ORONO – The University of Maine peace studies program, in conjunction with Witness for Peace, is inviting people interested to join a delegation to Venezuela March 4-13.

The trip, which focuses on the theme “Exploring the Complexities of the New Venezuela,” “comes at a historic time to bear witness to the dramatic changes taking place in our hemisphere,” said Barbara Blazej, an instructor in the peace studies program who is coordinating the trip.

Previous delegations organized by UM peace studies have attracted participants from around New England and beyond.

“We’d love to have a broad range of people coming on these delegations,” Blazej said.

The trip will include free time for sight-seeing and opportunities to explore different aspects of Venezuelan culture, both in and outside Caracas, the capital city.

The price of the 10-day trip, excluding airfare, is $1,350, which covers preparation, meals, lodging, interpreters and transportation arrangements within Venezuela. The fee also covers extensive reading and activist tools before and after the trip. Applications, with a nonrefundable $150 deposit are due by Jan. 4.

For information about joining the delegation, call Blazej at 581-2625 or e-mail Barbara.blazej@umit.mane.edu.