Women Work Together

Women Work Together is wonderful. They have offered me the opportunity to grow as an individual and develop skills never imagined. My spanish has improved as well as my world view. Women Work Together works as a team and I love it!

I am we went to a currently in Guatemala for my second volunteer experience with the nonprofit Women Work Together Last week we went to a small village where the young girls ( ages 11-15) are working on a project called " The Life of My Mother". The girls were asked to spend an hour a week talking to their mothers to learn more about their mother's experiences growing up, marrying, having children and then to write those interviews in a journal. Many of the mothers had never had the opportunity to reflect or discuss their lifehistory with their daughters before.

Our time in El Cedro was a very emotional and fun experience for all. After discussing the challenges and obstacles to completing the journals we spent time on a group art project where groups of mothers and daughters worked together to replicate a picture that they had seen only briefly. There was much laughter, team work and drawing as the groups completed their projects. It was wonderful to see everyone taking a break from school and work to have fun, spend time together and work as a team to complete their drawings.

After the whole group had time to see everyone's drawings, we returned to the journals and the girls presented their journals to their mothers, many of whom cannot read or write. The presentations brought tears to all of us and many of the mothers and girls as well. Girls told their mothers of their appreciation of the hardships they have been through and of the support they have provided for their daughters. One girl said she would read this journal to her daughters so that they would know about their grandmother's life. Several girls said they would read their journal to their mother. We concluded this part of the day by acknowledging the value of each person, especially the mothers in the room, since education begins in the home and it is only through their support and efforts that their daughters have the opportunity to go to school today.

Touching the lives of women and girls one at a time!

I signed on to design and build a comprehensive new web presence for Women Work Together, and the members of the organization have been gracious, thoughtful, and a pleasure to work with. In a series of meetings we were able to identify the goals and strategies that made the project a success, and it was clear from the beginning how passionate they were about their work. Building a website is a lot easier when you know that it matters.

It's been so much fun to volunteer for WWT. The organization is dedicated to "Keeping Girls in School" in Guatemala and the ladies there are always busy putting together projects for the workshops that are held 2+ times a year. I've enjoyed trying out some new skills on things that i've pondered doing but haven't had the opportunity or motivation to try on my own - such as putting together a book to advertise the organization's mission and hone some adobe skills. It's been challenging and rewarding working with such a great group of people. I was particularly attracted to the organization's mission and their willingness to work with me on finding projects to give back.

My son is adopted from Guatemala and it's been a great way to learn about his culture. I hope to go for field work as well as a family trip to give him an experience grounded in his culture. I do IT work for WWT and always feel very appreciated.

I am both a donor and a volunteer. I sit on the board of a family foundation that allows me to give annually to a nonprofit completely of my choice. The mission of the foundation is not only to give wealth but to also give work. Women Work Together is the first nonprofit I made the decision to support in both ways. I met the founders at the annual fundraiser in 2011. I was very impressed with the hands on, ground up, systemic change they are working toward in Guatemala and I hope to join them in field work there in the next year or two. It is a relatively new organization with a very flat structure and strong leadership. It's a perfect environment for motivated volunteers who like to "get things done." WWT is destined to do great things, mainly because of the amazing people involved.

Going to Guatemala and working with the middle school girls was probably the best volunteer experience I've ever had. Watching the girls as they interacted with each other and with the volunteers was like watching sponges soaking up what is around them. I helped organize a game night that provided lots of fun experiences for them. I look forward to being able to go again very soon.

I loved working with the girls in Guatemala! It was an amazing experience. Even though we were there to impact and motivate these young women to get involved, work together, and take a stand in their community, I feel like THEY impacted ME in the highest degree. I was deeply touched while spending time with girls and women in San Pedro. They have so much energy and so much motivation to help improve their status in their communities. It made me realize how much of our help is needed. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about the marginalization of women in these communities as well as stress the importance of education for women. WWT has already made a huge difference for many women in San Pedro and the surrounding communities and, with more support, will continue to make a difference in an effort to one day make all these women finally feel important, valued, and cherished in their communities.

While completing my Masters in Library and Information Sciences I was fortunate to be able to participate in not one but two trips to San Pedro Sacatepequez, Guatemala with Women Work Together. Dr. Ehlers had noticed that a common theme with her girl's groups was a desire to have a library so she reached out to our department. I worked not only with the Girls Clubs, the Women's Groups, and the Leadership Institutes, I was also able to work with the local librarians during my stay to lay groundwork for future library projects in the area. It was an amazing experience and I was able to see first hand how much the community values WWT and the impact they are having on women and girls particularly in the rural communities. My work with WWT reminded me how lucky I am and the responsibility that we have to help out those less fortunate. WWT is not about just throwing money at a problem (although money is necessary for the work) it's about working with the community and empowering members of the community to bring about positive change and owning their own projects and goals.

My experience with Women Work Together completely changed my life and revitalized my desire to change the world through education. It was the most positive and heartwarming event in my life thus far and for that I am so grateful. This organization is really improving the lives of girls and women in Guatemala. Everyone involved with Women Work Together are kind, compassionate, motivated, and most of all, inspiring.

Women Work Together continues to do remarkable work in San Pedro Sacatepéquez, advancing girls' leadership, raising the visibility of educated girls and strengthening family and community commitment to sending their daughters to school. With each working visit, our Guatemalan partners take more ownership of the participatory programs and are now running them year round on their own.

Even though we were not part of the trip to San Pedro or the volunteer group, we were able to see the amazing job WWT is doing for girls in Guatemala.

From the dedicated planning of activities, to the quality of character possessed by all the people working for the group, we have never seen a group more devoted and dedicated to their organization.

Not in a million years, could we have imagined meeting such a wonderful group of people working together for a common cause, not only putting the needs of others before their own, but actually becoming involved in the life of those being helped.

I am both a donor and a volunteer. I've been involved with several organizations that support women's empowerment in various ways, and WWT is a standout in the way that it opens opportunities for girls and women by encouraging them to make the most of their own strengths. WWT has made effective partnerships with local officials and organizations -- the local officials had helped women to organize themselves in groups to effect more powerful change in their communities, and WWT is helping girls and women to take advantage of that opportunity. By working with teens, WWT is helping girls see that their futures are in their own hands.

From the first presentation I attended regarding what WWT's mission and activities were about, I was enthusiastic. Subsequent to volunteering with them in Guatemala, I joined the Board. My time and money have been well used.
This Mayan community welcomes us and jointly conducts workshops. Our partners in Guatemala continue to guide and mentor the woman and girls in their efforts toward self improvement.
The results and enthusiasm are apparent, during our time there and as the reports of activities pour in through the year. There is a wonderful synergy in combining the talents of North and Central America. The community's future will be greater as well with educated, empowered girl's and the women they will become.

I met this incredible people. I’ve seen them work with San Pedro´s women and it’s really amazing to see the enthusiasm and energy they put in their work.

Having worked in the field of community development during my professional career, I have more than a familiar understanding of what Women Work Together are facing in attempting to forge new understandings and new roles for women. At present I believe they have a sterling record. Why do I say that? They are gaining support at the community level where support counts most. The organization has garnered political support at the local and prefecture levels of govt. Without that support no lasting effect will be achieved. Last but not least I put money where my "mouth" is - I support the organization financially.
Frank Dobyns

I have watched this group grow from the passion of a single person to the enthusiastic and effective participation of highly accomplished volunteers actively transforming the lives of women and girls in rural Guatemalan villages. It is truly amazing what a small group of dedicated people can accomplish!

WWT is an exciting group to work with who reach young girls and enable them with the power to change the future.

I know the people in Women Work Together (WWT), and I have watched the organization develop since it's inception. They are a truly wonderful group of people doing fabulous grassroots work with women and girls in Guatemala. If you speak Spanish and are interested in volunteer work in Latin America, this is a great organization to work with. It's an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of women and girls in Guatemala. And if you are not in a position to be a hands on volunteer, but are looking for quality, grassroots organizations to support, then WWT is a great place to invest your financial resources.

As Hillary Clinton recently said: “I believe that the rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21st century,” and Women Work Together is committed to addressing this issue with women and girls in Guatemala. As a donor, I am proud to see my money go to advancing WWT's work.

What these women are doing in and for Guatemala is truly stunning--a humanistic endeavor in the best senses of that bloated phrase. As a Hispanic professor of Engish, I regularly read in the NYTIMES or hear on the BBC about women being helped in Africa or Afghanistan or Indonesia. Less often do I hear about the path breaking work being done for women in Central or South America. Both the dedication and the achievements of Women Work Together should have broad recognition. I celebrate your organization and wish you a brilliant future.

I went to San Pedro with WWT last March (2010). As someone who has traveled a good deal in Latin America, I can tell you the work they are doing is pretty unique. By partnering with a local government committed to changing the lives of rural indigenous women and girls, WWT is able provide real empowerment tools and make leaders of the women and girls they train. In a few short years, they have been able to touch so many lives, providing concrete ways for local people to visualize a different future and change their communities.

I began my work with Women Work Together (Mujeres Trabajan Unidas) more than two years ago as the organization's very first volunteer. To say that my experience with the organization has exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. Not only does the drive and savvy of the team push me and motivate me as a volunteer, but the amazing results touch my heart in ways other volunteer experiences haven't come close. After the last leadership institute, I had numerous mother's approach me near tears saying how grateful they are for everything we've done and how they are happy their daughters are given an opportunity to grow in ways that they were never able to.The founders identified a real need not only in Guatemala but also in the development field in general and I am confident that the organization will continue to grow.

I am now halfway through my first year of law school and just spent my spring break volunteering for the organization a second time. Although the days I spent there were hard work and I can't say that I managed to make up sleep like many of my classmates, I can say I was rejuvenated in a different way. There is a lesson innately different in seeing leadership power, ideas, and confidence grow than in studying how it grows in school. At the institute we are constantly impressed with how thoughtful girls are with their ideas about fostering community growth and how they can be a part of it. Most of all, I think the girls are impressed with themselves and with each other...making the experience more memorable for the girls and the leadership community self-thriving. The girls aren't the only one's who are changed after the institutes...these experiences motivate me through any given school day and will also motivate me throughout my career.

thank you so much for allyou doing, is really niece of you. God bless you.

WWT makes a big impact for a small organization. With top notch workshops aimed at girls and women in one town in Guatemala, it draws in the community and creates a model that could be replicated elsewhere. Part of the uniqueness is WWT works in partnership with the local government and leaders. To see the girls and women before and after the workshops is transformational. They are inspired and empowered to make positive change for themselves and their community. Giving them the opportunity in the workshops to speak their voices, act as leaders,articulate goals and ways to reach them, receive support to stay in school, helps them to make a difference and improve.

Led by a dedicated team of brilliant women, WWT works without a cumbersome hierarchical structure, so I know my funds make the maximum impact. Their grassroots efforts make a huge impact on girls' lives, but more important is how these efforts "trickle up" to benefit the communities as a whole.

I know the women who started this wonderful organization to empower girls and women in Guatemala. I am so impressed with their work and how much the accomplish with so little funding. Even though I'm very limited by the economy now, I gave to WWT because it is people-to-people work at its best. Empowering girls may be one of the most important actions we can take to save our species and our planet.

This is grassroots leadership training for women and girls in Guatemala.
I became involved when I met the mayor and his wife from the city that is the focus of the project. He saw a need for women to be self-sufficient and for girls to be educated and supported the project. When individuals with leadership training skills and local political entities come together, big things can happen--big changes. This is the kind of project I love to support because the money goes directly to the cause.