#2Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence (BTS) Network 2026 Annual Gathering Copy

Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence (BTS) Network 2026 Annual Gathering
ROOTED IN RESISTANCE, CONTINUING OUR SOLIDARITY

BTS is incredibly privileged to have, as  our 2026 Guatemalan guest, exiled Judge Miguel Angel Gálvez, presently based in Costa Rica and a Fellow of the Guatemalan Human Rights Commission in Washington. Judge Gálvez is recognized for his leadership and courage as a judge who presided over cases that were key to fighting for democracy, judicial independence and against impunity in Guatemala. 

Judge Gálvez has ruled on charges against former dictators, sitting presidents, death squad operators, oligarchs and drug cartels. Notably, he served as an investigating judge against former military leader and dictator José Efraín Ríos Montt, who became the first former head of state to be convicted of genocide by a domestic court; and ordered the arrest of former president Otto Pérez Molin, who is being tried on corruption charges related to a major customs fraud scam.

In November 2022, he was forced to flee into exile. After four years in exile, he is courageously putting his name forward to serve as a judge of the Constitutional Court, the highest court of Guatemala.

We are delighted that BTS’s Guatemala Coordinator, Javier López; Cooperant and Intern Program Coordinator, Martha Schmitz; and Maritimes Coordinator, Arturo Ezquerro-Cañete, will be with us. Along with Judge Gálvez, they will update us on this critical and conflictual period in Guatemala, where it is hoped that the present corrupt Attorney-General, Claudio Porras, will be removed from her post.

Our present Cooperant at the New Hope Foundation, Meara Donovan, will Zoom from Rabinal to share her experience at the New Hope High School. We will meet online our new Interns who head to Guatemala in August.

As always, we’ll have time for community building and a Saturday night fiesta! Please start to think about your contributions to our Silent Auction too!

For more than three decades, the Annual Gathering has been fundamental to building and sustaining BTS solidarity. This year, we hope to have as many BTS members and supporters attend as possible. Your presence matters — so please come to reconnect, build new relationships, learn about Guatemalan struggles, and be inspired by ongoing support and action.

Not spending the night with us? Use these links to register for Day Passes and the Free Friday Evening Public Talk

Click on this link to get your Day Passes.

Day Pass Information & Registration

Click on this link to register for the Free Friday Evening Public Talk
by Judge Miguel Angel Gálvez, 

Friday Evening Public Talk

Who May Attend

All events are open to anyone!

DDL gatherings are sustained by helping hands

This event will include a small contribution of your time to help support daily operations — we call this rota.

• Dishes
• Food Prep
• Child care
• Your strengths and availability will be considered when creating the schedule
• If you have physical limitations that may affect your ability to participate, note this in the registration form and we’ll accommodate you

Cost

Click on the Weekend Package Information & Registration button to create your weekend package.

Packages include onsite meals, Friday and Saturday lodging, entry to the BTS event, and the Saturday Night Siesta

You will have the option to pay in full or place a 30% deposit to hold your spot.

Generosity Policy

We understand the reality of financial barriers. That’s why we offer bursaries to help lower program costs. Throughout the year, our dedicated volunteers sell BTS coffee and Guatemalan crafts to ensure that everyone who supports BTS can attend our Annual Gathering. Please do not stay away because of a lack of funds! We need you! If you can afford to, it’s helpful that you contribute all or a portion of the cost.

As always, child care will be coordinated. We will have some people committed to child care for the duration of the AG. To cut back on costs, we will be asking parents to assist with child care for one or two sessions so that all can participate. Feel free to request a bursary as compensation if you’re willing to take on some child care!

You will have to opportunity to request a bursary at registration. Single occupancy for any lodging choice may only request up to a 50% off their registration.

BTS-bursary50

BTS-bursary100

BTS-bursary150

BTS-bursary250

BTS-bursary320

Other Useful Links

Registration and Cancellation Policy

What to Bring & Transportation