DINING FOR WOMEN 2014. PRELIMINAR

WALKING TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
Accomplished by funding from Dining for Women;
Together, with support from Maya Educational Foundation
June 2014

Executive Summary
As planned from the inception, Oxlajuj B'atz' came under the control of the
indigenous women members. The women, whose eight internal
cooperatives are represented by the umbrella organization, have long
received trainings in various arts and crafts. However, given the profound
structural change, they needed assistance in taking the first steps in
networking their communities and, also, in exploring how to bring their
goods to global markets.
For women, especially massively illiterate women, to enter the world of
commerce requires a temerity they do not possess. So, at the outset of
2014, the way to "Walk towards Sustainability" appeared neither clear nor
easy. They chose to focus on strengthening the organization's leadership
circles and to approach business management poco a poco. With this
unique entrepreneurial spirit, both efforts succeeded: 11 elected members
and staff produced an actionable business plan and operations guidelines
for the store.
In six months, a core group of members, elected for the task, has assumed
responsibility for transmitting the expanding knowledge bases of
democratic and business processes. Both skills are key to running this
authentic, home grown, fragile Fair Trade operation.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Casa Kaqchikel, Calle 14 de Febrero,
Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
Website: www.oxlajujbatz.org.gt
FULFILLED ACTIVITIES
OBJECTIVE 1: To implement a sustainable membership plan including workshops for
the development and strengthening the organizational abilities of members.
A.1.1. Membership Plan and Integration of Groups of Artisans into the General Assembly:
A Step in Defining a Sustainable Participation Strategy.
Membership Plan: “Walking towards
Sustainability" requirements were
reviewed, actualized and, so, the annual
membership plan was redefined. It sets
forth the commitments and benefits
that the women will actualize, going
forward.
At the end of June, there will be more
community visits to confirm and
demonstrate the promises and benefits
of membership.
The General Membership of Oxlajuj B’atz’ convened for two days at the end of February. In that
meeting, the directive leadership of the association convened the women legally associated with
OB, in order to provide them with narratives and financial reports on the projects and programs
carried out in the year 2013. Promoting working democracy in the General Assembly of OB
concluded the 28th of
February when the
membership plan was
approved. At this
meeting, each woman
agreed to assume
ownership of the
structures and
processes that lead to
the sustainability
within the
organization Team
OB, in conjunction
with the directorial
group, presented the
activities in the areas
of: Democracy and the Development of Groups, programming of Young Mayan Women Artisans,
Health and Well-Being, a Fair Trade Store, Craftsmanship and Product Development, and the

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
Women’s Center. Included, herewith, is the report so that the donors are aware of what is
occurring, the value of donations for the programs for the years 2013 and 2014. In the Assembly,
there was active participation by 21 female representatives of the fifteen (8 internal/ 7 external)
groups associated with OB. They came to learn about the activities that had taken place, what had
been expended, received, donated, the state of projects and what to expect in the future.
The pace quickened
when the women
from the Assembly
exercised their
democratic
leadership in
making decisions
about various
aspects about the
organization,
among these were
the modification of
OB’s organizational
structure, changes
in workplace
conditions and
plans for work.
Action Plans were
drafted based on
the availability of funds and the proposed and necessary reduction of expenses during 2014.
Since the convocation of the Assembly up to the present, the women are making strides towards
installing more democratic processes to improve their association. These processes aim at
promoting participation among the women of the General Assembly in the activities in both the
Center and their communities in order to make general leadership more transparent and
cooperation easier. The women are coming to exercise their collective voice and to cherish their
right to vote on organizational activities and strategic decisions.
The women are satisfied and comment: “Now that we know more about OB, we feel confident
and no longer fear asking questions because we are part of everything.” With this quote, the
objectives of the association are being achieved.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
A.1.2. Training Plan and Strengthening of the General Assembly:
Leadership Workshops, Administration, and Product Development.
In the area of strengthening the women’s leadership within the General Assembly, a series of
workshops were held in the Women’s Center. They were presented as tools of empowerment,
utilizing a participative methodology, education for adults, i.e., “learning by doing.” Each event
was given in the mother tongue of the visiting group. Following are the details:
Workshop on the processes of production:
duration of 2 days (27 and 28 of March) with
the participation of 17 women. See the link:
http://www.slideshare.net/Oxlajuj/capacitacin-procesos-de-
produccin
The women were instructed how to identify
the characteristics of products -
distinguishing popular from exclusive
markets. They applied models and tools for
analysing strategic business ideas and
redefined the mission and vision of the social
businesses of OB. In this conversation, they
discussed quality standards for each product line and, in the end, fully understood their
importance. Inventory systems, including codes and hang tags, were improved and the process of
delivering and tracking products in and out of the OB store was streamlined.
In this interactive workshop, the women collectively discussed the steps to producing high quality
products for the exclusive fair trade markets and the mechanics of store management. They found
a weakness in the system of product registration.
See link: http://didreyfus.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/oxlajuj-batz-hosts-marketing-workshop-for-cooperatives/
Train the Trainer workshop minted eight instructors in for community workshops:
The workshop was held on May 8, 2014. Eleven representatives and leaders from their
communities participated in order to form the workshop which examines production processes for
the different markets.
In this workshop, the leaders went over their knowledge of production and were also given a
formation on how to design and deliver training. They named the characteristics of a good
instructor and were taught how to step through delivery. The structure recommended included
giving an introduction and instigating motivation activities, refining analysis in a group, promoting
group work and structuring schedules and blending teaching methodologies to make a creative
and participatory community workshop meaningful. As an added benefit, the workshop facilitated
the women in learning how to share (and value) their experiences in a group setting.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
See link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=681813881854668&set=pcb.681814595187930&type=1&theater
The result of this workshop was that the women gained confidence in their ability to present and
some knowledge of the skills needed for effective workshop leadership. Meanwhile they
elaborated on the more commercial aspects of the workshop concentrating on the following
topics: types of markets, product lines, and registry formats to ensure product delivery, and
continuously honed inventory control and store management responsibilities.
Workshop with “SI PLAN” developed business plan: A technical expert from the Canadian NGO,
Prosol (Project of Economic, Rural Development from Solola) made an initial site visit on May 9 to
assist in producing a plan for the store. This was ultimately accomplished in several visits with the
participation of twelve women, representing communities, and with the technical team of Oxlajuj
B’atz '.
During the process, the women were walked
through business planning and given
instruction on how to use the NGO’s
proprietary software to elaborate future
business plans and reports called SI PLAN
(YES PLAN). It is designed to incorporate
changing business objectives, determine
which products are selling, perform market
analysis (considering products, services,
clients, competence, selling strategies,
estimate seasonal demand, market prices
and perform market projections. The
activity resulted in a 3 year production plan,
advocating new fixed investments, estimating employee demand. Also produced were an
organizational plan, a financial indicator plan, a balance sheet, guidelines for the manner in which
the environment is cared for by the business, steps to gender equality, and the identification of
specific needs of support. Moreover, based on this plan, the women decided to move their store
to a more commercial area.
See link: http://oxlajujbatz.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/mayan-women-oxlajuj-batz-develop-their-business-plan/
Production and Administration of the
Fair Trade Store: From the first
through the fourth of April, OB
presented a workshop, utilizing the
methodology “Learn by Doing.”
During this time, the women put into
practice the knowledge acquired in
the prior workshops. Sadly, after the
first inventory was taken, there was
much distess over losses. So, of
necessity, special attention is given to
the controlling the egress and ingress
of products. (There was discussion of

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
how to finance theft, loss and damage insurance.)To complete the activity, the women elected a
new store administrator to ensure that store has better product control using the system of
inventory, codes, and prices.
In this same direction, they concentrated on keeping books - a formal registry of production - and
began to investigate better ways of exhibiting and hanging goods. They used color palettes,
invented style numbering, and studied how to process payments for products. They also defined
their own notions of of an exclusive store, how to innovate for that and were walked through the
steps required for the payment of taxes, setting up systems of organization and, finally, how to
take action on sales strategies and enhance commercialization of their brand.
These big steps were taken with the participation of eleven women representatives from the
groups; two women from Chimaltenango - Ranm Ixoqi’ , three from Patanatic - Las Roses; two
women from Sololá - Waqxaqi’ Kan, one from the group of Chuwilá from Chichicastenango, one
from the group of Maya Quiché de Totonicapán, one from Nuevo Amanecer from Suchitepéquez
and another from la Esperanza from Sololá.
The activity set forth nine mechanisms for administering the store and invited the women to
maintain records within their groups. To this end, individuals were given folders to track their
own production. In the process, groups selected their best quality products to continue and are
eliminating the lesser quality products. There were new product presentations in the store, new
prices set, fresh internal formats agreed upon within groups.
After the effective lessons the women said:
“We are very happy to know all that happens in the store and how to manage a store”
“Now I know how many products I have and for how much they are sold.”
“I feel a certain confidence when I enter the store, I no longer am afraid and am sincerely happy”
“Thanks to our donors, which has helped us so much with their support.”
“Now we are administering our own store.”

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
A.1.3. Community Visits and Replications
During the months of May and June the workshops were carried out, in seven of the communities,
achieving the training of 70 Mayan women from the rural areas of Guatemala, the box below
details the information.
Department Group No. Participants
Chimaltenango Ram Ixoqi’ 15
Quiché Chuwilá 8
Totonicapán Maya Kiché 11
Suchitepéquez Nuevo Amanecer 5
Sololá Waqxaqi’ Kan 12
Sololá Morales – Esperanza 7
Sololá Patanatic – Las Rosas 12
Total 7 groups 70 women
The women learned about the types of markets and actively participated by defining the market
for which they would like to produce -- always with the end design of generating their own income
to benefit their families. They are especially focused on providing opportunities for their children
that they themselves lacked. Their acute priority is making the way for their daughters and sons to
attend school.
See link: http://oxlajujbatz.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/oxlajuj-batz-dinamica-de-motivacion-mayo-2014/
They discussed the importance of sound group organization in determining and achieving common
objectives, standards of quality of the products, codes, tags, innovation, creativity, systems of
control for marketing each artisan’s products. They are still developing ways to increase product
sales, seeking better forms of administering the store, and creating standards for the high quality
required to enter more exclusive markets.
It is important to highlight the role
of the women leaders who have
developed since last year and
during this year. They are now
facilitating workshops in their own
and other communities. They are
exercising their leadership and
participating in activities not
traditionally open to women
(including becoming active in
Disaster Preparedness and
exploring other roles in civil
society.) In short, they are breaking
the bonds of gender and stereotypes on behalf of their fellow women. This activity motivates the
women to feel comfortable in ordinary situations. They believe that they have a real opportunity
to carry on development and strength of the trainings of other women, it is a manner of leaving
the training installed in the communities.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
See link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2ZLgx6uixc&feature=youtu.be

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
OBJECTIVE 2: Development of Activities to Generate Funds for the Social Enterprise of
OB: Promotion of the Mayan Women and Fair Trade Store.
A.2.1. Celebration of March 8--International Woman’s Day
Preparations: At the end of February and
the beginning of March, preparations were
achieved with the support of 5 female
artisans, being the first time they
participated in the planning, organization,
and the execution of the activity.
See link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=652086554827401&set=pcb.652088418160548&type=1&theater
It was agreed that a walk called “Peace for Women” would be carried out in conjunction with an
exhibit. We also obtained a permit to sell products in the street with the most tourist traffic.
Opening Meditation: Thirty Mayan women, representing the distinct groups of artisans from the
six departments of Guatemala, participated in a meditation which centered on giving thanks and
asking for life and wellbeing of women, and calling for a world without violence, inequality, and
discrimination.
“Peace For Women” Parade Passed through
the main streets of Panajachel, to spread the
word in the community about International
Women’s Day and to motivate men and
women to work toward equality and equity.
A mobile loudspeaker was passed around the
march route in Panajachel. Six foreign
volunteers (5 women and 1 man) contributed
to the event by translating in French and in
English. Women from the groups translated in
Kaqchikel, K’iche, and Spanish to ensure that
the women’s message reached everyone
within earshot.
The women handed out flyers as they took to the street to promote the store and invite people to
the exhibition of products and to see the backstrap weaving classes. These activities were also
promoted over commercial radio and at a local restaurant.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
Exposition and Sale of Products: All of
OB’s groups set up booths in a prime
location to sell their fair trade products.
The sale was very successful for the
artisans due to the location and due to
the fact that it was a Saturday and the
activities caught the attention of many
foreign tourists.
The result of this activity: promotion of women’s rights and OB as an organization, established
contacts with potential clients from Israel, Europe, and the United States many of whom made
purchases and expressed interest in representing products, and setting up tours to the
communities.
Seelink:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.653231158046274.1073741839.201361413233253&type=1
On April 29 2014 OB was invited to give a talk at the Rainbow Cafe “NGO Night.” Staff traveled to
Antigua, Guatemala to promote the mission, vision, programs, dreams of the women artisans and
the demonstrate products of the fair trade store.
See link:http://oxlajujbatz.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/29-de-abril-charla-con-rainbow-cafe-en-antigua-guatemala/
See link:http://oxlajujbatz.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/gracias-y-thanks-a-cafe-arcoiris-rainbow-cafe/

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
A.2.4. Product Diversification
As the artisans became more involved, they seek to diversify and create more elegant product
lines to raise the store’s overall quality, to equal an exclusive store.
The group from Patanatic, Las Rosas, is improving their greeting card designs. They are integrating
embroidered animal figures and nahuales from the Mayan Calendar on stationery. These cards
include the meaning behind the figures, come in different sizes and will come with an envelope.
The group from Totonicapán, Maya Quiche, is creating animals made from scrap fabric and
crochet. These products are not up to OBs standard of quality yet. These artisans are also working
on developing a line of scarves for kids. This month eleven of the women received a workshop on
making scarves for children using naturally dyed cotton. As part of the workshop, they were
provided with samples and the necessary starter supplies of thread and needles.
Maya Kiché was motivated by the workshop and will be continuing with follow up workshops on
crochet and jewelry making. This is planned so that the group to be able to increase their sales.
The group from Suchitepéquez, Nuevo Amanecer, set a goal of improving their chocolate products.
They are currently looking for new ways of packaging and presenting their products. They have
also expressed interest in sewing classes. Nuevo Amanecer is a creative group with dreams of
bettering themselves through their participation in the activities of OB.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
A.2.5. Promotion of the Cultural Center and the Fair Trade Store
Integration of the women in the management of the Fair Trade Store: at the end of January, Dorfa
from Las Rosas and Elva from Ranm Ixoqi’ became members of Team OB to help with the
management of the store. This involved the merchandising processes detailed above. In April, 11,
women from the communities received training about the new store management system. These
representatives make most of the decisions regarding the store themselves. Delegating leaders is an
important step in the process of making the store a sustainable business. The positive outcome of
this training is that the artisans are now the administrators of their store.
In the past two months we have promoted tours to the communities and weaving lessons in the
cultural center, both of which have potential to generate further income for OB.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
A.2.6. Monitoring and Ongoing Evaluation
Evaluation of activities is ordinarily completed by the person in charge of or assigned to the
activity. The monitoring form is filled out and archived. Activities are also structured and guided
by the use of: methodological guides, attendance lists, minutes of activities and photographs.
The community facilitators also manage a field notebook, where they record the activities and
results. Our facilitators also perform dynamic evaluations with the women at the close of each
workshop, visit and commemorative activity. In fact, the activity descriptions in this report come
directly from OB’s in house monitoring and evaluation reports.
Accomplishments Reached and Impacts Realized
Active participation of the women as leaders in activities in their communities and as
empowered decision makers in. As subjects of their own development, defined from
their own needs, the women continue to be empowered to learn about themselves
and the world they live in.
Enhanced leadership and self-empowerment abilities by the women, especially with
regard to management of the store, processes of production and decision-making
about OB as an organization. This is thanks to the workshops, technical assistance and
productive activities.
Generating employment and income opportunities for women through productive
activities and marketing of products in the fair trade shop, which is currently
administered by the women themselves as a contribution to their economic
autonomy?
Oxlajuj B’atz’ achieved its goal of "integrating the artisans in favor of the common
good of the women, for their welfare and that of their families,” as all of the women
have been involved in this ongoing process of integration.
The main impact is that the women are leaders, protagonists of their own
development, who are leaving their fears of speaking in public and of leaving their
homes behind them and defending their dreams and their rights.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
COMPLIANCE WITH OBJECTIVES AND CHANGES GENERATED
OBJECTIVE1: Implementating a Membership Plan Including Training Processes for
Development of Organizational Skills
We have met our goal of integrating the women in the administrative work of the organization,
establishing solid organizational bases, and they are members and protagonists in the process of
the empowerment of more women.
The main change in the women is that they are no longer just beneficiaries, but are now active
facilitators and leaders in their communities and other communities.
Strengthened the skills and capabilities of the women of managing their business in the fair trade
market.
OBJECTIVE 2: Development of New and Existing Initiatives to Generate Income for OB’s Social
Enterprise
The women actively participated in the formation of a three year business plan, product
innovation for an exclusive store, and investigation of new markets for sustainability.
Workshops and personalized technical assistance for all groups for the creation of new products
and the improvement of those existing.
CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES IN PERFORMANCE
It is important that the women integrate at their own pace, which means that this is a long term
process.
Democratic decisions are best, and according to the experiences in this six month period, these
decisions are also time consuming because they require that the leaders are all in consensus.
When decisions are urgent, this can be an issue.
The business is an opportunity to generate sustainable income, currently this objective has not
been met, due to a decrease in tourism in Guatemala which has led to a general decline in the sale
of artisan handicrafts. Other factors, such as the lack of resources and production capabilities
needed for meeting the demands of an exclusive, competitive, demanding market. These factors
are challenges that we aim to address in this upcoming period.

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
SCHEDULE COMPLETION
In this semester, the majority of the scheduled activities were executed within the time stipulated.
As can be seen in the schedule, community visits and workshops with each group and several
other activities are planned for the six upcoming months. 6
PROGRAM FINANCING
Este es el segundo año de financiación con un monto de $.15, 000.00 anual, para la ejecución del
proyecto.
Las fuentes de financiación declaradas continúan como inicialmente fueron planificadas. En este
año se ha ejecutado $.9, 304.22 anuales con un saldo de 5,695.78 para el siguiente semestre.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Salaries & Benefits x x x x x x x x x x x x
PROGRAM SERVICES & SUPPLIES
x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x
x x x x x
In-Center member workshops, trainings & meetings (9
workshops)
In-Center group mentoring, exchanges of ideas & experiences
(2 exchanges)
In-Community workshops (9 months, 10 community visits
each month)
International Women's Day Exhibition and Annual Leadership
Assembly (1 event)
International Day of the World's Indigenous People Annual
Cultural Event (1 event)
Member tours to museums & local exclusive stores in Antigua
and Guatemala (2 trips)
Execution Plan
x
New Product Development: Market niche, diversity and
expansion of product offerings (12 months, 6 visits each
month)
Mid year & End year Evaluations (2 months, 13 visits each
month)
x x x x x x x
x x x x xx
x x x
x
x x x
x x
x x
x x
x

Oxlajuj B’atz’
Tel/Fax: 7762-6245
EXPENSE REPORT
Fecha de ingreso de la subvención Enero 2,014
1. Overall Summary
RESUMEN GENERAL
Dólares
Subvención total aprobada
$
15,000.00
Informe presentado $
9,304.22
Saldo
$
5,695.78
2. Ratio of funds transferred
Relación de fondos transferidos
Date
Currency amount
equivalent
Amount
received in Q.
Exchange rate
Fecha
Monto equivalente
divisa $
Monto recibido
en Q.
Tipo de cambio
01-01-14 $ 15,000.00 0.000
01-01-14 $ 9,304.04 Q 71,361.99 7.670
Total
Q
71,361.99
7.670
Comparación entre gastos previstos y ejecutados
Concept Provided Executed
Accumulated
executed
Deviation
Concepto
Previsto
(dólares)
Ejecutado
(dólares)
Ejecutado
acumulado (dólares) Desviación
1. Gastos de Personal
$
1,677.00
$
1,853.14
$
1,853.14
$ -
176.14
2. Programa de Servicios y
Suministros
$
13,323.00
$
7,451.08
$
9,304.22
$
5,871.92
Total
$
15,000.00
$
9,304.22
$
9,304.22
$
5,695.78
PHOTO DOSSIER. See document link http://www.slideshare.net/Oxlajuj/photo-journal-2014

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