.jpg)
Manni Spicer Saavedra's Fundraiser
Support NISGUA's Fundraising Goal
Every donation is doubled through May 31!
A supporter of Manni Spicer Saavedra
I donated in support of this campaign.
$20
A supporter of Manni Spicer Saavedra
I donated in support of this campaign.
-
Avnish Kulkarni
I donated in support of this campaign.
$50
-
Ellen Wu
I donated in support of this campaign.
$100
A supporter of Manni Spicer Saavedra
I donated in support of this campaign.
$100
A supporter of Manni Spicer Saavedra
I donated in support of this campaign.
$36
-
Sophie Spencer-Zavos
I donated in support of this campaign.
A supporter of Manni Spicer Saavedra
"P"
$50
-
Serena Clayton
"I'm impressed with this work. Thanks for telling us about it!"
$100
A supporter of Manni Spicer Saavedra
"Thanks for the work you're doing in Guatemala."
$100
-
Barbara Locklin
"Thank you NISGUA for the work you do! Thank you Manni for reminding me about this fundraiser."
$1,000
-
Byron Spicer
"Thank you all for the work you do. "
$100
-
Maria Heim
"We are proud of you Manni. This is great work!"
$100
-
Martha Saavedra
I donated in support of this campaign.
$200
-
Alfred Taylor
I donated in support of this campaign.
$10
A supporter of Manni Spicer Saavedra
I donated in support of this campaign.
A supporter of Manni Spicer Saavedra
I donated in support of this campaign.
I’m helping NISGUA to raise funds during May Match — a campaign that doubles every donation through May 31.
When I began as an accompanier with NISGUA a few months ago, I had little idea of what it meant to be in true solidarity with a community that was not my own. As a politically-minded person, I try to keep myself informed about various international struggles, both those throughout history and those currently ongoing—notably, the Palestinian one since 2023. Yet up until I moved to Guatemala, these struggles felt distant to my life. Being a citizen that is critical of the United States, I understood my country's role in oppressing much of the world's people and generating much of their suffering. Still, I felt far removed from the communities affected by this international system, and my own ability to make an impact. Weary campus protests or an outside-work-hours No Kings march didn't seem to go far enough.
Over the past few months through NISGUA, I am grateful to have developed meaningful relationships with communities that are in struggle in Guatemala. Communities such as the Xinka pueblo, who we accompany in their now 16-year long occupation of the Escobal mining project. Since 2010, multiple leaders in the Xinka resistance have been assassinated, attacked and driven to exile for defending their lands and waters. Through this sort of persecution, former accompaniers—and now myself—have stood in solidarity to reassure them that their struggle is not in vain, that they are not fighting alone, and that our bodies too are showing up alongside them.
Against such powerful actors, this sort of long-standing solidarity can be a powerful tool to keep despair at bay. The resources of the rich and powerful appear inexhaustible—to confront them, our relationships must hold stronger. Right now, I am called to maintain such relationships with these communities Guatemala. Whatever your political affiliation might be, I invite you to trust me in these relationships and to show solidarity with their movements. From the base of you all as ordinary, conscientious and politically-motivated people in the United States, I believe that this network can make a meaningful difference.
There are many ways to demonstrate solidarity, and I encourage you all to engage with them openly and honestly. Reading is important; conversation is essential. This page is for financial support to NISGUA, which, if it is within your means, is an especially powerful way to continue these relationships.
Until May 31, every dollar you give is matched — so your impact is doubled.
If you have any doubts, please feel free to ask me directly. I would be happy to speak with any of you.
With care,
Manni