Operation Groundswell l 1

Guatemala: Jewish Leaders

Program

PROGRAM DURATION: 9 DAYSDATES: JUNE 30 - JULY 8, 2016PROGRAM FEE: $1800

Join us for a 9-day exploration of Guatemala’s rich culture and challenging past. Learn about Guatemala’s 36-year civil war, how it relates to similar Jewish struggles, and how the Guatemalan people are rebuilding their country through social and political activism. This program will delve deep into questions of identity, peoplehood, and justice while bridging the gap between Jewish and Guatemalan culture through shared, intimate learning experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS » Explore ancient lands and immerse yourself in modern Mayan

culture in Guatemala’s mystic highlands. » Visit with the Jewish community in Guatemala City and break bread over Shabbat dinner. » Explore innovative initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for the Guatemalan people. » Learn the traditional art of back-strap weaving from Indigenous Mayan women in San Juan la Laguna. » Follow in the footsteps of guerilleros through the remote forests of Guatemala’s rugged highlands and see

the sun rise over the volcano-studded Lago Atitlan.

SAMPLE ITINERARYDAY 1: ORIENTATION GUATEMALA CITYAccommodations: Hotel SpringTransportation: Micro-Bus

We begin our adventure at La Aurora International Airport where the group will be greeted by its intrepid leaders and escorted to Guatemala City’s historical centre where the group can get acclimatized to the sights, smells, sounds, and smiles of the region.

DAY 2: MEMORIA Y JUSTICIA GUATEMALA CITYAccommodations: Hotel SpringTransportation: Taxi

In the morning we’ll delve deeper into Guatemala’s recent and not so recent past. We’ll join Pedro and the organization HIJOS (Children of the Disappeared) for a guided tour of the city’s socio-politically-charged street art while learning about ongoing efforts to reconcile the country’s colonial legacy and internal conflict.

In the evening, we’ll be meeting with members of Guatemala City’s small Jewish community for a Shabbat service and dinner.

DAY 3: HIGHLAND CULTURE XELAAccommodations: Hotel ModeloTransportation: Taxi & Private Micro-Bus

After journeying to the heart of the Guatemalan highlands and the indigenous metropolis of Xela, our group will scavenge the local markets to see first-hand how highland identities have endured before experiencing a traditional Mayan dinner and folk dance with Escuela La Paz, a language and cultural centre established to protect the rights of Guatemala’s indigenous population.

Operation Groundswell l 2

GuatemalaJEWISH LEADERS PROGRAM ITINERARY

DAY 4: THE GUATEMALAN DREAM XELAAccommodations: Hotel Modelo

We will spend our morning working with the Jardineros and meeting with DESGUA, a group dedicated to reintegrating returning refugees and marginalized communities into the “Guatemalan dream”. Afterwards, our group will join its founder and revolutionary-turned-reformer, Willie, for lunch at Café Red to chat about the challenges of (re)integrating into the post-war, post-colonial order.

DAY 5: QUETZALTREKKERS XELAAccommodations: Hotel ModeloTransportation: Private Micro-Bus

No visit to the highlands is complete without a climb of one of its iconic peaks so, for those interested we’ll rise early and ascend Volcán Santa Maria (3772mt). This 5-7hr climb will take us to the tippy-top of the Guatemalan highlands before descending back down to the town of Zunil and its famous Fuentes Georginas, a volcanic hotspring, where can treat ourselves to a therapeutic bath. Those who choose not to join the hiking team will be led through activities during the morning and will then meet the hiking crew at Fuentes Georginas for a dip.

DAY 6: THE HUB LAGO ATITLANAccommodations: The OG HubTransportation: Private Micro-Bus

Finally we will journey to Operation Groundswell’s own base of operations, or Hub, located on the shores of beautiful Lago Atitlan. The Hub is a physical embodiment of OG’s culture, philosophy, and mission. It is a place where solidarity is cultivated in and between participants and local partners through active conversation and collaborative project management. There, we’ll settle into the bamboo dorms and tour the different collective spaces before joining community members for an epic cookout.

DAY 7: PERMA-CULTURE LAGO ATITLANAccommodations: The OG HubTransportation: Boat

After a hearty breakfast at the Hub, we’ll board a lancha to San Lucas Toliman, a Caqchikel community on the southern shore and home to the Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute or IMAP. There in an agricultural oasis we’ll learn how culture and food production intersect and get our hands dirty in permaculture. Our route home will take us through Santiago de Atitlan, an artisanal centre and capital of sorts for the Tzutujil culture. In the evening, we’ll join members of the Chabad for dinner and a discussion on their role in the community.

Operation Groundswell l 3

GuatemalaJEWISH LEADERS PROGRAM ITINERARY

“Operation Groundswell doesn’t just give students amazing, unreplicable experiences; they give you new eyes. By following the journey of the coffee bean, we saw the industry through distinct perspectives: the tireless farmer, the judicious regulator, and the market-driven retailer. The journey was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed—I couldn’t endorse more.”

ABDUL AZIZ, 2013STANFORD UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

DAY 8: GROWING CHANGE LAGO ATITLANAccommodations: The OG HubTransportation: Tuk-tuk

In the morning, the group will get to participate in a project of its choosing at the Hub. Collaborating with one of OG’s local partners we’ll learn the art of natural dye weaving, explore the world of medicinal plants, or exercise our inner farmers on everything from chicken coops to tilapia ponds. Then in the afternoon, after a brief meeting with San Juan’s council of elders, we’ll gather again around a BBQ and bonfire to discuss lessons learned, assess our impact, and prepare for our journey home.

DAY 9: DEPARTURES GUATEMALA CITYAccommodations: The OG HubTransportation: Private Micro-Bus

Finally, with hearts full of memories, we will return to Guatemala City where our group will say adios and adelante!

ACCOMMODATIONSThis is not a budget backpacker’s trip nor is it a five-star jet-setter’s cruise. We will be sleeping in clean, comfortable hotels that follow our ethos of sustainability with a focus on a local experience. We will have a mix of private and shared rooms and bathrooms. If you would like single or double occupancy rooms (with or without private bath), let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request for an incremental fee.

Operation Groundswell l 4 >>

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

OUR MISSIONTo provide high-value, intimate, immersive, and educational travel experiences that tangibly affect the lives of the communities we visit and our program participants. We are dedicated to providing financially accessible travel experiences that blend responsible volunteering, education, personal development, and adventure.

VALUEOperation Groundswell was founded on the principle of accessibility and affordability. As a registered Canadian non-profit organization our bottom line is people, not profits. We make sure our programs are as financially accessible as possible while maintaining the highest quality programming.

PLANNED DAILY EXPLORATIONSOur Programs Director works closely with each of our Program Leaders to organize a thoughtful itinerary for every day of travel with Operation Groundswell. Treks up mountainous regions, bike tours, boat rides, meetings with local advocacy groups, delicious local dishes…all of these daily details are planned and arranged for our participants. Critical to our success has been the development of fully integrated and meaningful programs.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMINGWith a passionate and innovative team of Program Leaders scattered across the globe and a carefully crafted core curriculum, Operation Groundswell takes experiential learning to a whole other level. Participants have the opportunity to meet with politicians, business leaders, heads of NGOs, and everyone in between. The group will learn firsthand through stories, question and answer, and critical dialogue facilitated by our exceptional Program Leaders.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCEOur programs are intentionally designed to uncover the intricacies and on-the-ground realities of each region we go to. As a grassroots organization, we have the unique opportunity of working with a large variety of different partners, each with their own particular perspective. Operation Groundswell does not simply organize presentations with partners. We create a dialogue between our students and our partners abroad, allowing for a more immersive experience.

GROUP-FOCUSED EXPERIENCEOur group-focused programs allow for the perfect blend of intimacy, flexibility, and challenge. Our programs excel at creating safe spaces in new and different regions. We hear varied perspectives, learn about ourselves, and together create a shared experience beyond compare.

WhO IS Operation groundswell?

WE LET THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.

Operation Groundswell l 5

WHAT’S INCLUDED

1. A well-thought-out program plan focused on the issues facing the specific region.

2. Experienced and passionate program leaders who remain with the group 24/7.

3. Accommodations – Operation Groundswell does not stay in five-star hotels. Instead, we prefer accommodations that closer match the atmosphere of the region we’re traveling to. We have developed relationships with some of our favorite guesthouses, hostels, hotels, and homestays and have verified that they are safe and hygienic. All program participants will be accommodated in semi-private rooms.

4. Meals and snacks – All group meals on the program are included in the price. Participants will be responsible for any additional meals or personal snacks.

5. All in-country transportation including two transfers to and from the airport at the most convenient times.

6. All group tours, entrance fees, and daily activities. 7. Regular discussions and activities planned by

Operation Groundswell and led by our program leaders, to help participants bond with other group members while internalizing and reflecting on the experience.

8. A community contribution of $100 that goes directly to support our incredible partners on the ground.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

>>

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

1. International flights and any associated costs.2. Miscellaneous hostel charges.3. Trip cancellation and travel medical insurance

(approximately $60-$100).

PROGRAM FEE

Guatemala: Jewish Leaders Program$1800

WHAT THE PROGRAM FEE COVERS

Operation Groundswell l 6

We’re Serious about Safety

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

As a well-established and experienced international service learning organization, Operation Groundswell takes active precautions to keep all of our participants safe and secure while overseas on our programs. We take travel safety very seriously. We recognize that every program and every partner we work with is different and has its own unique needs. That’s why we always collaborate and coordinate with each university’s safety department to develop the appropriate protocols and policies.

PRE-TRIP: » Based on national travel advisories, in-country

reconnaissance, partner communication, and program evaluations, detailed risk assessments are prepared for each and every location included on program itineraries. These assessments take into account any potential safety concerns or security threats related to the environment/climate, political circumstances, transportation, food/drink, community service work, crime/delinquency, etc. and include the development of strategies to minimize or eliminate all possible hazards.

» Safety and security circumstances on the ground are dynamic, and as a consequence Operation Groundswell also maintains near constant communication with local staff, partners, and other local contacts.

» All Program Leaders undertake dry-runs of the programs within two weeks of participant arrivals. This process includes meeting with partners, confirming transportation plans, and completing on-site preparations. Risk assessments are then amended to include any circumstantial changes as well as the availability and capacity of health clinics and emergency contacts at each site.

» Every participant is required to register with his or her respective government’s travel agency.

» To help minimize health risks, Operation Groundswell also requires every program participant to meet with a travel doctor before leaving their country of origin. Participants must be up-to-date with all the necessary vaccinations and equipped with any necessary medication for travel in country. >

>

ON-SITE: » The Program Leader is provided with real-time

updates from the U.S. Department of State and the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Reports and maintains daily check-ins with Operation Groundswell’s headquarters to relay important information and ensure the health and safety of participants.

» The Program Leaders are proficient in the local language where necessary, Wilderness First-Aid certified and available 24/7 to deal with emergencies on-site.

» Accommodations – All student accommodations are vetted to ensure that they are adequately safe and hygienic.

» Transportation – Although Operation Groundswell uses popular modes of local transportation, students are only permitted to use registered vehicles and secure routes. Furthermore, travel at night is avoided whenever possible.

» The Operation Groundswell Crisis Management Committee is on call 24/7 in the event of an emergency and will oversee the management of any crisis that may arise. The committee includes health care professionals and safety abroad experts trained in dealing with crises.

LIABILITY & INSURANCE: » As a third-party contractor, Operation Groundswell

takes full legal responsibility for in-country programming and extends its liability insurance to cover its partners and the program.

» We do require that all participants purchase their own personal emergency medical travel insurance and strongly encourage trip cancellation insurance. Operation Groundswell will provide students with resources for purchasing insurance and Operation Groundswell staff will walk them through the purchasing process. Typically this insurance costs $50-$60 per person. Any participant who does not show proof of travel insurance will not be permitted to join the progam.