Manni Spicer Saavedra

Manni Spicer Saavedra's Fundraiser

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Support NISGUA's Fundraising Goal

Every donation is doubled through May 31!

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$5 towards $1,000

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 solidarity with a community that was not my own. As a politically-minded person, I keep myself informed of various international struggles both in history and currently—most 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 benefiting from their suffering. Still, I felt very 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 wouldn't seem to cut it.

Over the past few months, I am grateful to have developed meaningful relationships with communities that are fighting for dignity, justice and self-determination in Guatemala through NISGUA. Communities such as the Xinka pueblo, who we accompany in their now 16-year long occupation of the Escobal mining project. Because of this mining project, since 2010 the community has faced multiple assassinations of their leaders, threats to their land and water resources, and blatant attempts to corrupt their movement by buying out prominent community members. Through it all, 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 these powerful actors, this sort of meaningful solidarity is a powerful tool to continue with the Guatemalan people's long and principled struggle. Although we may differ on political opinions, I invite you to trust me in these relationships and to show solidarity with their movement, from the base of you all as ordinary, conscientious and politically-motivated people.

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