Guatemalan Cultural Action (ACG)

Guatemalan Cultural Action (ACG) was established in 1989 as groupings of Mayan Guatemalans affected by the civil war in that country, who were formerly refugees living in Mexico or had been internally displaced during the conflict, were able to return to their rural lands and rebuild their lives. Global Ministries has partnered with ACG since its beginnings. ACG has four main objectives: 1) to promote community projects in the area of education, culture, economics, and ecology; 2) to promote Mayan and Christian spirituality as inspiring and encouraging sources of meaning for community work; 3) to promote ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue in promotion of a climate of harmony, peace, and solidarity within the rural, indigenous communities; and 4) to provide training for the communities on their human rights and how to defend them.

ACG works diligently in the area of communications in order for the isolated communities with which it works to have a means by which to be in touch. With the partnership of Global Ministries and DARF/UCAN (the joint association of amateur short wave radio operators of the Christian Church [Disciples of Christ] and the United Church of Christ), ACG has installed a short wave radio in each of seven remote communities and trained community members to use them. There are plans for eight radios more and 44 more radio operators trained. Moreover, ACG has a weekly radio program on Radio Quiche, which belongs to the Catholic Dioceses of El Quiche.

ACG has invested major energy in the coordination of a livestock-raising and community development project, carried out by local women in 20 communities in the Guatemalan departments of El Quiche, Alta Verapaz, and Huehuetenango. A group of 47 women were trained in the care, management, and commercialization of rabbits, hens, goats, and sheep. A total of 563 women in the 20 communities were, in turn, trained by one of the 47 trained promoters and proceeded to raise 160 rabbits, 2,010 hens, 124 milk-goats, and 186 sheep in the first year. The management and sale of this livestock has proceeded successfully. The participating women now are learning about and implementing efforts in the diversification of crops (vegetables, fruit and nut trees, medicinal herbs) as well as about reforestation and bee keeping.

Other ACG activities include work with youth groups in the local communities. ACG offers scholarships, providing support for 23 students in 2002 and 52 students in 2003. ACG supports an equal number of women and men with scholarships. Each scholarship is for three years and the students pay back their scholarship support once they have graduated and secured employment, in order to help additional students in the future.

ACG also carries out bible study workshops on an ongoing basis, and organizes events where Mayan families who practice traditional Mayan spirituality. These inter-religious events have the purpose of promoting joint action around justice, peace, and community harmony.