How a game of Hot Potato built leadership skills

Tamalyn Gutierrez shares how one third grader was a great leader in a game of Hot Potato. Volunteers keep the dental clinic running. A major Sponsor challenge is underway. Read on to learn more about the latest happenings at Common Hope.

News from Guatemala

It is the little things: a game of Hot Potato, and future leaders in the making
by Tamalyn Gutierrez, Country Director and occasional substitute teacher

I taught in a classroom of third graders several weeks ago, and we played hot potato to get their wiggle worms out after some quiet desk work. When Cristina and Modesta were left in the game, the class couldn't agree who had won, and I couldn't hear the opinions. The classroom walls consisted of a single piece of sheet metal, and they were all talking at once. So I had them physically move to different sides of the room to vote. One group clearly voted - and quickly - for Cristina. One group edged toward Modesta, then realized the majority was with Cristina and followed suit. One brave and independent girl, Brenda, voted staunchly for Modesta - even though she ended up standing alone.

Cristina won the hot potato contest, but Brenda won a prize for having an opinion, sticking to it, and being able to tell me why. We talked about how important it is to vote with information, not just do what everyone else is doing. Our ultimate goal is that students walk away from Common Hope's programs with critical thinking, leadership, and self-esteem. It is the little things that illustrate these qualities in action. But what Brenda did that day was really very big.

Volunteers provide major support to Antigua dental clinic in 2009

In an effort to cut costs during tough economic times, Common Hope made the decision to try staffing our dental clinic in Antigua with volunteers instead of paid staff. Volunteers have come out in full force and have been a huge help so far this year. Guatemalan volunteers include Jennifer M�rquez and Wendy Melgar, two dental students in their final year of school, and Ismenia Valdez, an affiliated mother who is gaining experience as a dental assistant. Foreign volunteers include Dr. Tom Gelhaus in February, Dr. George Carofino in April, and Dr. Steve Humbert, who will return in May and once again with a group of dental students in November.

Aside from treating patients in the clinic, volunteers are promoting preventive care and also running "mobile clinics" at area schools. The goal of these clinics is to increase access to dental care for local residents. With the help of volunteers, in January and February the dental clinic visited 11 schools, distributed 1,050 toothbrushes, gave 400 fluoride treatments, and attended to almost 450 patients in the clinic. Thanks, volunteers, for all your hard work!

Supporters in Action

Computers donated to start new lab

Sponsor and Vision Team member Tim Weldon arranged a donation of 11 new computers to Common Hope. His employer, HP, donated the computers at 75% of their value, and Tim donated the remaining 25%.

Some of the computers will be used at the Antigua site, and some will start the new computer lab at New Hope. The computers are set to arrive in Guatemala this week. Thanks, Tim!

Family collects basket loads of supplies for alternative birthday party

Sponsor Deb Schmelz organized an alternative party for the 2nd birthday of her Guatemalan adopted daughter Maria (on left). Friends and family collected needed supplies such as hats, mittens, scarves, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Thank you to Deb, Maria, and all of the birthday party guests for your support!

New donor recognition this year

Our 2008 Annual Summary will be coming out in late summer of 2009. For the first time, Common Hope will be recognizing all donors publicly, listing everyone who gave gifts January 1 - December 31, 2008. Please let us know if you wish to remain anonymous and we will be happy to honor your request.

You Can Help

You can still RSVP for Noche de Colores

Noche de Colores will be on May 1 at International Market Square in Minneapolis. No worries if you forgot to send in your RSVP - the deadline has been extended to Monday, April 20. You won't want to miss all the fun, along with our expanded Guatemalan market and silent auction.

A unique, new auction item is a Guatemala Cooking Event for 8-10 people, donated by Amalia Damgaard. A native of Guatemala, Amalia owns a private chef business based out of Eden Prairie, MN that specializes in Latin and Spanish gourmet cuisine. Learn more about this and other silent auction offerings and/or download a RSVP card here. You can also call the office to reserve your seat at (651) 917-0917.

Imagine this: Every student has a Sponsor by the end of 2009

Common Hope has made a very ambitious challenge for ourselves this year - to find Sponsors for all 700 students who needed one at the beginning of 2009! Here are a few plans to help us get there:

Peter Mayer will have portraits of unsponsored students available at his concert on April 18, attended by as many as 500 people.
Bob and Mary Fafinski are hosting a party at their home to introduce friends to Common Hope and sponsorship.
Friends of Common Hope Northern California will host a sponsorship event in June with beautiful portraits of students displayed in a gallery space.

Can you help? Throw a home party, host a "lunch and learn" at your office, or contact us with other ideas, via email or at (651) 917-0917. You can always visit our website to meet students who need Sponsors, too.

Tickets still available for Peter Mayer

Folk musician Peter Mayer will play at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis this Saturday, April 18 at 8pm - and he will be supporting Common Hope at the same time.

Tickets are $21 in advance or $23 at the door. Purchase by emailing beth@blueboat.net. Mention you would like to support Common Hope, and $10 of each ticket will become a tax-deductible donation. To learn more about the concert and Peter's music, click here.

Toothbrushes, paste and floss needed

Our April need of the month is 3,000 tubes of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss. We're still collecting for other supply drives as well - so please visit our website for other items you might like to donate.