Application Materials
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Reference for Volunteer Positions with the Guatemala Accompaniment Project

The Guatemala Accompaniment Project (G.A.P.) trains volunteer observers, known as accompaniers, who live in rural Guatemalan villages at risk for human rights violations. Accompaniers are paired with a U.S. Sponsoring Community, which provides moral and financial support for the accompanier, responds to human rights violations via an emergency response network, and also maintains a sister relationship with a Guatemalan community. The accompanier writes human rights reports to be used for educating the U.S. public regarding the current situation in Guatemala and for advocacy work.

You have been requested to provide a reference for a G.A.P. applicant. Because this work may be politically sensitive or even at times dangerous, it is important that we have an accurate assessment of each candidate’s qualities. Please take the time to answer the following questions and return the form via regular mail to: NISGUA, 436 14th Street, Suite 409, Oakland, CA 94612.

Name of Applicant:

Your Name:

Your E-mail or Phone Number:

How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?

Have you spoken Spanish with the applicant? If so how would you rate his or her Spanish level?

Fluent     Good     Fair     N/A

Please rank the applicant on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest) in each of these categories.

Please provide concrete examples if possible

• Ability to represent a sister community in the United States to a community in Guatemala





• Adaptability in facing new situations or frustrations






• Ability to live and work in a physically and emotionally challenging environment

• Emotional stability under pressure

• Diplomatic skills/ Sense of discretion

• Communications skills, both oral and written

• Cultural sensitivity and ability to relate to people of different class, racial, and cultural backgrounds

• Effectiveness in conflict resolution

• Dependability in following through on commitments

Do you have any concerns about the applicant's ability to perform the role described above?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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