Rainbow World Fund

Since 2004 RWF has been visiting Guatemala. Our next journey is Friday, July 8 to Sunday, July 17, 2011.

Read about one of our recent trips to Guatemala:

In July 2009, a crew of 19 RWF volunteers returned from a 10 day humanitarian aid journey to Guatemala. Over the course of the journey volunteers visited orphanages, schools, medical clinics, and human rights projects delivering over 2000 pounds of life saving medications, medical equipment, school supplies, as well as hundreds of stuffed animals and monetary grants. This was RWF's 6th annual visit to Guatemala.

Besides delivering much needed aid, the out group acted as ambassadors for LGBT human rights, meet with individuals and groups, from school children, rural villagers, shamans and religious leaders speaking openly of our experiences as LGBT people. This led to fantastic conversations and sharing. It has been amazing to see the shifts in parts of the culture regarding acceptance of LGBT people over the past several years.

One of the many highlights of the journey was visiting a rural junior high school in the Quiche Department and see the computer lab that RWF funded last year up and running. The group also met with members of the National Network for Sexual Diversity which is working to connect LGBT people through out the country. This network will serve as a life line to many throughout the country particularly to rural LGBT people. Please visit here to read Clint Seiter's daily photo diary of the 2009 journey: Clint's Diary

Since 2004 wen RWF started traveling to Guatemala 84 partcipants have deliver nearly 6000 pounds of medical and school supplies valued at over $900,000 along with $114,000 in grants to a women’s clinic in Guatemala City; an orphanage in Santa Apolonia; a water project in the Mayan village of Tapesquillo; a school in Santa Cruz del Quiché; Project Safe Passage, a school for the children of the men and women who make a subsistence living by scavenging in the Guatemala City garbage dump; and REDNADS, one of the few openly LGBT organizations in Guatemala.

Our groups have made a huge difference in the lives of hundreds. Antibiotics, antifungals, diabetes medications and HIV medications all mean the difference between life and death in Guatemala. These vital supplies come from all of the doctors and hospitals we contact before our life changing trips. We bring them in our suitcases.

Fact: Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Over 70% live below the poverty level and over 30% live in abject poverty, existing on less than one dollar per day. Over 60% are chronically malnourished.

It's hard to describe all that participants experience during the journey, but here are a few things people have mention:

- Standing in the Panabaj Memorial Peace Park, site of an army massacre of local indigenous people in 1990, knowing that last October, RWF was on this very spot only hours before a massive mudslide came down the side of a nearby volcano. Over 2,000 people died. "This year we stood on holy ground, where hundreds are buried under the mud, and together we said a Buddhist prayer of peace."

- Listening to a 65-year old Mayan woman describe how she has spent all of her life walking several hours each day carrying water her family needs. In two months her village will have a gravity-fed water system. "She was so grateful that her grandchildren would have a better life because they will have easy access to clean water."

- Spending time with our amazing guides - two American Catholic Sisters who have spent many years in Latin America and were there during the height of the war. "They knew many of the sisters and priests, who were kidnapped, tortured and murdered. Through out the trip we were in constant awe of the courageous people we met."

- Returning home and being surprised to realize that the water that poured so easily from the faucet was safe to drink. "I will never view life on this planet the same way again. When you meet people who have absolutely nothing, you search your heart and soul deeply to ask why? This trip reminded me of the importance of giving and the importance of giving thanks. Though the mission to Guatemala is behind us our work continues."

Visit RWF's In The News page to finds several newspaper and magazine articles about RWF's Guatemalan journeys.

Passport Magazine will be featured RWF's humanitarian aid journeys in their April 2008 edition!

JOIN RAINBOW WORLD FUND ON A HUMANITARIAN JOURNEY TO GUATEMALA
July 8-17, 2011

Encounter new lands and peoples in a way that values them, deepens your spirituality, broadens your world view and begins to heal the world. Walk with a legendary people, learn about Mayan spirituality, and explore human rights issues with a people whose traditions span centuries of development. Experience ancient, colonial, and modern influences that have molded a people of unique strength and deep faith. Help deliver medical and educational supplies ... be forever changed. Special guest presenter: Julia Esquivel--poet, theologian and human rights advocate, engages participants in reflection drawing on her spiritual wisdom.

Our journey includes several presentations that will orient you to the reality of Guatemala:

The tour starts in Guatemala City and then moves to rural areas and finally to Antigua the old colonial capital. The following list of experiences gives an breif overview of what may be included on our journey:

We are accompanied by experienced staff who serve as translators and facilitators of the experience. Our veteran guides have lived among and served the people of Central America for many years. Their energy and commitment will inspire you.

The tour includes time in the rural areas of San Lucas Toliman and a visit to Santiago Atitlan. Here we see firsthand the Indian and Ladino communities and are hosted at the mission guest house, having dialogue with the people, and participating in their lives. We'll make a pilgrimage to the church and simple rectory of Stanley Rother, an American priest from Oklahoma who was murdered in Santiago. By entering into the life of the people and hearing about their struggles, our journey offers an opportunity to understand the prolonged oppression of these Indian communities. While in Antigua, the old colonial capital, we reflect on our experience and prepare for departure and reentry into North American life.

Participants are asked to collect medical and school supplies during the months prior to departure. Each person is allowed two 50lbs bags on international flights. Together we will fill each persons second bag (duffle) with much needed supplies to be distributed at clinics and schools during our journey. "How do I collect supplies?" Ask hospitals, clinics, your employer, companies, friends, churches....be creative. We will provide a list of requested items later but start collecting now -- everything is really in need: medications, antibiotics, antifungals, rubber gloves, bandages, ... pencils, paints, rulers, art supplies...our goal is to bring 1500lbs of supplies. We will also collect money which we will gift to the aid programs, orphanages, schools and clinics we visit. We will send you a fund raising packet to help you do this.

Visit RWF's In The News page to finds several newspaper and magazine articles about RWF's Guatemalan journeys.

**The program fee covers ALL costs of lodging, food, translation and guide services, group facilitation to help you achieve personal growth during the journey, lecture fees and all in-country transportation (our own private vans and drivers) for programmed events. Airfare is not included trip participants will arrange your own airfare. We will give participant information to coordinated their arrival times times with the group as the trip dates approach.

The total cost (not including airfare) is $1525.00 ($250.00 registration fee plus program fee $1275).

At the end of our journey you have the option of adding a day(s) on to the trip to independently explore, visit the ruins and jungle at Tikal, or shop. This it can easily be arranged from Antigua -- where we will spend the last few days of our journey. The cost of a trip to Tikal is $295.00 including airfare to the ruins, ground transportation, a pass to the park and a tour of the ruins. Our guides can help you arrange this and other outings once you are in Guatemala. Every year several participants have stayed for extra days to further enjoy Guatemala.

In Guatemala our ground transportation will be via modern private vans with experienced drivers. Our hotel accommodations range from simple and clean to very nice - think 2 to 4 stars. Rooms are shared by 2 people. Depending on group size we can arrange single rooms throughout the trip for about $150 (based upon availability). Our meals are varied, hearty and tasty. Purified water will be available throughout the trip. We will usually be less than 2 hours from medical care. If you have special health needs let us know and be sure to bring any medications you will need. The trip is minimally demanding physically; however, the Guatemala journey will change your life!

All applicants will be contacted for an interview screening. Upon completion of the interview process applicants will be send instructions regarding deposits. Please see rainbowfund.org/journey for updates.

To ask questions and/or arrange for your telephone interview please contact us by email at: journey@rainbowfund.org

Join Rainbow World Fund at the CARE National Advocacy Conference: Many Voices, One Movement, on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 9-10, 2011 in Washington, DC.

Note: CARE's website list the conference as March 8-10. All activities on March 8 are optional.

The conference is a two-day annual event where RWF donors and supporters can take part in the fight against global poverty, HIV/AIDS and issues of humanitarian aid. This will be the 7th year that RWF has participated.

The conference is hosted by our partner CARE – one of the oldest and most respected humanitarian aid providers. RWF has partnered with CARE on a number of humanitarian aid projects over the years. This is a great opportunity to learn how Washington, DC works and to speak with your Senate and Congressional representative about important humanitarian issues.

This two day event is a unique opportunity to participate in keeping American policy makers focused on the issues of poverty, women’s empowerment, equity and social justice. The conference features policy seminars by issue experts and meetings with Congressional members to deliver this message: “now is the time to end global poverty.” In these challenging times, we can help ensure that the voices of the poor are heard on Capitol Hill.

March 9: Day 1- Explore a variety of international development issues with policy experts through panel discussions and training sessions. Learn about poverty-fighting work and the impact of U.S. policies on poor women and their communities through discussions and workshops. Hear from development experts and learn how you can make a difference. The day will end with a dinner and an exciting benefit show featuring special guests, musical appearances and keynote speakers. Last year's keynote speakers were Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof

March 10: Day 2 - Deliver critical policy messages to Capitol Hill and the administration during meetings with members of Congress and other key decision-makers. Educate our leaders about the crisis of global poverty by joining fellow RWF/CARE advocates to deliver messages to your members of Congress and other influential policymakers. The conference ends with reception at 5 p.m.

If you wish to participate in this conference as a Rainbow World Fund representative, contact Jeff Cotter at (415) 431-1485 or email volunteer@rainbowfund.org before registering on the CARE conference website: http://www.careconference.org/

For more information about the conference or scholarships, please contact CARE at (877) 394-3747 or nationalconference@care.org.

Admission is $125 per person. Student rate is $40. Register with CARE here:http://www.careconference.org/

Admission covers lectures, training materials and several meals including a dinner and luncheon with keynote speakers. Admission also includes transportation from the conference center to and from Capitol Hill.

Day one: Breakfast, Advocacy training, legislative issues training, lunch, educational issue sessions, regional hill visit preparation, dinner and shuttle service to the hotel.

Day two: Shuttle service from hotel to conference center, breakfast, shuttle service to Capitol Hill, Congressional hill visits, lunch and the Congressional closing reception.

In addition to the conference, Rainbow World Fund is arranging a meeting and tour at Africare Headquarters, our international partner for Africa.

Conference Location:
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

Conference attendees are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. There are hotels at all price ranges in DC most of which are near Metro (subway) stops which can easily take you to the confernce site. Hotels.com has been a good resource in the past.

Visit RWF's In The News page to finds several newspaper and magazine articles about RWF's Guatemalan journeys.

Passport Magazine will be featured RWF's humanitarian aid journeys in their April 2008 edition!

JOIN RAINBOW WORLD FUND ON A HUMANITARIAN JOURNEY TO GUATEMALA July 8-17, 2011

Visit RWF's In The News page to finds several newspaper and magazine articles about RWF's Guatemalan journeys.

JOIN RAINBOW WORLD FUND ON A HUMANITARIAN JOURNEY TO GUATEMALA
July 8-17, 2011