The Voiceless Speak Fund

A program to assist Guatemalan survivors of human rights abuses
who are residing in the United States

Voiceless Speak Guidelines
Voiceless Speak Application

Voiceless Speak Guidelines Español
Voiceless Speak Application Español

"With every group with whom we meet, and every presentation we make, we are addressing the fact that the repression and social unrest which continues to occur in Guatemala is a direct result of a larger policy of US domination and hegemony in Latin America... Another major thrust of our work is to develop a public outcry that demands that the former leaders of Guatemala and the military be brought to justice in an international court of law...The money provided to us by the Voiceless Speak grant enabled us to provide for ourselves and our families and to partipate in activities during the week." - Former Voiceless Speak grant recipients

Voiceless Speak Criteria

Many Guatemalans survivors of human rights abuses have fled to the United States.  They have suffered deeply in many ways, not the least of which is their inability to go back to the their homeland because they would likely face more repression upon returning to Guatemala.

Some Guatemalans who have survived a great deal of suffering and anguish are willing to speak out in the U.S. about their experiences.  Often what present them from doing so are financial limitations.

It is for this reason that since 1987 GHRC/USA has encouraged Guatemalans in the US speak truth to power through the Voiceless Speak program.  GHRC/USA provides direct assistance to Guatemalans in the U.S. who:

• Have suffered human rights abuses in Guatemala;
• Are in financial need;
• Are engaged in Guatemala human rights work under the auspices of a human rights group or other appropriate organization, or have demonstrated an ability and desire to do such work.

A selection committee made up of GHRC/USA board members and staff has drawn up guidelines and will administer the grants.  Assistance will in no way be considered payment for services to GHRC/USA.  GHRC/USA considers applications from Guatemalans living in any part of the country who are working with an organization that publicizes the human rights situation in Guatemala to the U.S. public.

In practical terms, this program is meant to help those with personal knowledge of human rights violations in Guatemala relate their experiences to the many in the US who are unaware of the situation, its root causes, and its current conditions.  The funds are to be used by the individual for her or his living expenses and/or those of her or his child(ren).  This may include: rent, food, medical care, child care, English language classes, transportation, etc.

2008 Voiceless Speak Fund

GHRC has awarded the 2008 Voiceless Speak Fund. Congratulations to the following recipients:

Carlos Albacete

Mario Avila

Carlos Gomez

Astrid Noriega

Jorge Sactic