Social Projects:

DORMITORIO JUVENIL “OCTAVIO CIANI DACOL”

Is a social work institution for young orphans, to whom it gives food and shelter to an average of twelve orphans and needy people. This institution is self-sustaining as it does not receive governmental aid, and the youngsters work informally washing cars and shining shoes to help contribute to their stay at the Dormitorio Juvenil. The director of the Dormitorio Juvenil is an Evangelical pastor, Mr. Marco Antonio Ochoa, who performs a great social and humanitarian work, such that he is currently in a wheelchair due to having suffered a stroke that left part of his body paralyzed. He also suffers from diabetes and hypertension, however, this has not been a deterrence to him continuing with his humanitarian work, providing the children with the help they need. The Dormitorio Juvenil “Octavio Ciani Dacol” is located at 4th Calle and 10th Avenida, Zone 1 in Quetzaltenango. The students of the school Rigoberta Menchú Tum can, if they wish to, help in the support of the Dormitorio Juvenil or they can participate in the orientation of these children by talking to them about the prevention of drug addictions and alcoholism, or by teaching them a foreign language, an art or skill, or something that these young orphans would be interested in. With its earnings, the school Rigoberta Menchú Tum helps maintain the Dormitorio Juvenil.

UNION DE TRABAJADORES DE QUETZALTENANGO "U.T.Q."

What is UTQ?

UTQ is an umbrella union working with over 30 affiliated labor unions, community groups and cultural organizations in rural and urban eastem Guatemala. For 17 years UTQ has worked with over 10,000 Guatemalan workers, women and indigenous people to eliminate exploitation, increase organized mobilization, promote participatory democracy and fight against the systematic corruption and human rights abuses which still exist in Guatemala. UTQ is fighting for:

•  Both a democratic workplace and country

•  Respect for the identity and culture of the Mayan people

•  Better working conditions and salaries, as well as access to loans, both in the city and country

•  Women´s rights

•  Basic public services such as education and health

•  Access for all to basic housing

•  An end to injustices and corruption

•  The fulfillment of the agreements outlined in the 1996 Peace Accord

HISTORY OF THE WORKERS MOVEMENT

The wave of violence that occurred in Guatemala in 1980 and 1981 led to the repression of the workers movement, resulting in the deaths of some of its leaders, while others fled Guatemala. UTQ was formed in 1986 to unify the workers movement and represent the needs of the Guatemalan workers by confronting the human rights abuses being carried out by the military government and the powerful sector of the economy. Despite the signing of the National Peace Agreement in 1997 and the “official” end of Guatemala´s 36 year war, the powerful sectors of Guatemalan society continue to use intimidation tactics to suppress organizations fighting for the rights of Guatemalan workers.

WHAT IS THE FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVE OF UTQ?

To defend the interests and rights of workers in general.

WHO DOES UTQ WORK WITH?

UTQ works with workers from member union organizations in factories, fincas, street stalls, public sector, rural agricultural sector, and progressive community groups such as women´s groups or young activists.

ACTIVITIES OF UTQ

EMPOWERMENT: Through the Ernesto Che Guevara School of Coordination and Planning, UTQ implements regular workshops, seminars and conferences to develop leadership and participation among union members.

MOBILIZATION: UTQ has played a critical role in the general strikes against the privatization of hospitals, education and mail services, and participates in protests and demonstrations in response to the needs of its membership regarding eg tax reform, government fiscal responsibility and transparency, human rights.

LEGAL AFFAIRS: UTQ´s Asesoria Juridica office fights to protect the legal rights of Guatemalan workers. The staff of two lawyers provide free legal services to members in disputes with employers, as well as drawing up the legal framework for new unions in accordance with international standards as mandated by the Guatemalan Constitution.

PROJECT SUPPORT: UTQ continues to promote community participation in social development projects fighting against poverty, such as the Finca La Alianza and El Grupo de Mujeres de UTQ.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR UTQ?

•  The main role of the volunteers will be to work alongside the coordinator, Oswalvo, and the secretary Rosario, in the office in Xela, writing grant proposals to secure long term funding to strengthen the organization (UTQ has had substantial financial support from international agencies, most of whom have stopped the funding after the Peace Accord was signed, assuming things had suddenly got better). This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to gain further experience in the NGO sector in project management, fundraising, donor liaison, project reporting, and learn about the international labor movement, human rights, Guatemalan politics.

•  You will also be involved in organizing conferences, protests, workshops, and will accompany the UTQ workers in meetings and visits to community projects to gain first hand experience in how the organization and its partner groups work on the ground.

•  You will have the opportunity to learn in depth about some og the obstacles facing urban and rural workers in Guatemala, and the legal framework for workers rights.

•  You will have the opportunity to visit and work with three fincas if you are interested in eco-tourism (eg the famous Finca la Alianza, now owned and run by the workers).