Women's Circles (CMA):

A.M.A. was created to foster mutual support among women with different education levels, economic standing, language, ethnicity, religion and civil status. Our mission is to empower women through cooperative action, because we believe that the best way to harvest their potential is by creating opportunities. We don’t see our work as a job, but rather as a calling to encourage social participation and awareness.

Hilda Chanchavac: Community leader responsible for facilitating women’s educational programs in the following communities:
1. Espumpujá, San Juan Ostuncalco
2. Xeabaj, Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán, Sololá
3. Tierra Colorada Alta y Chuicavioc, Valle de Palajunoj
4. La Estancia, Cantel.
Weekly community visits covering five major themes:
1. Self-esteem
2. Education
3. Health
4. Small business development and micro credits
5. Civic participation

Women with entrepreneurial initiative to start their own businesses:
• In Xeabaj, there are currently 20 women that manufacture scarves.
• In Xeabaj, there are currently 8 women that manufacture material for hand bags.
• In Cantel, there are currently 11 women that manufacture scarves.
• In Chuicavioc, there are currently 5 women that manufacture skirts.
• In Espumpujá, there are currently 6 women that manufacture ponchos.

Other ways that the women benefit from their involvement with AMA: oImproved emotional health from active participation, having fun, relaxing, forgetting about their problems for a day, and learning new things!

o Getting to know their true selves.

o Growing into leaders.

EDUCATING WOMEN THROUGH ART:
Through art the women have developed a sense of sisterhood camaraderie as well as a newly discovered confidence in expressing themselves and being listened to.

Women's meetings :
Over the years, the weekly community gatherings have adapted the following format:
o Welcome presentations
o Time to share thoughts, feelings and emotions
o Prayer
o Ice breaker
o Training covering daily theme(s)
o Snack/Lunch