Buena Semilla is a Grassroots Collective based in Guatemala that supports marginalized Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and their communities in their quest to reclaim their voice, wellbeing, self-authority and self-determination.
In fragile contexts heavily marked by colonialism, conflict, and gender-based violence, our safe, transformational spaces catalyze the reweaving of a broken social & cultural fabric and reframe historically disempowered individuals and collectives as agents of change in their lives, families, and communities.
TOGETHER WE RISE
JUNTAS NOS LEVANTAMOS
Mission
Our mission is to co-create transformational spaces where historically oppressed individuals & collectives may remember who they are, heal, dream, and together reweave the fabric of their lives and communities.
Vision
We envision a world where everyone’s voice counts. Where today’s oppressed peoples are liberated and able to live full lives free of violence. Where we move beyond polarities of North & South, resource-rich & resource-poor, above & below, and allow ourselves to stand side-by-side in a reciprocal flow of knowledge & wisdom, of giving & receiving, for the better of all of life.
Values
We believe in the power of the community to collectively heal wounds, overcome adversity, envision new realities, and create transformational change.
Collaboration || Inclusion || Right Relationship || Reciprocity || Non-Linearity || Circular Leadership || Cultural Safety || Integrity || Respect || Accountability || Self-Determination
Get Involved
Buena Semilla is a living example of flipping positions of power upsidedown to create more equitable structures for those with less privilege to reclaim sovereignty.
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“Thanks to the Women's Circles of Buena Semilla I have learned to see my problems in a different way. I used to see them as impossible to fix, but not anymore. Now I get sick less and I share this with other women."
- Miriam Méndez || Buena Semilla co-founder & Circle leader since 2014
"Working with women is so powerful. It transforms the whole world through the strength of these women."
- Dolores Quievac Sapalú || Local coordinator & Circle leader since 2017
"The work of these tireless women is admirable. They seek to give the most beautiful things in the world: their expression & their talent. These are women of struggle and courage, admirable in their entirety."
- Miguel Vásquez || Supporter