DEVELOPMENT OF GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS FOR WOMEN An Exchange Program for Emerging Grassroots Leaders in Nicaragua, Belize and the US

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Description: This program is for motivated young (ages 22-35) emerging grassroots leaders in Nicaragua and Belize and the U.S. who have demonstrated leadership skills, a commitment to grassroots organizations, and an interest in multicultural relationships and who are interested in or working in the areas of women's rights and empowerment, reduction of domestic violence, or trafficking in women. The goal of the program is to create joint projects between the

participants to share best practices, promote mutual understanding and address social justice issues common to all three cultures. In addition, the program will work on organizational capacity building through experiential professional development training in the U.S., Nicaragua and Belize. The benefit of an intercultural exchange

program is that it gives professionals a broader vision, one that incorporates a global consciousness with new insights and skills

that can be used to inform and expand their work. Implementing Organizations: Heartland International, a nonprofit in Chicago, Illinois in partnership with WIN Belize (Women's Issues Network), a women's rights network organization and Red Mujeres contra la violencia (Network of Women

Against Violence), a women's organization in Nicaragua. Program Period: September 2010 - September 2012 Participation Requires: Online dialogue with other participants in the United States and Nicaragua and Belize Participation, as available, in a three week capacity building training program in Chicago in October, 2011 Developing and implementing a joint project with the international participants to be implemented throughout the program period Remaining engaged and active throughout the program period stated above Participating as a program alumnus after the program ends Training will be provided to the program participants on: Organizational Development, Leadership Skills, Project

Evaluation and Assessment, Fund Raising and Volunteer Management, Communication and Technology, Multicultural Cooperation and Diversity Travel and Training Costs: All participant travel and training costs will be paid for by the U.S. Department of State and other

funding sources, as available. For more information and an application: Go to www.winbelize.org or

www.heartlandinternational.org

Contact: Florence Goldson at Florence.winbelize@gmail.com; 227-1069

APPLICATION ARE DUE BY JANUARY 7, 2011

WIN-Belize and Heartland International are seeking a diverse pool of program participants and do not discriminate on the basis of

race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, medical condition, citizenship,

ancestry, or marital status. All interested and qualified persons are encouraged to apply.

HEARTLAND INTERNATIONAL

Funded by the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE