PSAC’s Social Justice Fund is offering PSAC Prairies members the opportunity to participate in an Education In Action project in Guatemala for two weeks between March 8 – March 22, 2013.
The Education In Action (EIA) organization is supported in part by the PSAC Social Justice Fund and engages Canadian volunteers to deepen their understanding of Guatemala and building solidarity by working closely with the Comité Campesino del Altiplano (CCDA) who are strengthening communities in Guatemala.
Requirements
- Members with previous social justice experience or who can demonstrate their interest in and commitment to improving the social and economic inequities that impact the lives of workers and people in Canada and around the world are encouraged to apply. One member will be chosen to represent the Prairie Region on this project. As PSAC has made a commitment to engage and empower our union’s young workers, preference given to qualified young workers (ages 18-30).
- The successful applicant will be responsible for any costs associated with passport application or renewal and applicable immunizations, and will be required to use vacation time for the trip. No loss of salary will be provided. All travel expenses, including flights, shared accommodation and meals will be covered by PSAC’s Social Justice Fund and the PSAC Prairie Region.
- Document the journey by taking photos and video, if possible, and journal about the experience through a travel blog on the PSAC Prairie Region website.
- Participate in two separate days of orientation prior to traveling. This can be done via teleconferencing for those not able to be present.
- Attend a gathering upon return on a mutually-agreed date, to reflect and share experiences. This can be done via teleconferencing for those not able to be present.
Details
CCDA is a grassroots cooperative working to protect the rights of subsistence farmers in Guatemala. They implement programs that provide financial assistance to small producers; promote gender equality and strengthen women’s programs. The CCDA promote access to land, agrarian reform, labour rights and encourage the formation of women groups including supporting micro projects empowering women.
EIA is engaged in the building of new homes for families in need, and also provides support to CCDA’s education programs, their fair-trade coffee “Café Justicia”, their medical centre in Quixayá, the support of a teachers salary and more. Watch a short video on CCDA’s community education in organic agriculture.
EIA Mission: Support the efforts of grassroots organizations to improve livelihoods of Mayan campesinos in Guatemala through initiatives based on social justice and fair trade.
EIA Vision: Using education as a bridge to social change. To work in solidarity with coffee producers supporting community projects in Guatemala and encouraging the sale of fair trade organic coffee in Canada. Education in Action is committed to learning through cultural immersion and community outreach in the spirit of partnership and respect for indigenous peoples.
Apply Now
If you are interested in being considered for this opportunity, please complete the attached application form. Applications must be received by the office of the REVP by Monday, January 28, 2013 at noon via e-mail or fax (204-943-0652). You can also apply online.
All applications will be kept on file for consideration for future opportunities offered through PSAC’s Social Justice Fund.
Education In Action reserves the right to cancel this tour for reasons such as: not reaching the required number of participants for the tour; if deemed unsafe for reasons beyond our control; etc.