GSN Updates: Week of February 27, 2017

bit.ly/GSNnews04

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Guatemalan Scholars Network (GSN) is seeking proposals 2

Violence and Crime in Latin America: Representations and Politics 3
Illustrative video of the book, "Rosa's Children" 3
Applying systems thinking approaches to redress inequities in indigenous health 4
Looking for a Calchiteco speaker to help with a juvenile immigration case 4
CYTED - Convocatoria a Redes Temticas 5
UNESCO Book Project 5
Need of Guatemala Expert with Expertise in Indigenous Farm Workers 7
Cultural Expert for Guatemalan Client 8
En bsqueda de antropologos, sociologos o lingistas 9
Noticias de Guatemala 10
Sobre tocar fondo 10
Drug Charges Against Ex-Guatemala Officials are Tip of the Iceberg 11
Denuncian masiva matanza de perros en San Marcos La Laguna, Solol 12
Renew your membership 12
Results of the survey 13
Did you miss the last newsletter? 14
Submitting posts for the next newsletter 14

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Guatemalan Scholars Network (GSN) is seeking proposals

Guatemala Scholars Network

CALL FOR PAPERS
Fourth Biannual Summer Conference
Antigua and Guatemala City, Guatemala
July 13-15, 2017

The Guatemalan Scholars Network (GSN) is seeking proposals for discussion-based

Invited Sessions and Workshops for this years summer conference in Guatemala. The
conference chairs seek to highlight the organizations mission of serving as an academic
and scholarly network that brings people together across disciplines, institutions, and
nations. To that end, we encourage proposals that feature scholars and students working
across a range of disciplines as well as activists and practitioners. We are particularly
interested in proposals that address historical and contemporary political and legal
processes in Guatemala, environmental issues and questions concerning nature, and
topics related to health and medicine.

If you would like to propose a topic for an Invited Session or Workshop, or if you would
like more information, please contact conference chairs Tatiana Paz Lemus
(tpaz@uvg.edu.gt) and Kedron Thomas (kthomas24@wustl.edu).

Graduate students and young scholars who are currently conducting fieldwork in
Guatemala or writing up their research results are encouraged to give a 5-minute abstract
presentation of their work. Based on the high demand we have had at the previous
conferences, the twenty spaces available for such presentations will be filled on a
first-come, first-served basis.

GSN membership, Conference Pre-registration and Registration:

Registration information can be found here:
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/gsn/

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Pre-registration will open March 15 and close June 15. You must be current on your 2017
dues in order to pre-register for the conference.
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Violence and Crime in Latin America: Representations and Politics

Coedited by David Carey Jr. and Gema Santamara, Violence and Crime in Latin
America: Representations and Politics (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2017)
contends that perceptions and representations of violence and crime (not just the acts
themselves) create profound consequences for the political and social fabric of Latin
American nations. Analytically and historically, these essays show how Latin American
citizens have sanctioned criminal and violent practices and incorporated them into social
relations, everyday practices, and institutional settings. At the same time, the authors
explore the power struggles that inform distinctions between illegitimate versus
legitimate violence. In its historical depth and ethnographic reach, this original and
thought-provoking volume enhances our understanding of crime and violence throughout
the Western Hemisphere.

To download more information go to:

https://www.scribd.com/document/340484239/Coedited-by-David-Carey-Jr-and-Gema-S
antamaria-Violence-and-Crime-in-Latin-America-Representations-and-Politics
__________________________________________________________________

Illustrative video of the book, "Rosa's Children"

Written by Laurie Levinger based on a real-life story (The Sons of Rosa) of Santa Mara
Nebaj, Quich Guatemala, you can watch the illustrative video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cW5p5LoFJQ&feature=youtu.be

You can also contribute by making a tax deductible donation:

https://www.paypal.me/rosaschildren

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Applying systems thinking approaches to redress inequities in indigenous
health
Shared by Alison Hernandez

I am a researcher at the Center for the Study of Equity and Governance in Health Systems
(CEGSS) in Guatemala. We have a new commentary published on applying systems
thinking approaches to redress inequities in indigenous health, with examples from our
work supporting citizen-led accountability initiatives in rural municipalities. Thought it
might be of interest for the network:
http://equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-017-0521-2

________________________________________________________________________

Looking for a Calchiteco speaker to help with a juvenile immigration case

I am an attorney at the law firm of Hogan Lovells, and my colleague, Amanda Levin, and
I have recently taken on a pro bono juvenile immigration case from a local non-profit
organization here in Denver, Colorado. Our clients are four children from Guatemala, and
their native language is Chalchiteco. While our clients speak some Spanish, we are
trying to find a Chalchiteco interpreter so that we can better communicate with them.

We greatly appreciate any assistance you can offer! Please contact: Alison K. Toivola,
Alison.Toivola@hoganlovells.com

Alison K. Toivola
Associate
Hogan Lovells US LLP
1601 Wewatta Street, Suite 900
Denver, CO 80202
Tel: +1 303 899 7300
Direct: +1 303 899 7346
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CYTED - Convocatoria a Redes Temticas
El Programa CYTED tiene abierta desde el 15 de febrero la convocatoria 2017 para la
presentacin a Redes Temticas, a proyectos en Temas Estratgicos y a Foros CYTED
que se pondrn en funcionamiento en el ao 2018. En el caso de las Redes Temticas el
financiamiento previsto ser de al menos 14 redes con financiacin de hasta cuatro aos
cada una. La convocatoria en este caso permanecer abierta hasta el prximo 27 de abril.
Para los Foros CYTED Empresa/Academia y Proyectos en Temas Estratgicos la
convocatoria permanecer abierta hasta el 11 de mayo. La evaluacin se desarrollar a
travs de evaluacin por expertos con la revisin de los Comits de rea.

En los archivos adjuntos se puede acceder a los objetivos y los criterios particulares de
cada una de las lneas: http://www.cyted.org/es/convocatoria2017

Contacto:
Nancy Carrillo de Valle
Jefe de Centro de Informacion y Documentacion
Secretara Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologa
ncarrillo@concyt.gob.gt | www.senacyt.concyt.gob.gt
(502) 2317-2600 Ext. 166
3a. Avenida 13-28 zona 1, Guatemala, C.A.
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UNESCO Book Project

La UNESCO publicar un libro sobre los impactos de las inundaciones en la calidad del agua.
Buscan algunos expertos en este tema, si alguno de ustedes est interesado en publicar o sabe de
alguien que pudiera estar interesado pueden escribirme para ponerlos en contacto con los
editores. Adjunto documento recibido con la idea del libro. Saludos!

Karinn Sandoval
Gestin y Vinculacin IIQB

Book Proposal

Impact of urban floodingon water quality

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Introduction and rational

This document presents a book proposal within the International Hydrology Series of UNESCO,
to Cambridge University Press. The proposal is titledImpact of urban flooding on water
quality and the content will focus on the link between extreme rain events and flooding,
urbanization and the mobilization of pollutants.

Currently, more than half of the worlds population lives in cities or urbanized regions.
Especially in developing countries, cities are growing fast together with increasing water and
sanitation needs. At the same time, cities have a widespread impact on the hydrological cycle
inducing a complex urban water system. Together with climate change, this means that cities
become more vulnerable for extreme weather events such as droughts and floods whichput more
pressure on the urban water supply (Campbell et al., 2007; Watson, 2009).

Flooding is known as the most frequent of all natural disasters and causes widespread economic
costs, environmental degradation, material and physical damage and loss of human lives.
Therefore, integrated urban water and flood risk management have become important fields of
study for sustainable development. Most of these studies mainly focus on the causes and
consequences of urban flooding and mitigation and adaptation strategies (e.g. Barroca et al.,
2006; Lhomme et al., 2005; Rashid, 2002; Jha et al., 2011;Tucci, 2007).However, this domain
still lacks a thorough understanding of the impacts of urban flooding on the water quality.
Though, several studies demonstrate thatthis impact is significant and that the effects of water
pollution often reach much further than the area of flooding and tend to stay in the hydrological
system for longer timescales (e.g. Bays et al., 2003; Brabec et al., 2009;Cardonhaet al.,
2004;EPA, 2003; Jimnez& Rose, 2009; Lee & Bang, 2000; Marsalek et al., 2007;
Prodanoff&Mascarenhas, n.d.). Understanding the impact of urban flooding on the water quality
and providing solutions is not only a matter of adaptation, but also a matter of resilience and
sustainability.Therefore, this book will serve as an addition to the existing literature about urban
flooding and risk management, focusing on the impact of urban floodson water quality, its social
and economic implications and adaptation measurements.

The book will focus on the combination of expert knowledge and case studies from different
parts of the world. A multidisciplinary, integrated research is envisaged, including the
contribution of experts and professionals in the areas of urban water quality, water management,
flood risk management, urban engineering and planning.

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The targeted audience of this book is broad, ranging from academics and researchers in
related fields to policy makers, international organizations, NGOs and other
professionals in the water sector and management.

The book could be divided into several chapters according to the draft table of content
below:

1 Urban growth and climate change: urban water challenges and vulnerability
2 Urban flooding
3 Assessment of the urban water quality during and after flooding
4 Identify the sources of pollution during and after urban flooding
5 Integrating water quality in urban flood risk management: structural and
non-structural
6 Institutional considerations in water quality management during urban floods
7 Cases studies from North and South
8 Lessons learned and policy recommendations
_______________________________________________________________________

Need of Guatemala Expert with Expertise in Indigenous Farm Workers

We are looking for an expert with expertise in indigenous farm workers, human rights violations
of the farm owners, and the history of the indigenous Mayan group in Guatemala.

Our client is an unaccompanied minor who entered the country last year. We are hoping to have
the asylum interview within the next couple of months. Please let me know if there is anything
additional I should provide to get our request processed.

I'm reachable by email or by phone at 510-868-0633 (Monday-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm). Thanks for

your attention to this matter and for your help. Contact: Ana Luz Vazquez
<analuz@hnhimmigration.com>
_______________________________________________________________________

Cultural Expert for Guatemalan Client

Dear Dr. Garrard-Burnett: I am a 1983 LAS graduate from UT with a major in history and a
minor in sociology. I am currently a Capital Defense Attorney with the Office of the Legal
Defender in Phoenix, AZ. I have a client, Gaspar Mateo-Gaspar, who San Pedro Soloma,
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Huehuetenango, Guatemala. He is currently charged with First Degree Murder here in AZ. The
state is contemplating alleging the death penalty against him.

In order to try and present this from happening I am working on a mitigation packet with my
Mitigation Specialist which is consists of anything about my clients background and character
which might convince the state not to seek the death penalty. As such, I am interested in
consulting with a Guatemalan expert who is familiar with the contemporary Mayans from the
Western Highlands of Guatemala. His sub-culture is Qanjobal.

We want to address issues such as poverty, violence (narcos and human trafficking), the legacy
of the 30 year civil war, immigration, malnutrition, etc I noticed you published a book about
Protestantism in Guatemala. He is an evangelical Christian. This is another area we might cover.
Right now were just interested in consulting, i.e., have a telephonic discussion, perhaps you can
refer us to articles, books, etc We have funds to pay... However, depending on how the case
develops, we may want to call you (or someone you refer us to) as a trial witness. If this happens,
it wouldnt be for 3-4 years. So, hopefully youre available to consult with us as this is your area
of expertise, but if not, if you refer us to someone we prefer that he/she have a Ph.D as this is
probably better when testifying in court.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

James A. Wilson
Office of the Legal Defender
222 North Central, Suite 8100
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tel: (602) 506-8800
Fax: (602) 506-8862

Summary of need:
Office of the Legal Defender (Phoenix, AZ)
Representing client from San Pedro Soloma, Huehuetenango, Guatemala (Western
Guatemalan Highlands)
Qanjobal speaker, but also speaks Spanish
Client facing 1st Degree Murder charges with potential for death penalty
Looking for cultural expert on region to provide context regarding clients past
Expert needs at least PhD, but preference for well-established scholar to lend credibility
in the case that expert needs to provide testimony during trial
Will provide financial compensation
Contact Info - Phone: 602-6211715; Email: james.wilson@old.maricopa.gov

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En bsqueda de antropologos, sociologos o lingistas

Estoy en busqueda de antropologos, sociologos o lingistas (o algun social sciences) que est
trabajando en comunidades K'iche' (Quetzaltenango, Totonicapan, Solola) en donde la poblacin
haya sufrido conflicto armado.

Favor de contactar:
Miguel Cuj
cujpastor@hotmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Inauguracion Del Libro Los Nawales por V.J.Stanzione

_______________________________________________________________________

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Noticias de Guatemala

Sobre tocar fondo

JOS MARA MAGAA

Imgenes integradas 1

Cada da los titulares de Prensa nos inducen a pensar que hemos tocado fondo: Ligan a
proceso a ex diputado, A prisin preventiva dos sindicados en caso de asesinato de
periodistas, Cacif se opone a enmienda sobre justicia ancestral, Congreso retira
inmunidad a magistrada, Alcalde gasta 500 mil en blindado noticias que dibujan un
pas surrealista, como salido de la pluma de Miguel ngel Asturias.

Tengo 70 aos, lo que implica que llegu a la edad del uso de la razn en 1954. Las
plticas ocasionales que escuchaba de los adultos giraban en torno a las polticas y
acciones de los gobiernos de JJ. Arvalo y J. rbenz; eran fragmentadas, pues prevaleca
el estigma las paredes tienen odos. La Reforma Agraria como un alarde nacionalista en
contra de las tierras ociosas concedidas a empresas estadounidenses, as como la
construccin de la presa JurnMarinal y la carretera al Atlntico para competir con la
empresa elctrica y el ferrocarril en manos de aquellos mismos provoc, ese mismo 1954,
que la CIA impulsara un golpe de estado a manos de Carlos Castillo Armas, un pen del
anticomunista Movimiento de Liberacin Nacional. El gusto le dur poco, pues su
ambicin poltica indujo su asesinato a manos de sus patrocinadores.

Al ser abortada la Primavera Democrtica, conoc el concepto tocar fondo, pues

Guatemala entr en un perodo de convulsin poltica en el que presidentes y jefes de
Estado se sucedieron de manera irregular y gran zozobra social.

Prevalecieron los gobiernos militares que permitieron a algn civil asumir la conduccin
del pas, amarrado de pies y manos, con el agravante de una guerra interna (1960-96) de
la que se conocen delitos de lesa humanidad, con atrocidades indescriptibles. Con la
firma de la Paz Firme y Duradera, pens que aquella noche oscura haba llegado a su fin
y por lo tanto que, como pas, habamos tocado fondo, pero no fue as. El narcotrfico se

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apropi de espacios polticos, administrativos y profesionales, imponiendo una nueva era
con el auxilio de delincuentes que actan desde las crceles.

Tal estado de deterioro provoc la creacin de la Comisin Internacional contra la

Impunidad en Guatemala Cicig, en apoyo al Ministerio Pblico para coadyuvar en la
persecucin de delitos y su investigacin. En abril del 2015 sac a luz pblica la
inconmensurable red de corrupcin instalada en el Estado, que durante el gobierno de
turno fue abierta y francamente liderada por el presidente y la vicepresidente de la
Nacin, ahora encarcelados y sometidos a juicio. La poblacin urbana se volc a la Plaza
y cremos que esta vez s habamos tocado fondo.

Sin embargo, los titulares de las noticias indican lo contrario, el fondo est ms abajo.
Pisamos una realidad fangosa y al tratar de impulsarnos hacia la superficie, ms nos
hundimos. Hasta cundo?

Pues hasta cuando elijamos personas capaces para los ms importantes cargos de los tres
poderes del Estado y los empleados y funcionarios pblicos sea gente proba, que la hay.
Las excepciones hasta ahora existentes no han sido suficientes.

Drug Charges Against Ex-Guatemala Officials are Tip of the Iceberg

Source: InsightCrime'

Edgar Gutirrez spoke with elPeridico about how the relationship between organized
crime and political power has evolved in Guatemala. Gutirrez, who served as foreign
chancellor during the administration of former President Alfonso Portillo, says
Guatemala has reached a stage where politicians and organized crime mutually benefit
from one other, making the fight against corruption that much more difficult.
The US Embassy in Guatemala announced on Friday that Roxana Baldetti, the former
vice president, and Mauricio Lpez Bonilla, former interior minister, are accused of drug
trafficking by a US court and an extradition request is expected soon. Would this confirm
the rise of power of organized crime in the country?

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Denuncian masiva matanza de perros en San Marcos La Laguna, Solol
Fuente: PubliNews GT

21/02/2017

Este martes, 21 de febrero, fue un da atpico en las calles de San Marcos La Laguna,
Solol, debido a que los vecinos fueron sorprendidos con decenas de perros muertos
apilados en las calles.

El inslito hecho caus conmocin a los vecinos y malestar, debido a que no solamente
se trat de perros callejeros, sino que tambin murieron algunos que tenan hogar.
______________________________________________________________________

Renew your membership

It's That Time Again!

The GSN needs your dues! We have more than 400 folks on
the list, and we get new addresses every day. All dues go to
programming (conferences and meetings), to support the
Maya Educational Foundation, and our website. No member
or office is getting paid or receiving anything for this effort.
We have administration costs that the folks at Heifer Int'l
would be jealous of. Your dues give you access to the GSN Directory and are required to
register for the GSN Conference. Dues are $50 for non-students, $25 for students.
Individuals residing in Guatemala are not required to pay dues.

Ways to pay
1) (PREFERRED) Pay via Paypal:
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/gsn/annual-membership-dues

2) Pay by check: make check out to Guatemala Scholars Network and mail to
Avery Dickins de Girn at: PMB 351806
2301 Vanderbilt Place

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Nashville, TN 37235-1806

Have questions regarding membership? Please contact:

Avery Dickins de Girn, Ph.D.

Executive Director and Senior Lecturer, Center for Latin American Studies
Vanderbilt University
avery.dickins-degiron@vanderbilt.edu
____________________________________________________________________

Results of the survey

Thanks to everyone who filled out the GSN communication preferences survey.

Didnt get a chance to fill it out? Take five minutes to let us know your preferred way of
receiving news and information from the GSN. Fill out our survey below:
bit.ly/gsnsurvey

Here are the results of the survey from the 36 responses (visual table is attached) we
received:
https://awesome-table.com/-KbmIJAG_VMAWwp1Y61x/view
______________________________________________________________________

Did you miss the last newsletter?

See the Feb. 13, 2017 newsletter here bit.ly/GSNnews03
______________________________________________________________________

Submitting posts for the next newsletter

To submit a post to the next newsletter, please fill out this form:
http://bit.ly/GSNsubmit

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