Cultural Survival’s sister organization, Asociación Sobrevivencia Cultural, in Guatemala works with our various networks of community radios to promote Indigenous rights. The team’s constant presence has helped to foster empowerment and support for the community radio movement. Asociación Sobrevivencia Cultural is working towards sustainability, taking a major step by hiring its executive director, who will continue to strengthen the structure of this young organization.
Antonio Gonzalez Chavez has worked over the past years with Asociación Mujb’ ab’l yol coordinating workshops and the various networks of community radios around the country. He has vast experience in the community radio movement and in the social-political movements in Guatemala. Antonio worked as a program assistant starting in 2005 for the National Youth Council (CONJUVE). In 2008, he worked as the regional coordinator for NIMD, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, in building the "Agenda for Political Participation of Indigenous Peoples." Antonio also participated in the series of seminars, "Alterative Communication for Democracy," hosted by FLACSO Guatemala in 2012. Antonio speak Spanish, Quiche and English; his wide professional experience also makes him the perfect candidate for the position of Executive Director for Asociación Sobrevivencia Cultural in Guatemala.
Antonio stated, “Community radio stations represent an alternative for rescuing and preserving our culture, preserving the Mayan languages, and strengthening our identity, and they are the most effective means of promoting democracy in this country. This is an opportunity [for me] to support and strengthen the movement for the democratization of radio frequencies.” Antonio will work on strengthening the community radio networks already established and ensuring the sustainability of the organization.
We are eager to see Asociación Sobrevivencia Cultural’s newest team member, Antonio Gonzalez Chavez, continue the work of so many in fostering and legalizing community radio in Guatemala. We enthusiastically welcome Antonio to the team!
