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.

Examples of ACG programs include:

Communication:  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 many of the more remote communities with which they relate, and has trained community members to use them.  Moreover, ACG has a weekly radio program on Radio Quiche, which belongs to the Catholic Dioceses of El Quiche.

Income-generation projects:  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.  More than 600 women have been trained either by ACG staff or the first 50 women to be trained by trainers, in the care, management, and commercialization of rabbits, hens, goats, and sheep.  The management and sale of this livestock has proceeded successfully.  The participating women also are implementing efforts in the diversification of crops (vegetables, fruit and nut trees, medicinal herbs) as well in reforestation and bee keeping. 

ACG also organizes skills-building courses such training in techniques for traditional Guatemalan weaving.  An instructor will work with men and women in an area, through classes and looms based in one local community, for a period of months as students learn how to or improve their abilities to produce beautiful woven pieces for local use and sale at market. 

Scholarships:  ACG works with youth groups in the local communities to which they relate.  ACG provides a holistic scholarship program to support local young people who pursue studies in higher education and, at the same time, maintain their links to their local home communities.  ACG supports an equal number of women and men with scholarships.  Most scholarships are for three years and the students pay back at least a portion of their scholarship support once they have graduated and secured employment, in order to help additional students in the future.

Thrifty Stoves:  ACG provides ecological and health-promoting stoves in local rural communities.  Families in the program participate in a four-part training session and also put a financial contribution toward their family’s stove, which has a total cost of approximately $212.  The stoves are made from local materials and use much less wood to heat for cooking than the typical open fire cooking arrangements in most Guatemalan rural homes.  Feedback from the first 50 or so families receiving stoves point to a reduction of firewood needed and healthier kitchens in general.  ACG works with approximately 35 new thrifty stoves each year, seeking to provide at least 500 total.

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