$20,000 

Goal

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"One By One: The Latin American Project" is committed to creating opportunities for people of all ages and cultures to interact and learn from each other through service initiatives within Guatemalan communities. By establishing a more sustainable and ethical relationship between those interested in development work and local communities in Guatemala, individuals will have an opportunity to engage in meaningful volunteer work opportunities. By serving in the communities, and continuously reflecting on their experience, the groups of individuals can enhance their relationships with the people they meet and develop a deeper understanding of the difficulties and realties of development, social justice and life in Guatemala. This experience provides opportunities of intercultural adaptation, communication and the building of a connected, global community. Participants become a part of the Guatemalan communities in hopes of learning more about another way of life-not to impose change, but to understand, share stories and participate in mutual opportunities of support and growth.

 

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Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes

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1. Allow individuals the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with community members and with each other. Individuals will:

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• Build the capacity to create relationships across differences (ie. age, gender, nationality, etc.)

• Participate in community activities and events to develop a positive rapport with Guatemalan communities

• Reflect on how their beliefs, perspectives and past experiences affect who and how they interact with those around them.

 

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2. Facilitate meaningful service opportunities that allow for individuals to be in solidarity with members of the Guatemalan communities as a way to build mutual support and growth. Individuals will:

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• Provide individuals with tasks to complete within the Guatemalan communities

• Connect the task to how it might be helping or supporting individuals within the communities

• Reflect on how their understanding of individuals within these communities might have shifted and changed

 

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3. Develop a deeper understanding of the difficulties and realties of development, social justice and life in Guatemala. Individuals will:

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• Work alongside Guatemalan communities on the ground to expand their understanding of day-to-day operations

• Facilitate dialogue and ask questions with community members

• Discover and observe the historical and current context of the social justice issues

• Identify aspects of the issue that are still not being addressed socially and politically

 

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4. Engage in intercultural adaption, communication and building of a connected, global community. Individuals will:

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• Identify key community leaders who facilitate a sense of support and trust

• Practice communicating with Guatemalan individuals through words, actions, dance and song