Asociaciõn de Mujeres del Altiplano: Why I love them and my bias on how to support communities in respectful ways.
I’ve put this post off for some time because I have struggled with how to effectively capture the energy that is going on within the movement of the Asociaciõn de Mujeres del Altiplano (AMA or Association of Women of the Highlands). Today, I am simply going to write about my experience and the feeling that hits me when I am around AMA’s work, which has been influenced by the shared stories of those involved with the organization. Quotes here are all from the english translation of my favorite translator, Simone Riddle.
AMA is an organization that strives to support people in creating for themselves rather then trying to fix problems for people. Myra, a veteran community facilitator and proud Mayan woman, noted that there is a particular mission “to empower women so that they may become independent as well as combat dependency…Dependency is not being able to move forward on your own – you have to rely on someone else…rely on an organization to give you tonight’s food.” In Guatemala, and in much of the world, many NGOs focus on giving with no plan to support people in creating for themselves. Dependent relationships are created in that people become used to foreigners entering communities with presents while these people are capable of creating something beautiful on their own. In addition to and or because of the political situations discussed in past posts, it is often the opportunity to get started that is missing.
Myra at the AMA office
AMA recognizes the potential in communities as well as the rights of individuals and groups to create their own destinies. Myra continued, “I believe in the mission. The help goes directly to the community where it’s needed. Help comes in the form that it is being asked for…in productive projects…we are helping without just giving things away and this is very important. The way that AMA works with Indigenous women…first the women, which is very important in machismo culture. And finding out and listening to what they want, which is often finding a form of income. Often you don’t see that change with other kinds of organizations. The founders keep on fighting to bring more opportunity to communities. They don’t leave you alone in this fight.”
AMA often begins working with a community when a women’s circle approaches them at the Xela office. Initial support from AMA includes programming about economic development, self esteem, and civic participation. The programming is incorporated into the already existing and culturally appropriate circle where community facilitators (local community leaders in action) bring in material that is appropriate to the unique needs and wishes of the community. Maria Paola is a new community facilitator and she told me “I was going to school at the time I joined the circle. I wanted to get rid of fear. I wanted to participate and enjoy time with other women. I had a fear of working alongside and sharing with other people. I had some of these experiences while I was studying but I wanted an opportunity to stand up and share with women who were not my classmates.”
In Paola’s circle, AMA supported in expanding the market for weavings, brought in requested skills training, and has supported people in building community projects. Not only does this work enhance opportunity for a community, Paola noted, “Now I see the need of the family, I see reality. I think it is really important that we all work together, that the family works together.” Paola extrudes a feeling of hope and belief in something better…a feeling that you can only get when around someone who has been a part of something meaningful. “I want us all to better things as a family and a community, Paola said. I want everyone to get involved. Women in my community have so much fear. They don’t want to participate. They don’t want to talk. They don’t dare to get involved. What I would really like is that we all come together to participate and to look for change.” She has developed an absolute knowledge that positive change is possible despite whatever challenges arise. Paola told me with a definite stare, “On our own it’s hard to create change but others, change is possible. Change might be little but there is a power.”
When I spend time with the people involved in the process that AMA sparks, I feel the energy of a growing community. In this community, there is love, trust, and magic. I asked Juana Ambrosia Ramirez, a leader of a community circle, what she thought of the process within AMA. She replied, “I’m happy to participate in the groups. I enjoy the training, learning new things, the workshops and getting involved in the weaving for the weaving orders.” There was a joy in Juana’s circle meeting that day as children hung on their mothers and each other. Women discussed ongoing movement with AMA with bright eyes.
I love AMA because the process is a constant reminder that bundle of sticks cannot be easily broken. Miguel, a development project coordinator, told me, “I haven’t studied but what I do have is the idea of working and working together. AMA puts their trust in me and I put my trust in them to complete these projects. Together, with AMA, we are looking for ways to develop the community.” There is a promotion of equality and encouragement for all to be involved in change here. Miguel continued, “We have a leadership group and there is a also a women’s board of directors. Men and women work together and we talk about the needs of the community. Together we look at the needs of the community and start to knock on the doors of helping organizations. When we realized projects like building the road, it is the community that does all the work. If the entire community isn’t working then there is not development…there is no progress.”
Miguel’s words have stuck with me over the past month. What is true development/empowerment/healing? My bias: Meaningful movement happens when we stop telling and start listening. People are intelligent and powerful in unique ways. If we take the time to develop meaningful and trusting relationships with communities we wish to serve, maybe we will have the privilege of having a part in that movement. Though ultimately the movement is the movement of the people themselves. When people do this together and with transparency, it is truly beautiful.
Special Thanks: In addition to the time granted by the the good people credited above, thank you Ben and Lupe Blevins and Claudia Ramirez for the ongoing love, support, and comradeship.
If you are interested in knowing more about AMA check them outHERE and if you’d like to know how to be involved in service learning projects with AMA and in other projects check out Partners in Service, an organization that provides the most respectful and meaningful volunteer opportunities I’ve seen.
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