World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 45

For lunch and dinner, the WYD vouchers can office of your diocese/eparchy for information,
be used at local restaurants or food tents near especially if you are traveling with minors or
WYD activities such as catechetical sessions, vulnerable adults. When the groups is in a large
central events, and cultural festival locations. crowd, it is essential to have an exit strategy and
The voucher system allows for this flexibility. a pre-determined place for pilgrims to gather if
Further instructions will be included with the they get separated. These precautions will be
pilgrim packet or on the official World Youth helpful not only for your pilgrims, but the
Day websites in advance of the trip. safety and security of all WYD participants.
Emergencies and Protection Please note that there may be cultural
If you or any members of your group are in an differences regarding personal space (space
emergency in Panamá, you can dial 911 (the between one’s body and another’s). In the U.S.,
same as the U.S. 911). For specific issues, Fire people generally prefer lots of personal space;
is 103 and Police are 104. Visit this web link for however, people from other parts of the world
additional emergency and medical numbers: may be used to being closer to one another.
(http://www.visitpanama.com/about/medical). Help prepare pilgrims for these differences.
Many Panamanians speak English and may be Remind them that, in large crowds, they may
able to assist you. There are also many WYD feel like their personal space is being invaded.
volunteers (who speak multiple languages) and As long as these encounters are not dangerous
they can help or point you in the right direction or leading to abuse of any kind, pilgrims should
for more information. In addition, you can get be prepared to accept some discomfort.
non-emergency assistance from the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops Cell Phones Overseas
(USCCB) and the U.S. Consulate, both of Many Americans who travel to Latin America
which will have offices set up in Panama City. come home to massive cell phone bills because
they did not manage their data usage during the
Be aware of safe environment procedures, in trip. If pilgrims are bringing a cell phone
case pilgrims are inapp ropriately approached or overseas, they should contact their mobile
touched. Know who to contact and what to do. phone service provider to understand the fees
Consult with the child and youth protection associated with using their phones and data
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