Abstract

History and Social Action in Guatemala

During January of this year, I spent four weeks living and working with a woman, who took part in creating the group known as the Dejando Huellas. This group consists of seven women of various ages, who have worked for the past thirteen years to improve the situation and condition of women in Petén, Guatemala. My research has revolved around understanding how grassroots organizations like this prosper and make change, especially among a climate that is extremely hostile to change. By living with the coordinator of this group, I had the unique opportunity to understand how these women use and encourage organization as the primary mechanism to create change. This group is unique in many ways, especially so in Guatemala, because it consists of only women, who work with other women in some of the most remote parts of Guatemala. The Dejando Huellas spend time outside of all their other duties to their families, their jobs and their community to do the things this group requires to function. These things include: finding funding, organizing programs, gathering supplies, and navigating all the social obstacles that come with inspiring change in a country that dislikes change. In doing this research, I have come to understand the complexity that comes with creating and maintaining a functioning and productive grassroots organization trying to right the wrongs of the past.