Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America

Join Us in January 2010!

Our 2010 delegation to Guatemala will be a very special journey of accompaniment, learning, and solidarity. Participants will meet with human rights organizations and others working on behalf of peace and justice in Guatemala, and also travel to two rural communities. We will visit with the people, listen to their stories, and explore ways in which we can continue to support their struggle to build a more just and humane society in Guatemala.

Nueva Esperanza

During the 1980's, thousands of Guatemalans fled their homes in the wake of genocidal attacks by the Guatemalan Army. Many of them crossed the border into southern Mexico, where they remained living in refugee camps for many years. In 1994, after the signing of an agreement with the government of Guatemala, a group of these refugees returned to the northwest Guatemala, to establish a new community called "Nueva Esperanza" (New Hope).  As one of the conditions to guarantee their safety, the refugees requested international accompaniment, and CMSA responded to that call by sending their Director, Martha Pierce, to travel with them. Since 1994, CMSA supported the community, which is popularly known as "Chaculá", through annual visits on the anniversary of their return (January 12), donations of money to the local school, and support of international human rights accompaniers in the village.

Over the past 15 years we have watched the settlement grow from a collection of plastic-walled tents to a thriving village that serves as a model of industry, persistence, and vision for all around them. We have welcomed the births of new babies, watched children growing up, and mourned the loss of friends to both disease and old age. Throughout this time, we have learned much about hospitality, courage, and faith, as well as the difficulties of living out these values in the midst of a country marked by ongoing political turmoil, economic inequality, and racism.

Guatemalan Cultural Action

During their time in exile in Mexico, the refugees created this organization to promote the spiritual and cultural survival of their people. Now back in Guatemala, ACG continues to provide educational and spiritual support for the Mayan people. We will visit their center in Santa Cruz del Quiche, and meet with Common Global Ministries missionary  Gloria Vicente, (who is a member of University Church in Chicago and a former refugee from Guatemala herself) to learn about ACG's work on behalf of human rights, sustainable development, Mayan spirituality and cultural identity, and defense of human rights.

The Roots of Migration

Throughout our travels, we will learn about the economic, social, and political aspects of life in Guatemala today, with special attention to the forces that "push and pull" Guatemalans to leave their homeland and travel to the U.S. We will reflect on the ways that we can promote peace, justice and a dignified life for Guatemalans wherever they may choose to live.

Details

Dates: January 7 - 17, 2010 (still under discussion; subject to change)

Cost: Approximately $75/day + airfare; this includes all travel, lodging, meals, and delegation coordination and leadership.

Accomodations and Requirements:  Travel in Guatemala will be by local bus. We will stay in simple hotels in the city, and in the village we will stay in one of the houses. You will need to bring a sleeping bag! You do not have to speak Spanish to be a part of this delegation!  Some of our activities will be physically strenuous. You need to be in good physical condition to enjoy the trip.

For More Information

Please contact Martha Pierce at pierce@igc.org or call CRLN at 773-293-2964.