Sustainable Sharing with Guatemala (SSG) invites you to partake in a delicious, authentic, Guatemalan meal, have conversations with like-minded people, and explore how our local actions can connect us to a global cause.
DATE: Thursday, 20 June 2019
TIME: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
PLACE: Las Delicias Restaurant – BYOB
ADDRESS: 4010 W. Montrose Ave./Chicago, IL 60641
COST: $35.**
**Please choose whether you will want the chicken or vegetarian plate and send an email to julie.siegel{at}gmail.com to let us know.
---------------------------------------------------------
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Must be received by SSG by 13 June 2019.
Option 1: Pay via PayPal, link on our SSG Donate page: https://www.sustainablesharing.org/donate
Option 2: Pay via check and send to:
Wanda Evangelista
5142 N. Rutherford Ave.
Chicago, IL 60656
Attn: SSG
Questions: Email Julie Siegel (SSG President): julie.siegel{at}gmail.com
Water is what sustains all life. In San Ildefonso Ixtahuacan in the mountainous, Guatemalan Department of Huehuetenango, the indigenous people have unequal and insufficient access to safe water. Historically, most villagers have needed to walk miles to get water. This uses up valuable time, keeps some children out of school, affects the ability to grow crops, and adds to poor nutrition and sanitation. With the added effects of contamination from mines, fertilizers garbage and the drought/flood cycles from increasingly extreme weather, access to clean water has become the most vital issue in the villages and towns alike. SSG partners with AFOPADI, a Guatemalan non-governmental organization, to ensure that they have a representative that sits on the municipal water council. This AFOPADI representative advocates for indigenous rights to access clean water in the region.
Annually, SSG aims to raise $6,000 for the salary of the Water Council representative. This position is part of the Educational arm of the AFOPADI staff and that person uses their position in other AFOPADI projects. At AFOPADI, Education, Health and Agricultural are all integrated into mission and programs.
Following the inspiring visit in February by Veronica Giron of AFOPADI, she urged us to expand and strengthen our network in Chicago. She noted that the struggles that they face in Guatemala are many of the same issues we face in Chicago. We are connected! Let’s make a real difference together. Let’s celebrate corn (the Mayan staff of life), quench our thirst and do good!