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About Us |
We are compassionate individuals committed to saving lives in the southern Arizona desert. We believe in respect for human rights and one's ethical responsibility to assist those who are suffering. Founders Randy Mayer and Shura Wallin decided in 2005 it was time to establish a Green Valley-Sahurita Samarita group that would work independently, and as a complement to, the Tucson Samaritans. Read more about our founders Randy Mayer and Shura Wallin.
Who are Samaritans?
Samaritans are people of conscience who are responding directly and practically to the human rights and civil rights crises at the U.S. border with Mexico. We are a diverse group of volunteers united in our desire to relieve human suffering and honor human dignity. Prompted by mounting deaths in the desert, we came together in early 2005 to provide water, food and medical assistance to migrants. This work continues today.
What Do Samaritans Do?
We travel the desert as frequently as possible, continuing the Southwest tradition of hospitality to travelers. Samaritans have 4WD vehicles to navigate rough roads and terrain. At least one member on each trip speaks Spanish fluently and another has medical training. Vehicles carry water, food, emergency medical supplies, communications equipment, maps and individual travel packs for basic desert survival.
Other Samaritan activities include water drops, when volunteers leave or replace gallon jugs of water at predetermined sites along migrant foot paths. We welcome and assist migrants and asylum seekers in Nogales, Sonora and Nogales, Arizona. Volunteers may attend group migrant hearings in federal criminal court in Tucson.
Isn't It Illegal?
No. Samaritans is an entirely lawful, open organization that provides humanitarian assistance. Border Patrol and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents are aware of what we do. We strive to build and maintain cooperative relationships with them. We search only in areas that are open to us and do not trespass onto private land.
Remember: It Is Legal To Provide Water, Food and Medical Assistance To Another Human Being in Distress
Is Samaritan Work Effective?
In the last 20 years, we have directly aided hundreds of people, some of whom were in dire medical distress. Volunteers think that even if we have only saved one life or helped one exhausted suffering person then our efforts have been worth it. We have provided water to those dehydrated from walking in the desert heat, treated severe sprains and other injuries, bandaged severely blistered feet (potentially life threatening if you get left behind because you cannot walk), called 911 for people close to heat stroke, offered blankets on cold nights, given diapers and baby formula to infants. We continue to give food and water to crossers.
Do The Desert Trips Continue After The Hot Weather Is Over?
Yes, unfortunately people also die of exposure, dehydration and hypothermia in the winter months.
Where Do You Go?
Routes change as the need changes. You may find us along along State Route 286 between Three Points and Sasabe. We travel in the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, elsewhere in the Altar Valley, and east through Arivaca along Ruby Road, south to the border and out to Interstate 19. Other routes encircle Amado, Green Valley, Sahuarita, east to the Santa Ritas and north to the San Xavier Reservation boundary. We drive east of the Santa Ritas to Patagonia and Sonoita, and south to Loquiel in the San Rafael Valley.
Can I Become A Volunteer?
Absolutely. Volunteers are welcome! Meet us at a Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritan bi-weekly meeting which is held at The Good Shepherd United Church of Christ. We meet every other Monday from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. See the Home page for our next meeting date. For more information see "Volunteer" on How to Help.
Do I Need Training?
All volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend the three and a half hour Samaritan Training given by the Tucson Samaritans on the first Sunday of every month. The workshop includes the history of Samaritans, a brief border history, and what to expect on a Search. It also provides the opportunity to meet Samaritan veterans and join their email list, too, for information and Searches. (While there may be some operational differences in how Tucson and Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans conduct Searches, the basics are the same.)
How Do I Tell Others About Samaritan Work?
After you have volunteered with Samaritans, you may want to tell others why you are committed to saving lives in the desert. See Share Your Border Experience in How To Help.