GUIDEBOOK DEAR FUTURE WOMEN

Dear Future Women, Congratulations on being apart of Cohort 3! As the years progressed so has interest in DFW. This year, we received the largest amount of applications making our selection process extremely competitive. “Activism is the prize we pay to live on this planet,” and therefore it was important that Cohort include passionate, determined and committed people. This program is more than a CV builder. Its livelong, it community, its mentorship, its unique to each person. DFW has evolved into something I never thought possible. It has reiterate that young people are interested in social issues and in need of community. I trust that this program will be all that you imagined it to be and that you grow in ways you never thought possible. I hope that I can support you each step of the way. I sincerely welcome you to the Dear Future Women community! I look foward to all that is in stores. Make this experience your own! GROW! HAVE FUN! MAKE MEMORIES! Thank you, Christine Samwaroo Managing Director, The Breadfruit Collective Welcome to DFW!

The Breadfruit Collective (TBC) works at the intersections of Gender and Environmental Justice. It is a registered non profit organisation in Guyana. By using an intersectional lens and a whole of society approach, our work is expansive. We believe that all issues of injustice are connected. Our work includes Environmental Justice, Youth Development, Mental Health, Sexual Health and Reproductive Health, Period Poverty, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, LGBTQIA+ Justice, Disability Justice and Abortion Access. Dear Future Women is one program under The Breadfruit Collective. Being apart of DFW, you will hear all about the other work that TBC leads in Guyana and the Caribbean. In 2026, we welcomed for the first time two Youth Coordinator and they have been instrumental in leading and developing all youth programs by the organisation. Overview of TBC

Overview of DFW It is an inclusive program that helps foster a community and development of the change makers. It is a mentorship program and co learning space for young people in Guyana particularly women and non-binary individuals who are interested in developing their activism. It combines writing, collaboration and self reflections. Participants learn from guest speakers, develop individual and collective projects, and come together in retreat spaces to explore the issues they care deeply about and the leaders they want to be. At its heart, its about building community, and supporting the next generation of people who are passionarre about making a difference in Guyana. Dear Future Women started in 2023. It has successfully completed two cohorts. After a short break, it is now back for its third cohort.

I am passionate about intersectional social justice issues especially environmental justice and SGBV. Growing up, half of my life was spent in Guyana and the other half in NYC. I have a Masters Degree in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management. Despite my education, my lived experience has influenced my activism. I grew up witnessing SGBV in my family. I am a survivor of sexual childhood violence. Everyday, I am working towards improving my mental health. I believe when given the right tools and support, young people are more than capable of addressing the issues they face. My life’s work is supporting the next generation of feminist activists in the Caribbean. Meet Christine

Meet AmelieI am Amélie Burnham, an emerging social justice activist in Guyana, specifically focusing on gender based violence, issues affecting indigenous people and climate justice!! I enjoy being in nature, going on really long walks, and solo-traveling. I currently serve the roles of Youth Ambassador and Project Coordinator under The Breadfruit Collective. My favourite quote is, “ You never know until you ask.” I love asking a question and answering one too, welcome to Dear Future Women! Meet AmyI am an environmentally focused advocator, with both applied and theoretical experience in biodiversity conservation and environmental science although I am an engineering student. I am fascinated by moths and butterflies. I enjoy the sunsets and night sky especially with a cup of hot tea. I am currently one of the Program Coordinator of DFW. I firmly believe in staying true to yourself and advocating for what you believe is right.

In a space like this, you will naturally become familiar and build connections with one another. You are not required to become friends with everyone, but it is important that every person both gives and receives respect at all times. This is intended to be a safe and supportive space. Participants may share personal experiences and stories. While the lessons and insights can be carried beyond this space, the personal details shared must remain confidential. Please respect each other’s privacy. When discussing social issues, we may participate in debates, discussions, scenarios, and activities where different perspectives are encouraged. However, this space must always remain non-judgmental, inclusive, and respectful of each person’s gender, ethnicity, sexuality, identity, background, beliefs, and experiences. Share at your own comfort level. You never have to share something you are not ready to discuss. Listen openly and respectfully when others are speaking, even when their experiences or perspectives differ from your own. Communicate your needs. Let the organisers know if you need support, clarification, a break, or anything else that will help you feel comfortable participating. Community Agreement

We designed this program with you in mind. We expect consistent attendance and communication when plans change (Life happens but communication is key) We expect you to attend as much as your schedule allows our virtual guest speakers presentations. All dates will be shared in advance. From time to time, TBC gets invitated to events and may extend that invitation to persons based on their interest. If you agree to attend, please show up. In these instances, you will be representing your cohort and TBC as a whole. You will be provided with a DFW T-shirt to wear during our field trips and other TBC-related activities. Please note that The Breadfruit Collective (TBC) is not affiliated with any political party, political group, business, or ministry. As such, we ask that you use discretion when wearing the T-shirt outside of TBC-related events to ensure that it is not perceived as an endorsement or affiliation with any organisation, individual, political position, or activity. Expectations

Before you graduate Journaling is a significant part of this program. You are expected to complete your journal prompts and share responses when we meet in person. You get to decide what aspects to share. You do not need AI to complete your journal prompts. The prompts are intended to be written on paper with a pen. You know you BEST! You will write two letters during your time in the program, one to your future self “Dear Future Woman...” what would you like your future self to know about the environment, women’s rights etc.? You will write another letter to a young person in your life, what should they know about life from your POV? What challenges will they experience? What can they look forward too? What is your role in supporting them? You will complete an Advocacy Project based on an issue you are passionate about. It can be a community outreach project, video, poster, zine, spoken word piece, research display, art etc. In previous cohorts, the team has worked together on Personal Projects for their overall development. For example: Applying/updating your passport /ID card Applying for TIN, Visa, house lot, University/ a course, etc. Taking driving exams/Applying for a permit Job hunting/Internship Updating your CV/resume Creating a LinkedIn profile Opening a bank account

DFW Calendar September Saturday, September 12 (10am-1pm) - DFW Orientationth Sunday, September 20 (1pm-2:30pm)- Climate Justice & Gender Justice by Christine Samwaroo, Amelie Burnham, Amy Rambajan th Cohort asked to share reflections for Indigenous Heritage Month and National Suicide Prevention month to be posted on social media. October Thursday, October 1 (7pm-8:30pm) - [TOPIC] by [PRESENTER]st Saturday, October 10th (All Day) - Armadillo Earth Farm Visit Sunday, October 18 (1pm-2:30pm) - [TOPIC] by [PRESENTER]th Saturday, October [DATE] - Mental Health Walk Thursday, October 29 (7pm-8:30pm) - [TOPIC] by [PRESENTER]TH November December January Sunday, November 15 (1pm-2:30pm) - [TOPIC] by [PRESENTER]th Thursday, October 26 (7pm-8:30pm) - [TOPIC] by [PRESENTER]TH November 25 to December 10 - 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence [Saturday DATE & TIME] - Guyana China Friendship Park Picnic [DATE & TIME] - New Year’s vision board planning [DATE & TIME] - Project presentation [DATE & TIME] - Graduation

tbccoordinator16@gmail.com “WOMEN ARE SACRED CUSTODIANS OF THE EARTH- PROTECT BOTH”