While there may yet come a day when all the people of the world will achieve security, peace and plentitude, we cannot now foresee the end of our labors nor the end of need in the small and nearly forgotten rural communities of Guatemala.

At Calacirya Foundation we believe in individuals and individuality.  Never forgetting the worth of an individual's perspective, knowledge, and talents, the Calacirya Foundation offers volunteers the unique opportunity to design their own experience based on their areas of expertise and interest.  

In addition, we feel the experience a volunteer takes home with them is just as important as the work they have left behind.  Volunteers are encouraged to know the people they work alongside and experience the local community.  At Calacirya Foundation, we facilitate personal relationships based on the mutual interests of volunteers and local people.  

Volunteers return to their own communities imbued with a new and greater sense of understanding, responsibility and hope that comes from making a difference.  

For a list of specialized positions and immediate openings click here.

Philosophy of a Common Cause

"If I didn't pay people, how would I attract them, retain them and motivate them?"  Leaders of any successful organization must be prepared to answer this question and answer it well.  In the case of a volunteer, non-profit organization, addressing this becomes vital.  

We at Calacirya Foundation adhere to three key principles in understanding this issue:  

We allow candidates to contribute according to their personal strengths and talents.   By remaining open to different currencies of exchange knowledge, experience, ideas and funding, etc... we promote a diversity of positive contribution.

We understand the importance of the example we set for those whom we wish to lead.  Our own honesty, integrity and perseverance can be seen documented in our daily action to further our stated mission.

Though creating a common cause that is bigger than everyone, we seek to give all involved a clear vision of their contribution.  In this way, each party can learn and grow as they help better the world.

This question can best be addressed by understanding the people we serve.  The indigenous people of Guatemala are protective of their way of life as are all people, the world over.  They are frequently distrustful of those who seek to intercede in their lives because of the mistreatment they have received throughout recent history.  As well, their fundamental view of life differs from those who would read these words on a computer screen, connected to the internet.  It bears mentioning that to influence and aid these people one must necessarily be open to their point of view.  This means that one must first seek to learn what that point of view is.  

The founders of Calacirya Foundation have worked alongside the indigenous, sharing their customs and travails since 1999.  Thus, we enjoy the trust and confidence of the people we seek to aid.  Because of this level of trust, volunteers associated with Calacirya Foundation can expect a greater level of personal involvement than a traveler passing through.  Our programs are designed to provide a maximum of experience with a minimum of introduction time.  This makes us unique since it permits a traveler -- who will likely be on a budget and/or a timetable – to participate at once in the life changing experience that is so often the whole point of traveling in the first place.