Call for Volunteers: Guatemala 2019 Service Trip + Application

This is the tenth consecutive spring that LWB is traveling to the Miguel Angel Asturias Academy in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Since 2010 over 150 librarians and library science students have spent more than 60 working days onsite to help our partner realize and grow their dream of an open stacks, circulating school library. What started as cinder blocks in 2010 is now the vibrant center of the school.

LWB uses this annual service trip to execute our remote work on the ground, to discuss emerging needs with our partner, and to reconnect with students and school staff. We invite you to work alongside us this year from April 26 to May 5, 2019.

This year’s work at the Academy will include collection management activities (purchasing, cataloguing, processing, and adding new items) and library programming for students. LWB works with Asturias to also provide edutourism activities for trip participants that will help nurture a comprehensive understanding of libraries, education, and culture in Guatemala.

Primary Projects

• Cataloging, processing, and adding new items to the library’s collection
• Library programming targeting K-12 students through multi-day library events

Housing and Food

While in Quetzaltenango (Xela), participants will stay and eat most of their meals at the COFA Catholic Retreat Centre. Dinners plus all meals on the last weekend will be eaten at local restaurants and will be the responsibility of volunteers. Vegetarian options will be available but are limited.

Expectations

All trip volunteers are expected to:

• Attend online meetings (3-4) to discuss projects and receive training on the Asturias Library and local culture. These meetings are mandatory for all volunteers.
• Join and contribute to a working team before the trip.
• Plan activities and prepare materials before the trip.
• Participate in post-trip assessments (e.g. evaluation surveys).

Program Fees

The program fee will be approximately $1300 CAD* (= ~$1000 USD) for 10 days and is subject to change. This total covers lodging (except for one night), all breakfasts and lunches in Xela, transportation (except shuttle to the airport on the last day), and entrance to all activities within Guatemala, as well as a fundraising fee to support LWB’s Guatemalan programs. Trip participants are responsible for paying their own airfare to and from Guatemala, for lodging fees while in Panajachel, shuttle trip to the airport on the last day, and for most dinners (6 days).

There is a $500 CAD non-refundable deposit due by all accepted applicants by February 22. The remainder of the fees ($800 CAD) can be paid at the same time or by March 8*.

In addition, all trip participants are expected to bring extra spending money for additional purchases such as souvenirs and snacks, dinners, and lodging in Panajachel ($250-$300 CAD is adequate).

Note, in previous years some participants have created crowdfunding campaigns to wholly or partially offset the costs of the trip. LWB uses its social media channels to assist in promoting those campaigns for participants.

Important Dates

• Guatemala Information Meeting (online) – January 20 (meeting recording)
• Application Deadline - February 11 (extended)
• Successful applicants selected and notified – February 15
• $500 CAD* non-refundable deposit due – February 22
• $800 CAD* remainder of program fees – March 8

*Note: The $1300 CAD may be revised to a new final figure if a significant change in exchange rate occurs. Should this happen, the information would be published by February 22.

How to apply: Submit a completed volunteer application by February 11, 2019. A pdf version of the application is available for you to review before you submit the online form. Questions? Email [email protected]