Students at the New Hope Foundation School participating in a traditional Maya Achi dance 

Breaking the Silence acknowledges that systemic barriers disproportionately target and affect marginalized communities. We are committed to challenging these systemic inequalities and encourage applications from individuals that represent the full diversity of communities in terms of ability, age, class, gender, race and sexual orientation. Furthermore, we recognize and value lived experience as a legitimate attestation of skills and abilities. 

How to apply:

1. Review the following self-assessment checklist to review the qualifications required for the program:
   • Have a valid passport
   • Provincial health insurance
   • Must have intermediate Spanish speaking skills at the time of the placement (or be willing to learn ahead of time)
   • Must demonstrate solid cross-cultural competencies and awareness of anti-oppression (or be committed to actively learning about this ahead of the placement)
   • Must be available to attend the Cooperant Solidarity & Human Rights Training at Tatamagouche Center May 21 – May 29, 2022
   • Must be committed to undertaking a Cooperant placement in Guatemala 
   • Engage in a critical introspection about your desire and fitness for this program
2. Review the full cooperant program information package
3. Fill out the application on our website and submit by midnight on July 15th
4. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview the week of July 18th

Selected candidates must be available for the Solidarity & Human Rights Training at Tatamagouche Center August 19 – August 21, 2022 

**The training will take place at Tatamagouche Center in Nova Scotia in accordance with all necessary COVID-19 health protocols. 

 Priority will be given to folks based in or with strong roots in Atlantic Canada in addition to Indigenous, Diasporic, and POC applicants.**

Members of the 2019 BTS delegation with the permanent peaceful encampment resisting the Escobal Mine in Xinka territory.

At the present time, BTS prioritizes supporting transitional justice –including genocide cases– and support for communities resisting Canadian companies imposing mining operations without their free, prior and informed consent – with a cross-cutting theme of gender justice. BTS’ work in Guatemala is supported by and closely connected to solidarity work in Canada to raise awareness about human rights violations in Guatemala and to address the root causes of social injustice in Guatemala and in Canada. For more information on BTS please consult the information available on our website. 

BTS Solidarity Philosophy

We recognize that injustice is connected to structural inequalities within and between countries, and as a network we are committed to supporting structural transformation both in Guatemala and Canada. Our work is guided by the understanding that we need to build long-term relationships based on solidarity and mutuality. We respond to the needs and issues defined by our partners and other Guatemalans with whom we work. Our relationships are built on friendship, sharing, and dialogue as we work, learn, and grow together.

Using an experiential, participatory learning approach, participants will:

• Deepen their understanding of the history & philosophy of BTS
• Deepen their understanding & practice of solidarity
• Consider complexities & challenges inherent to solidarity work
• Engage in personal & collective reflection on power, privilege and oppression
• Be introduced to helpful approaches and tools for engaging in solidarity work
• Clarify their understanding of the Cooperant Program, including roles of short and longer-term cooperants, BTS policies, and expectations of cooperants 
• Consider possible dilemmas, challenges, difficulties that cooperants may face
• Learn about possible responses to challenges faced in this line of work 
• Receive training in security and preparedness when working overseas 
• Share BTS financial support information and fundraising strategies to prepare for a possible Cooperant Placement in Guatemala
• Discern their suitability to participate in the program at this time, with the final decision made by the Training Leadership Team

BTS partnerships reflect decades of relationship building and cooperation. The work of our partners is wide in scope and all placements require great flexibility and adaptability. We encourage you to read about their work with the understanding that partner needs for Cooperant placements may evolve and change.

(Click the photos below to view the caption)