We are thrilled to share with you the news of our upcoming YouthBuild USA National Rural Gathering in Santa Fe, NM, June 16-18th, 2015. This gathering is a chance for you to be in community with other rural and Native YouthBuild programs from across the country. The entire agenda is designed to address the issues that are most relevant to your programs, young people, and communities. You will listen, share, and learn from each other and other national and regional rural practitioners. You will gain rural specific tools and resources that are immediately relevant to your everyday work. We strongly encourage programs to send more than one staff member as we are specifically designing the agenda to meet the needs of different staff positions.
Historically, these gatherings have filled up quickly, we encourage you to mark your calendars and save these dates. Over the next few months, we will make available further information regarding the event including a detailed agenda and registration. In the meantime, we wanted you to have the basic information to begin planning. It is also worth mentioning that you may use your DOL funds to attend this training event.
As you begin planning, here are some of the travel logistics that you may find useful.
Hotel:
We are thrilled to be returning to the Hotel La Fonda. The La Fonda is a historic, landmark hotel located on the main Plaza and sits quite literally at the terminus of the Santa Fe Trail. La Fonda is steeped in history, filled with art and offers authentic Santa Fe hospitality. To book at our discounted rate of $94+tax, mention that you are with the YouthBuild USA group when making your reservation. You can call the hotel at 1.800.523.5002 or 1.505.982.5511. The cut off date for this group rate is May 18, 2015.
Travel:
The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is easy to navigate and very accessible. It offers numerous, affordable flights including low cost airlines such as SouthWest, Alaska, and JetBlue. The hotel is about a 1 hour ride from the Albuquerque airport. The primary shuttle service is Sandia Shuttle that offers direct service from the Albuquerque airport to the hotel. One way fare is $28 per person or $48 round trip. Reservations should be booked with them directly at www.sandiashuttle.com. Some participants choose to rent cars so that they can see more of the surrounding mountains and region. Parking at the La Fonda is $12.00 per day.
Meals:
As many of you know, under our federal contract guidelines, we are no longer able to provide meals to conference participants. As a result, conference participants will be on their own for all meals. We have worked to find the optimal hotel location that allows you access to numerous affordable and scrumptious southwest, New Mexican, and Native American restaurants all within a quick walk surrounding the plaza. Also, the Hotel La Fonda includes a wonderful restaurant, lounge menu, and French bakery right on its premises. In addition, at registration, we will be providing you with a restaurant guide sheet that lists various restaurants, price range, and location for your convenience.
We look forward to seeing you in June for a time of rich learning and rejuvenation. Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact any member of the rural team.
Thanks so much for all that you do,
Kim, Kathy, Jessie, Chris
YouthBuild USA Rural and Native Initiative Team
