006, Rainbow World Fund has presented the World Tree of Hope as a symbol of global unity and hope to promote peace, love, and humanitarian action. The tree is a project of Rainbow World Fund, a humanitarian aid organization based in the LGBTQ community, and given as a gift to the world annual to expressing to belief that we are all One Human Family. http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/

The tree will be at Grace Cathedral @ 1100 California Street from November 28, 2022 through January 6, 2023.

Grace Cathedral graciously hosts the Tree, the Tree is created as a symbol of global unity and universal love, it's purpose is purely humanitarian with the message that we are all one human family. It is open to everyone regardless of belief or nonbelief.

There are lots of opportunities to help!

DECORATING DATES & TIMES:.

Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Sunday, Nov. 6 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Thursday, Nov. 10 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Friday, Nov. 11 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10 AM to 6 PM (10 AM -1 PM is reserved for G4G group)

Sunday, Nov. 13 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Thursday, Nov. 17 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Friday, Nov. 18 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Sunday, Nov. 20 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Friday, Nov. 25 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 AM to 6 PM

Sunday, Nov. 27 from 12: 30 PM to 5 PM

** YOU MUST REGISTER to decorate at http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/help-us/ to decorate.

Please state the dates and times that you are available so we can best match times and create the volunteer schedule. Please include your telephone numer. We request that volunteers please sign up for a 3 or 4 hour shift. There is lots to do so you are welcome to stay longer and/or help each day - just let us know. Ages 12-99, please.

Currently the building is closed to the public we will email you instructions on how to enter the Cathedral.

We super appreciate volunteers who can sign up during the first serveral days to help get us off to a strong start!

Check out this time lapse video of us decorating a previous years tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUqq1vrqJTQ

Do you have a wish for the world? Send us your wish, we'll turn it into an origami crane and put it on the RWF World Tree of Hope: http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/ It's free and open to all.

Other info and cool links: 

See the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/380719452928208

About Rainbow World Fund (RWF): RWF’s mission is to promote peace, unity, and hope by leading the LGBTQ movement in participating in humanitarian relief efforts. RWF's aid work creates visibility, builds bridges, and allow us to demonstrate LGBTQ compassion and concern for the world. http://www.rainbowfund.org/

Check out this time lapse video of us decorating a previous years tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUqq1vrqJTQ

About the World Tree of Hope Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD-oLJZHJDA 

Encounter a new land and a people in a way that values them, deepens your spirituality, broadens your worldview, and begins to heal the world.  

Our trip focuses on Cuba's history, culture, politics, and spirituality. We will learn from the Cubans about the realities of their country. We’ll visit projects that serve the Cuban people and meet with members of the LGBTQ community, politicians, artists, scientists, and leaders in many fields. This is our 8th visit to Cuba!

We will attend LGBTQ Pride events in Havana and march in solidarity with our Cuban brothers and sisters during the "Conga" - the annual Pride celebration.

We will learn about Cuba's colonial past to its revolutionary present, and how the complex historical relationship between the U.S and Cuba remains ever-changing.
Every trip is unique. Here are a few of the many highlights from past trips:  

- Spending time with members of the Cuban LGBTQ community
- Meet with Mariela Castro and human rights activists
- Visit schools, medical clinics & the Institute of Tropical Medicine
- Snorkel the reefs of Varadero
- Help deliver medical and educational supplies
- Meet with members of Parliament and with political dissidents
- Visit ecological areas/learn about the Cuban organic movement
- Attend a concert by Bueno Vista Social Club
- Learn how Cuba has survived post USSR and under US embargo
- Visit the Bay of Pigs
- Meet members of the Cuba 5 - former US political prisoners
- Explore historic Old Havana
- Cruise Havana in a 1950s American Car
- Enjoy the white sand beaches and clear blue water at Varadero
- Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts/Museum of the Revolution

The cost of our 11-day/10-night trip is $2,800 (tentative price - we are still working on the 2023 budget) and includes a Cuba travel visa (required), all hotels/accommodations, in-country transportation by private van, all meals (except one), all gratuities, translation and guide services, speakers fees, entrance fees to special events. It does not include round trip air transportation from the USA (approximately $425).

Here are links with trip info:

RWF Website:  http://www.rainbowfund.org/cuba-travel/

We would love your help to decorate the Tree. Please let us know specifically when you can help so we can add you to the schedule. We ask that people volunteer for a least a 3 or 4 hour time period. You are of course welcome to stay and help longer. Ages 13-99.

The World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world, standing over 23 feet tall and decorated with over 17,000 origami cranes and stars, each hand folded and inscribed with wishes for the future of the world. The Tree is created as a symbol of global unity and hope, to promote peace, love and humanitarian action. https://www.worldtreeofhope.org

The decorating dates/times at Grace Cathedral (1100 California St.) are from Nov. 6-28:

Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday, Nov. 7 from 10 AM to 6 PM (EVENT IS FULL)
Thursday, Nov. 11 from 10 AM to 6 PMFriday, Nov. 12 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 AM to 6 PMSunday, Nov. 14 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 10 AM to 6 PMThursday, Nov. 18 from 10 AM to 6 PMFriday, Nov. 19 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday, Nov. 21 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Saturday, Nov. 27 from 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday, Nov. 28 from 12: 30 PM to 5 PM

The tree lighting is on Monday, Dec. 6 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm.

We will take the tree down on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 10 am to 4 pm.

* Grace Cathedral requires that all volunteers be vaccinate for COVID-19. We will follow the most current safety SF guidelines.

Although Grace Cathedral graciously hosts tree by allowing us to display it there, the Tree is created by Rainbow World Fund https://www.rainbowfund.org as a symbol of global unity and universal love, it's purpose is purely humanitarian with the message that we are all one human family. It is open to everyone regardless of belief or non-belief

You must register to help! Please use this link to let us know when you are available to help: https://www.worldtreeofhope.org/help-us

Christmas in October: Help decorate the Rainbow World Fund (RWF) World Tree of Hope - the most unique holiday tree in the world.

The RWF World Tree of Hope is a global holiday project promoting peace, love and humanitarianism for our community of San Francisco and for all people on earth. The tree is displayed at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. 

** COVID-19: Due to COVID-19 We will be working with small teams of volunteers. We will be following social distancing and mask wearing protcols. Fortunately the Cathedral is a vast space and easily allows for this. 

We normally decorate the tree after Thanksgiving but because of COVID-19 the Cathedral will begin video recording their holiday concert series in October and they want the tree to be a centerpiece.

About the Tree: The Rainbow World Fund (RWF) World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world, decorated with over 17,000 origami cranes and stars, each hand folded and inscribed with wishes for the future of the world. The wishes come from people of all ages, all faiths and all walks of life. The cranes are not mere decorations in a holiday display; they are representations of hopes and dreams. Since 2006, Rainbow World Fund has presented the World Tree of Hope as a symbol of global unity and hope to promote peace, love, and humanitarian action. The tree is a project of Rainbow World Fund, a humanitarian aid organization based in the LGBTQ community, and given as a gift to the world annual to expressing to belief that we are all One Human Family. http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/

The tree will be at Grace Cathedral @ 1100 California Street through January 6, 2021 (check Grace's website for the latest on when the Cathedral will reopen). 

Grace Cathedral graciously hosts the Tree, the Tree is created as a symbol of global unity and universal love, it's purpose is purely humanitarian with the message that we are all one human family. It is open to everyone regardless of belief or nonbelief.

There are lots of opportunities to help!

DECORATING DATES:.

Tuesday, October 6, from 10am to 5pm

Wednesday, October 7 from 10 am to 5pm 

Thursday, October 8 from 10am to 5pm

Friday, October 9 from 12pm to 5pm

Saturday, October 10 from 10 am to 5pm

Sunday, October 11 from 12:30 to 4pm

Tuesday, October 13, from 10am to 5pm

Thursday, October 15 from 10am to 5pm

** YOU MUST REGISTER to decorate at http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/help-us/ to decorate. 

Please state the dates and times that you are available so we can best match times and create the volunteer schedule. Please include your telephone numer. We request that volunteers please sign up for a 3 or 4 hour shift. There is lots to do so you are welcome to stay longer and/or help each day - just let us know. Ages 12-99, please.

Currently the building is closed to the public we will email you instructions on how to enter the Cathedral.

We super appreciate volunteers who can sign up during the first serveral days to help get us off to a strong start!

Check out this time lapse video of us decorating a previous years tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUqq1vrqJTQ

Do you have a wish for the world? Send us your wish, we'll turn it into an origami crane and put it on the RWF World Tree of Hope: http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/ It's free and open to all.

Other info and cool links: 

See the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/380719452928208

About Rainbow World Fund (RWF): RWF’s mission is to promote peace, unity, and hope by leading the LGBTQ movement in participating in humanitarian relief efforts. RWF's aid work creates visibility, builds bridges, and allow us to demonstrate LGBTQ compassion and concern for the world. http://www.rainbowfund.org/

Check out this time lapse video of us decorating a previous years tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUqq1vrqJTQ

About the World Tree of Hope Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD-oLJZHJDA 

Help decorate San Francisco’s World Tree of Hope — the largest origami decorated holiday tree in the world!

We are seeking volunteers to help volunteers to decorate San Francisco’s World Tree of Hope December 2-8.

The RWF World Tree of Hope is a holiday tree decorated with thousands of origami cranes, each containing written notes of hope & peace from children and individuals from around the world. Created annually as a symbol of global unity and world peace, the tree is a gift from members of the San Francisco LGBTQ and Japanese American communities to the world - given to inspire hope, love and humanitarian action. 

The this year the tree will be displayed at beautiful Grace Cathedral (1100 California St.). 

The decorating dates/times at Grace Cathedral are December 2-8 that we are still seeking volunteers for:

Monday, Dec. 2 from 9am to 2pm
Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 9am to 2pm
Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 9am to 2pm
Thursday, Dec. 5 from 9am to 5pm and 6pm to 9pm
Friday, Dec. 6 from 9am to 5pm
Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9am to 9pm
Sunday, Dec. 8 from 12:30pm to 5pm

We can accommodate individuals and large groups. Volunteer shifts are generally 2-4 hours (longer the better, 3 hours = superstar, 4 or longer = megastar). 

To decorate you must register at: worldtreeofhope.org 

Please share the Facebook event page with your friends:

The tree lighting celebration is on Monday, December 10 from 6:30-8:30pm.
Fun Links:

Tree 1 minute time lapse (2013): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUqq1vrqJTQ

A message of hope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD-oLJZHJDA

About the Tree: The World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world, standing over 23 feet tall and decorated with over 17,000 origami cranes and stars, each hand folded and inscribed with wishes for the future of the world. The wishes come from people of all ages, all faiths and all walks of life. The cranes are not mere decorations in a holiday display; they are representations of hopes and dreams. Since 2006, Rainbow World Fund has presented the World Tree of Hope as a symbol of global unity and hope, to promote peace, love and humanitarian action. The tree is created by Rainbow World Fund and given as a gift to the City of San Francisco by members of the local LGBTQ and Japanese American communities. http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/

Encounter a new land and a people in a way that values them, deepens your spirituality, broadens your worldview and begins to heal the world.  

Our trip focuses on Cuba's history, culture, politics, and spirituality. We will learn from the Cubans about the realities of their country. We’ll visit projects that serve the Cuban people and meet with members of the LGBTQ community, politicians, artists, scientists, and leaders in many fields. This is our 8th visit to Cuba!

This year Cleve Jones, founder of The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, and co-founder of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation will be part of our delegation. Jones was invited to Cuba by Dr. Mariela Castro Espin, on behalf of the Cuban organizers of the Jornada to participate in educational and cultural exchange activities and to receive the CENESEX (Cuban National Center for Sex Education) Prize in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of the LGBTQ movement. Jones will also be a Grand Marshal at the Cuban version of the Pride Parade — making this a very special trip for all of us.

We will attend LGBTQ Pride events in Havana and march in solidarity with our Cuban brothers and sisters during the "Conga" - the annual Pride celebration.

We will learned about Cuba's colonial past to its revolutionary present, and how the complex historical relationship between the U.S and Cuba remains ever-changing.
Every trip is unique. Here are a few of the many highlights from past trips:  

- Spending time with members of the Cuban LGBTQ community
- Meet with Mariela Castro and human rights activists
- Visit schools, medical clinics & the Institute of Tropical Medicine
- Snorkel the reefs of Varadero
- Help deliver medical and educational supplies
- Meet with members of Parliament and with political dissidents
- Visit ecological areas/learn about the Cuban organic movement
- Attend a concert by Bueno Vista Social Club
- Learn how Cuba has survived post USSR and under US embargo
- Visit the Bay of Pigs
- Meet members of the Cuba 5 - former US political prisoners
- Explore historic Old Havana
- Cruise Havana in a 1950s American Car
- Enjoy the white sand beaches and clear blue water at Varadero
- Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts/Museum of the Revolution

The cost of our 11day/10 night trip is $3,000 and includes a Cuba travel visa (required), all hotels/accommodations, in-country transportation by private van, all meals (except one), all gratuities, translation and guide services, speakers fees, entrance fees to special events. It does not include round trip air transportation from the USA (approximately $425).

Here are links with trip info:

RWF Website:  http://www.rainbowfund.org/cuba-travel/

Help decorate San Francisco’s World Tree of Hope — the largest origami decorated holiday tree in the world!

We are seeking volunteers to help volunteers to decorate San Francisco’s World Tree of Hope Nov. 24-30. 

The RWF World Tree of Hope is a holiday tree decorated with thousands of origami cranes, each containing written notes of hope & peace from children and individuals from around the world. Created annually as a symbol of global unity and world peace, the tree is a gift from members of the San Francisco LGBTQ and Japanese American communities to the world - given to inspire hope, love and humanitarian action. 

The this year the tree will be displayed at beautiful Grace Cathedral (1100 California St.). 

The decorating dates/times at Grace Cathedral for the week of Nov. 24-30:

Saturday, Nov. 24 from 9am to 3:30pm

Sunday, Nov., 25 from 12:30pm to 5pm

Monday, Nov., 26 from 9am to 9pm

Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 9am to 6pm

Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 9am to 9pm

Thursday, Nov. 29 from 9am to 9pm (break 5:15-6pm)

Friday, Nov. 30 from 9am to 5:30pm

We can accommodate individuals and large groups. Volunteer shifts are generally 2-4 hours (longer the better). You can volunteer longer if you live.

To decorate your must register at: worldtreeofhope.org 

Please share the Facebook event page with your friends:: https://www.facebook.com/events/1935512276541450/

The tree lighting celebration is on Monday, December 3 from 6:30-8:30pm.

Fun Links:

Tree 1 minute time lapse (2013): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUqq1vrqJTQ

A message of hope: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD-oLJZHJDA

About the Tree: The World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world, standing over 23 feet tall and decorated with over 17,000 origami cranes and stars, each hand folded and inscribed with wishes for the future of the world. The wishes come from people of all ages, all faiths and all walks of life. The cranes are not mere decorations in a holiday display; they are representations of hopes and dreams. Since 2006, Rainbow World Fund has presented the World Tree of Hope as a symbol of global unity and hope, to promote peace, love and humanitarian action. The tree is created by Rainbow World Fund and given as a gift to the City of San Francisco by members of the local LGBTQ and Japanese American communities. http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/

Encounter a new land and a people in a way that values them, deepens your spirituality, broadens your worldview and begins to heal the world.  

Our trip focuses on Cuba's history, culture, politics, and spirituality. We will learn from the Cubans about the realities of their country. We’ll visit projects that serve the Cuban people and meet with members of the LGBTQ community, politicians, artists, scientists, and leaders in many fields. This is our 7th visit to Cuba!

We will attend LGBTQ Pride events in Havana and march in solidarity with our Cuban brothers and sisters during the "Conga" - the annual Pride celebration.

We will learned about Cuba's colonial past to its revolutionary present, and how the complex historical relationship between the U.S and Cuba remains ever-changing.
Every trip is unique. Here are a few of the many highlights from past trips:  

- Spending time with members of the Cuban LGBTQ community
- Meet with Mariela Castro and human rights activists
- Visit schools, medical clinics & the Institute of Tropical Medicine
- Snorkel the reefs of Varadero
- Help deliver medical and educational supplies
- Meet with members of Parliament and with political dissidents
- Visit ecological areas/learn about the Cuban organic movement
- Attend a concert by Bueno Vista Social Club
- Learn how Cuba has survived post USSR and under US embargo
- Visit the Bay of Pigs
- Meet members of the Cuba 5 - former US political prisoners
- Explore historic Old Havana
- Cruise Havana in a 1950s American Car
- Enjoy the white sand beaches and clear blue water at Varadero
- Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts/Museum of the Revolution

The cost of our 11day/10 night trip is $2,600 and includes a Cuba travel visa (required), all hotels/accommodations, in-country transportation by private van, all meals (except one), all gratuities, translation and guide services, speakers fees, entrance fees to special events. It does not include round trip air transportation from the USA (approximately $425).

Here are links with trip info:

RWF Website:  http://www.rainbowfund.org/cuba-travel/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/223329661575899/

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT NOW FULL. WE ARE NO LONGER RECRUITING. THANK YOU.

The RWF World Tree of Hope is a global holiday project promoting peace, love and humanitarianism for our community of San Francisco and for all people on earth.

The RWF World Tree of Hope is a 23 foot holiday tree that is decorated with thousands of origami cranes and stars that are inscribed with people's wishes and hopes for the future of the world. Learn more here: http://worldtreeofhope.org

There are lots of opportunities to help!

DECORATING: We will be preparing origami (folding, wiring, sorting,...) and decorating the tree at San Francisco City Hall.
Sunday, Nov. 26 from 8am to 8pm
Monday, Nov. 27 from 8am to 8pm
Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 8am to 8pm
Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 8am to 2pm
Thursday, Nov. 30 from 8am to 8pm.

We can accommodate individuals and groups of volunteers!

** To volunteer you must register. Send us a message here to register:  http://www.rainbowfund.org/contact-us/

** Please state the dates and times that you are available so we can best match times and create the volunteer schedule. We will get back to you shortly. We request volunteers sign up for a 3 or 4 hour shift. There is lots to do so you are welcome to help each day.

No special skills are required. There are lots of different tasks to do to create the tree. You do not need to know how to fold origami to help. Age requirement is 13 on up.

Check out this time lapse video of us decorating last years tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUqq1vrqJTQ

The official tree lighting is on Monday, December 4 from 6pm to 8:00pm at San Francisco City Hall. Admission is FREE! Info: http://www.worldtreeofhope.org/tree-lighting/

Rainbow World Fund has been visiting Cuba since 2012. Our journey is educational, focusing on Cuba's history, politics, and spirituality. We will learn from the Cubans about the realities of their country. We'll visit projects that serve the Cuban people and meet with members of the LGBT community, church leadership, artists, and leaders in many fields. We will learned about Cuban history, from its colonial past to its revolutionary present, plus how the complex historical relationship between the U.S and Cuba remains ever-changing. During our visit you will gain insight into the struggles and hopes of the Cuban people. We will visit places such as medical clinics, programs that serve the elderly, art institutions, schools, and other historical and cultural sights. The many highlights include participating in the LGBT Pride celebrations in Havana.