VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – Education in Action project in Guatemala, March 7-20, 2024  (Tentative dates – may be subject to change by a few days)

Education in Action inspires people in meaningful solidarity with Guatemala.

PSAC Social Justice Fund (SJF) is organizing a delegation to travel to Guatemala in the spring of 2024 to work with and learn from grass roots organizations empowering communities.

Supported by the PSAC SJF, the Education in Action project engages members and other Canadians to deepen their understanding of Guatemala and to build solidarity with Mayan communities. 

Subsidy Program for PSAC Young Workers

SJF will subsidize up to $2,500 for travel, food and accommodation to young workers (18-35 years old) who are members of PSAC. The subsidy does not cover the loss of salary. 

If you are a young worker and are interested in being part of the Education in Action in Guatemala project, please indicate that you are applying for a subsidy in the application form.   

Members who receive a subsidy from the PSAC Social Justice Fund, will be asked to write an article on a specific topic upon their return to Canada. This article will be posted on the PSAC website. See example here from the 2020 delegation.

Requirements to participate:

1. SJF will subsidize up to $2,500 for travel, food and accommodation to young workers (18-35 years old) who are members of PSAC. The subsidy does not cover the loss of salary. 
    
2. The project is open to all PSAC members and staff who can cover their own expenses.
    
3. Participation fee US $625 to cover all travel, accommodations and meals in Guatemala.
    
4. Participants are responsible for the cost of return airfare from Canada to Guatemala.
    
5. All participants are required to attend two days of orientation prior to travel and another session upon their return, to reflect and share experiences. These sessions are virtual and take place on Saturdays.

The delegation will participate in workshops, marches, ceremonies and activities on the coffee plantation and construction site. There will also be an opportunity to participate in the International Women’s Day march and more.

APPLY HERE

Application deadline: 11:59 PM ET on October 31, 2023

They will visit:

1. The Comité Campesino del Altiplano (CCDA) to learn about their work and their campaigns, and the benefits of belonging to a cooperative.
    
2. Communities that are building a sustainable way of living based on equality, access to education, land and potable water.
    
3. The coffee plantation that produces Café Justicia.
    
4. Mayan women who have developed fish farms to support their families.
    
5. Schools where indigenous youth are empowered through education.

Important:

1. You will be notified once all applications are reviewed.
    
2. You must be 18 years and older to be eligible.
    
3. Participation fee is (US) $625 *. This covers travel in the country, accommodations and meals.
    
4. Plus, the cost of airfare from Canada to Guatemala and return. (All flights will be organized by the PSAC Social Justice Fund)
    
5. The working languages will be English and Spanish.
    
6. You will be required to have a passport that's valid for at least six months from the date of return to Canada (see passport requirements).
    
7. Space is limited, so please apply as soon as possible.

*The PSAC Social Justice Fund reserves the right to cancel this tour for reasons such as not reaching the required number of participants for the tour and if deemed unsafe for reasons beyond our control. Should the tour be cancelled, the participation fee will be refunded.

APPLY HERE

Application deadline: 11:59 PM ET on October 31, 2023

Background on Education in Action

Roberto Miranda (1955-2011) was a PSAC activist and founder of the Education in Action project. He wanted to share with union members this unique opportunity to work with and learn from communities and farmers of the Campesino Committee of the Highlands (CCDA), a grassroots cooperative working to improve their livelihoods.

The CCDA has been defending the economic, social and cultural rights of the Mayan people since 1982, struggling for equitable land distribution, carrying out sustainable agricultural development and encouraging the economic empowerment of women. The CCDA also produces the fairly traded coffee, Café Justicia; sold by volunteers across Canada and sponsored by the PSAC Social Justice Fund. All proceeds are returned to the CCDA to support their social programs.

Learn more