Guatemala Accompaniment Project – GAP Internacionalista

We believe international solidarity requires the participation of communities who are similarly impacted by the same global systems that violate human rights and threaten those working for true self-determination and justice in Guatemala, as well as their allies. Applications from people of color, Indigenous/Indigenous descent, poor/working class, women, LGBTQI people, and candidates with strong anti-racism/ally experience will be prioritized; all are encouraged to apply.

The application process to become an accompanier is the beginning of many steps of training that continue through a volunteer’s entire time with NISGUA. It’s also a process of mutual discernment of compatibility between NISGUA and the applicant. We strongly encourage applicants to ask lots of questions of NISGUA staff and reach out for advice from trusted comrades while they discern if being an accompanier with NISGUA is a good fit for them

 If you would like to apply, please fill out the application form (found to the right), upload a one page resume highlighting relevant experience, and ask two contacts to share their email or phone number with us in order to have a reference call (In the reference form found to the right you can see what kind of questions we will ask).

Requirements include:

• Rigorous commitment to creating a culture of feedback, accountability, wellness and mutual support.
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and social, economic, ecological, racial and disability justice is required. The ability to document and analyze events and conditions in order to produce quality written reports and educational materials.
• Cultural sensitivity; excellent judgment skills; ability to work flexibly in dynamic, changing situations; resourcefulness in self-care and relational dynamics.
• A high level of verbal and written Spanish or the ability to develop it with six weeks of intensive study.
• A familiarity with the history of Central America/U.S. relations, the current situation in Guatemala, and a basic understanding of human rights/accompaniment.
• Previous experience in Latin America (especially rural areas) strongly preferred.
• Awareness of security issues, willingness to work in a situation which might involve risk, interest in individual and team analysis.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn strategies for grassroots fundraising and education in the US.
• A minimum six month commitment.
• A U.S. passport and a strong connection to a U.S. community.

Benefits include:

• Lodging provided at our main office in Guatemala City.
• A small monthly stipend to cover health insurance and most in-country travel expense (individual fundraising also required).
• Immersion in the Guatemalan social, cultural, political, and linguistic context.
• 2 week training on accompaniment and organizing.
• Ongoing check-ins, trainings, and support from Guatemala City staff on well-being, political analysis, organizing, and professional development.
• Access to a grassroots networks of nearly four decades of NISGUA organizers and activists.

If you have additional program questions, please email gap[at]nisgua.org.