Two PICO Delegations Visited COFOA Leaders and Communities in El Salvador and Guatemala in 2012

In August, eight PICO USA staff and leaders shared an intensive two-week immersion in PICO Central America’s work in Guatemala and El Salvador.  They met with leaders, church representatives (including bishops in both countries) and public officials, and witnessed the work of Local Organizing Committees firsthand in Antigua, Guatemala and the Diocese of Zacatecoluca, El Salvador.

In October, a delegation representing the PICO National Board of Directors, including Father Michael Mandala, Father John Baumann, Hank Goldstein, Jose Debasa and his wife Pauline visited COFOA staff, clergy and leaders in El Salvador and Guatemala.

All delegations received a warm welcome and had opportunities to visit numerous Local Organizing Committees, hear testimony from COFOA leaders and clergy, and learn about the depth of the problems that COFOA leaders are tackling, including safety/violence, health access, transportation, economic development, and resources for youth. COFOA leaders shared that they were amazed that they could have meetings with public officials and get the changes that are needed in their communities. PICO staff who participated in the August delegation commented on the deep level of ownership they observed by leaders in the local organizations of COFOA.  They found their commitment inspiring, and were struck by the similarities with the work they are doing in the United States.