Act now and you could get 50% off a volunteer trip to Guatemala with Global Citizen’s Network.
From GCN’s site:
Indigenous communities across the world are marginalized from main stream society’s media. Their voices are not always heard and their views often stifled. Time and again, misguided and inaccurate depictions of indigenous cultures, values and beliefs are presented to the public. One example is the current challenge the Mayan community faces as outsiders portray their own interpretations of the Mayan 2012 calendar year.
“Hollywood is also not helping,” laments Don Manuel, the head of the Mayan spiritual leaders’ council in Cantel. He is concerned that imprudent expectations could cause harm both at the local and international level. The Mayan spiritual council hopes to inspire Cantel’s population to embrace and commemorate their ancestor’s traditions and deter an atmosphere of uncertainty that is creating a rift in the community.
GCN has been invited by the community to work and celebrate side-by-side with members of the Mayan Center for Peace December 29, 2011-January 7, 2012. GCN is offering 2 trips at a discounted rate of 50% off the program rate of $1,950. To be eligible for one of the two grants, send us an essay that describes how you will “pay it forward” and share the voices of the Mayan community in your local community after your trip.
There is no entry fee required and all entries must be a minimum of 400 words in length. The deadline for submissions is October 14th at 5pm CST.
A GCN committee will review essays and select the top two participants based on the criteria of compelling narrative and the feasibility of the “pay it forward” action plan. Selected participants must be able to pay the remaining $975 program fee and all travel expenses outside of GCN programs (including international airfare).
The top two selected participants will also have their experience featured in future GCN newsletters and/or on our website. Selected participants will be notified individually during the week of October 17th.
How to apply: Essay entries must be submitted in electronic format (MS Word, Word Perfect of Microsoft Works document.) Please include your name and contact information. Email your entry tolaura@globalcitizens.org
Contact us with questions laura@globalcitizens.org or 612-436-8274