Welcome to Reconnect! Gender and Development Committee Info Session

GENDER & DEVELOPMENT Who we are We are a committee of PCVs that are dedicated to helping volunteers incorporate gender into their projects and promote gender equality in their communities throughout their service. What we do Create, collect and organize resources and ideas to support volunteers in their work involving gender issues. We have 2 specialized sub-committees: GLOW and LGBT. HIV is now a separate committee.

How can we help YOU!? Provide ideas to help you incorporate gender into your service. Compile and create wonderful resources for you to use in site. Answer questions and support you while incorporating gender into your service. Offer GAD Activity Grants up to Q200.

Camp GLOW is a 1- to 3-day (overnight) leadership and self-esteem camp for underprivileged girls ages throughout Guatemala. G irls L eading O ur W orld

MISSION: To develop the self- esteem and leadership skills of Guatemalan girls in order to empower them to become active and contributive members of their communities through workshops on leadership, self-esteem building, health and fitness, culture sharing, and goal setting. VISION: By creating nurturing camp-like environments for girls in distinct geographical locations throughout Guatemala, Camp GLOW aims to develop leadership skills, promote civic engagement, advocate gender equity, and educate regarding healthy lifestyles.

Interested in getting involved with GLOW ? For more information contact: GLOW Chair Gina Choquehuanca at # or

-LGBT- Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender Representative Address LGBT issues in annual GAD planning. Provide a go-to liaison for Guatemalan PCVs/PCTs to express concerns or seek support in terms of LGBT issues. Raise awareness and/or organize activities regarding gay rights to help empower the PC Guatemalan LGBT community. Coordinate with other LGBT PCVs in Central America to develop a queer advocacy manual to safely and adequately address LGBT issues during PC service. Distribute via a monthly Rainbow News, our Queer GAD Newsletter regarding LGBT issues worldwide.

Questions or comments? Are you in need of support? Contact: Adam Baker #

HIV Committee The HIV Education and Prevention The HIV Education and Prevention Committee (HIV Committee) is a team Committee (HIV Committee) is a team of volunteers whose mission is to of volunteers whose mission is to increase HIV/AIDS awareness in the increase HIV/AIDS awareness in the communities we serve by training communities we serve by training PCVs and HCNs to deliver HIV/AIDS PCVs and HCNs to deliver HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention workshops Education and Prevention workshops in their communities, create tools, in their communities, create tools, manage materials and explore manage materials and explore funding opportunties relating to funding opportunties relating to HIV advocacy. HIV advocacy.

Why do we have an HIV Committee? In Guatemala, the face of HIV is Changing and cases are on the rise. The Ministry of Health in Guatemala reports over 10,000 cases of people living with HIV/ AIDS as of 2005 and UNAIDS estimates that there are a further 61,000+ people living with HIV/ AIDS in Guatemala. We all have the ability to help prevent the spread of HIV through the power of education. 52% of new cases occur in the age group 20-34, which means that ALL Peace Corps Guatemala Volunteers are working alongside an at-risk group.

Want to get involved? Put on a workshop in site? Have questions or ideas? If so, please contact the committee at Or visit their website:

“Mamacita!” “Shh Shhhh” GROPING Waiting outside your work or home Staring… Inappropriate hand gestures Whistling Repeated phones calls or texts

SEXUAL HARRASMENT A few quick reminders: Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment may be physical, verbal, or graphic. It may result from the actions of Americans or Host Country Nationals; supervisors, co-workers, host family members, students, volunteers or trainees. It may occur at your place of work, in your home, or just generally in your daily life, and may victimize members of either sex. It may include conduct that the recipient reasonably perceives to be harassment, even though the person responsible does not intend the conduct to be harassing.

Some options for coping say “no thank you" phone a friend to vent tell the person (if you’re comfortable) that you don't like it when they say those things call a member of GAD Can you think of any others???

PLEASE REMEMBER! Sexual Harassment is NEVER the victim's fault! You deserve to live in a harassment free zone, and while sometimes, the definitions and acceptability of harassment vary depending on cultural norms, you should not have to feel violated. PC/Guatemala staff and GAD are here to help you handle the situation, should you need it.

Questions or Comments?! We love to hear from you! Nicole Bohrer GAD Coordinator Agriculture and Muni Projects Representative # Jenn Daley Media Specialist Healthy Schools Project Representative #