Volunteer opportunities abound in Xela, a product of the large influx of language school students. Projects range from medical and nutrition to farming and reforestation. We visited Chico Mendez, an ambitious reforestation program that planted 10,000 trees last year. Created and operated by Armando, a native Guatemalan, the grassroots campaign is driven by a handful of dedicated volunteers and a shoestring budget. Fueled by a simple concern for the environment, their attitude stands in refreshing contrast to the short sided degradation so rampant in other regions.
Willing volunteers can contribute a few hours or a few months preparing soil, harvesting seeds, planting saplings and educating the local community. Room and board with a local family for about $30US per week is also possible for longer stays. Steve conducted a short video interview with Armando, who was quite excited at the prospect of more publicity and volunteers.
The project takes its name from Brazilian rubber taper, union leader and environmentalist Chico Mendez. HBO produced a film chronicling his life and eventual murder. One of the most powerful movies I've witnessed, if you can get your hands on The Burning Season, watch it. "If a messenger from the sky came down and guaranteed that my death would strengthen our struggle, it would be worth it. But experience teaches us the contrary. It's not with big funerals and motions of support that we're going to save the Amazon. I want to live." Chico Mendes (From an interview December 9, 1988, published posthumously in O Jornal do Brasil.) Chico was gunned down by angry ranchers 13 days later.
Sparking world-wide protest, his life and death left a legacy of preservation. The foremost being the Chico Mendez Extractive Reserve covering nearly a million hectares of Brazilian forest. An eerie response considering his quote.
Guatemala also provides some rather unconventional opportunities. In the aftermath of the war, a secretive organization has sprung up, charged with the task of monitoring local Guatemalans bringing lawsuits against the gov't. With more than 200,000 murders over the last half century, there is no shortage of this need. Workers interview and report on the success of their legal battles to human rights organizations.
Because of the governments obvious disdain for such lawsuits, every measure is taken to prevent the process from moving forward. Roadblocks, delays, etc. are all employed to keep the plaintiffs at bay. Unfortunately these tactics can be quite successful considering the large distances many cover to plead their case. When the courts decide to reschedule, the burden of making a return trip is often too great. The entire process is very hush, as most volunteers won't divulge any specific information regarding their project. --J.M
