MPT Guatemala 2014 Exploratory Teamer Julie

My name is Julie and I am a Catholic Worker from Des Moines, Iowa.  I have been involved with Meta Peace Teams for just over two years and will be traveling to Guatemala on behalf of MPT in just a few short days.  

I will be doing research and relationship building for Meta Peace Team as part of the Exploratory process for a potential new team location.  I will be participating in a Guatemala Human Rights Commission delegation.  The delegation will touch on many different tough issues that the Guatemalan people deal with on a regular basis.   We will be meeting with government officials, grass roots organizations, human rights defenders, and local citizens. The goal will be to get a greater understanding of problems such as gender violence, human and drug trafficking, gang violence, immigration, corporate takeover of private lands, and many other issues impacting the citizens of Guatemala.  

I will be working to make local connections to create a pathway to foster future possible MPT Teams who would perform accompaniment and more in the area.

I am excited for this opportunity however, I am still a bit nervous going into a new country and a situation that I have only read about. I am very thankful to be working with such an experienced group of people and am proud to be representing Meta Peace Teams on this journey.

MPT in Guatemala August 2014! Plus other Latin America exploration.

MPT is working with the Guatemala Human Rights Coalition and several other local organizations to perform witness and accompaniment in Guatemala this August.  Even more importantly, folks are working to evaluate the viability of future MPT Teams to Guatemala, and development of relationships for potential partners.

A lot of groundwork, research, and relationship building goes into exploring possible new MPT Peace Team locations.  The process can take 6 months to two years, including one or more Exploratory visits in country, before a new Peace Team can be established.

Experienced teamer and wonderful activist "Julie" is on the ground now, working with GHRC and local orgs to both provide witness and solidarity, and also research for future possible MPT work.

In addition to Guatemala, earlier this year (2014) MPT sent an Exploratory Team to Honduras to do similar work, and build on a 2012 MPT participation in a Delegation via SHARE.  We have also received invitations or suggestions for exploration regarding other Latin American countries such as Venezuala; and countries outside of the Americas, such as South Korea.  Exploration for MPT International Teams is an ongoing full time project!

MPT's steering committee and our Honduras Team Anchor are currently working to evaluate the 2014 Team and their findings, and plan for the future.  Please watch for additional reports on both Guatemala and Honduras very soon.

MPT Olive Harves Training This Weekend, Spaces Available! (Aug 22-24 Detroit Metro Area)

The Meta Peace Team Fall Olive Harvest Team is currently preparing and training.  Many weeks of preparation, teambuilding, research, and more are involved in getting ready for a Peace Team.

We also work on coordinating with local activists and international orgs to make the most of everyone's work in the conflict zone, and respond to both ongoing and urgent requests for accompaniment, witness, and more from local communities.

Please watch for more coming soon about the Fall Team! Required training starts this weekend (August 22-24th), and at least one (perhaps two) slots still available - interested parties should contact Nicole at 586 419 1070 (cell, leave a message and we'll get right back to you) immediately.