Field Notes is a blog where Student Action with Farmworkers students share stories of their outreach, organizing, and advocacy work, and where farmworkers share their own stories and hopes for change, writing in the language they feel most comfortable.
To access our archive of past blog posts, visit our Field Notes Tumblr site here.
As I left the workshop, I carried with me a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by farmworkers
The Introduction to Farmworker Advocacy Workshop was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the often-overlooked heroes working tirelessly to uplift farmworkers and their communities. One particular moment during the workshop left an impact on me where various experts and advocates shared their insights and experiences in the realm of farmworker advocacy. The room was filled with passion, dedication, and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by those who work in the fields to put food on our tables. El Futuro Es Nuestro was one of the organizations that participated on the panel to speak on the work they…
With this lesson in mind, I felt more pride in telling the story of my farmworker family
At one of our most recent workshops, we had a farmworker advocacy panel that consisted of a legal professional, a non-profit organizer, an education advocate, and a farmworker. The most impactful story from the panel came from Doña Leti, who is a grassroots activist and farmworker who has dedicated the past years to empowering and advocating for her community. Her voice was strong and clear as she began to tell us the story of a group of farmworkers who were being forced to adhere to a poor meal plan by their grower. It was a stressful and frightening journey as…
SAF provides a way for students to interact with other students with similar goals
I recently had the opportunity to attend Levante’s mid-retreat. On this retreat, I realized how much older I have gotten. On this particular day, SAF brought along a Latina therapist who had a group session with the youth program members. I realize that some of these students had some deep stories. Some of them wanted to continue their education to give themselves and their family a better life while others wanted to focus on working for themselves. They also talked about the negative comments they had received in the past and the effect such comments had on their morale. This…
Continue Reading SAF provides a way for students to interact with other students with similar goals
I continued to reflect on how I could translate my renewed inspiration for social justice work into my own hometown
Last December, I traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, for COSHCON. While the weather was dreary and grim, the energy I felt at the conference was full of love, energy, and solidarity among the attendees. COSHCON is a yearly conference hosted by the National Council for Occupational Health and Safety. Its purpose is to create a space where academics, organizations, and, most importantly, workers can meet, speak, and act on the injustices they face in the workplace. Last year, the theme revolved around Workers' Health and Safety. As I journeyed on the trip alone, a group of hardworking Latina women adopted me (or…
It highlighted the need to keep pushing for fair treatment despite the challenges
As part of the Solidaridad group, we organized a Wendy's boycott to protest against the corporation's practices, specifically their failure to support the Fair Food Program. This program ensures fair wages and improved working conditions for farmworkers who harvest Wendy's food. During our peaceful protest, a random stranger slashed our car tires out of pure hate, completely overlooking the cause we were advocating for. It was a shocking incident that vividly exposed the challenges we encounter in raising awareness about social issues. The unfortunate presence of prejudice in our society became glaringly evident, as these individuals didn't take the time to…
Continue Reading It highlighted the need to keep pushing for fair treatment despite the challenges
I come from a family that helps me and listens to me
Get to know Levante's newest student: Arely P. When asked who/what Halloween costume they identify most with, Arely answered: Julian, he’s a soccer player, gives it his all, has talent and worked hard to get where he is. I try to give it my all and try to achieve my goals. When asked where they come from, Arely answered: I come from a family that helps me and listens to me. I come from a Hispanic household and my family has evolved over the years. I have learned new things from every member of my family, and it has got me ready…
Continue Reading I come from a family that helps me and listens to me
My father is a trucker, he is the most hardworking man I know.
I am a first-generation Latino. I am currently a senior at Sampson Early College High School. I come from a very hard-working family. My father is a trucker, he is the most hardworking man I know. Thanks to his hard work my siblings are able to study health care. My brother is in nursing school currently and I hope to follow in his footsteps. I am getting my pre-requisites for nursing as of now. I am most excited to further my education within SAF. I have learned so much valuable information thanks to this program. This is also the first…
Continue Reading My father is a trucker, he is the most hardworking man I know.
I am excited to gain advocacy skills that I could use in my healthcare career.
Photo submitted by Nestor Tellez My name is Nestor Tellez, and I was raised in Mexico’s state of Guerrero. I experienced Mexico’s traditions firsthand. Specifically related to Chilapa de Álvarez, the town I grew up in, such as the Fiesta del día del Señor San José in which a procession passes through the Colonia I lived in. The streets are filled with colorful banners, and the ground is decorated with dyed sawdust in beautiful patterns. Leaving Mexico and, thus, traditions, friends, and family was difficult. The supportive community network that I found at school and within SAF allowed me to…
Continue Reading I am excited to gain advocacy skills that I could use in my healthcare career.
I can't wait to apply my communication skills and my background to create positive change
Hola! It’s Genesis Ramirez and now I am currently a senior at North Carolina State University pursuing a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in Spanish. I come from a community that values unity and helping others. This has taught me the importance of amplifying voices that often go unheard, which drives my passion for public relations. In the past I have been part of SAF through their Levante program which opened many doors for me and honestly pushed me to dream bigger. Ever since the term for the Levante program ended that year,…
Outreach is a vital part of expanding healthcare access to farmworkers, but this requires lots of people and dedication
Reagan Borland, ITF Intern 2023 Throughout my internship this summer, I have learned so much about the barriers faced by farmworkers to access healthcare here in the U.S., such as lack of transportation, linguistic and cultural barriers, and fear of an unknown and complicated healthcare system, to name a few. This fear of engaging with a new system due to feelings of isolation and distrust was what stuck out most to me when working with farmworkers this summer. It is also this issue of trust for which I also have the most hope for the future, however. I have been…
I have been able to see firsthand all of the issues that my parents talked about
Marithza Mondragon, ITF Program Assistant 2023 The biggest issue that was revealed to me during my participation with Student Action with Farmworkers includes being exposed to issues that have remained the same for over ten years. From my family, I have always heard stories about their struggles with living and working in the fields. They would mention the lack of space in their living vicinity, the mistreatment from their employer, or the horrible working conditions they had to face. While doing outreach through the theater project I have been able to see firsthand all of the issues that my parents…
Continue Reading I have been able to see firsthand all of the issues that my parents talked about
This summer has solidified my passion for advocating on behalf of migrant workers
Thomas Garcia Jr., ITF intern 2023 The agricultural industry often portrays itself as self-made, pristine, and essential for feeding the world. However, hidden beneath this facade lies the truth: farmworkers play a huge, essential part of the industry’s success. It is the farmworkers who tirelessly harvest, process, and package the produce that eventually reaches our tables. Despite being the backbone of the industry, these essential workers are unfortunately not treated as such. During my enriching summer as the ITF intern in the Farmworker Unit at Legal Aid of North Carolina, working alongside the esteemed Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF), I encountered…
Continue Reading This summer has solidified my passion for advocating on behalf of migrant workers
I feel like there should be more support to find better housing for farm worker families.
Elena Bartolo Vazquez, ITF intern 2023 Unfortunately farm work is not valued enough in this country; in South Carolina I saw how many migrant farmworkers had bad living conditions. What I mean by bad living conditions is that many of them have bad houses or trailers that don't have AC, [they] have water leaking, [there's] mold on the walls and are overcrowded. These things are just a few things that I noticed but [are many] more. In one of my visits in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina I met a family who was living next to a tobacco field. The trailer…
Into the Fields means not only an opportunity but also a big challenge for me
Into the Fields means not only an opportunity but also a big challenge for me. I am an engineering student who comes from a rural small town called Jonacapa in Hidalgo, Mexico. Moreover, I came to the United States in November 2022 due to safety, economic, personal, and educational reasons. Therefore, I am pursuing my higher education with the goal to support and provide for my parents and siblings. Subsequently, during the last semester, I discovered SAF through a post by my community college's Spanish Club and immediately knew I wanted to apply. Despite coming from an agriculture-based town, I…
Continue Reading Into the Fields means not only an opportunity but also a big challenge for me
They are people whose rights shouldn't be taken away, and I want to fight for that.
Sam Ponce, ITF 2023 My name is Samantha Ponce and I am originally from Zion, Illinois. I was born and raised in the United States but my parents are from Mexico (my mom is from Guanajuato and my dad is from Oaxaca). My life in the city of Zion was very comfortable and calm. However in 2020, when the pandemic hit, we were forced to move to Georgia so that my dad could work at a poultry farm. It was an opportunity to not struggle during this hard time, and I thank my father for sacrificing a lot to maintain…
Continue Reading They are people whose rights shouldn't be taken away, and I want to fight for that.
I cannot wait to learn about the ways to organize different partners
Hasti Sadri, ITF intern 2023 Hi! My name is Hasti Sadri and I grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina after my parents and I immigrated from Iran to North Carolina. I am currently studying Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Moving to the US was an adjustment that I would not have gotten through without my family and my community. Through the local YMCA, I began getting involved in youth development, community organizing, and community outreach. In high school, I fostered a desire to continue in college, I joined the Refugee Support Center where I…
Continue Reading I cannot wait to learn about the ways to organize different partners
I am doing this internship to get more exposure in helping my community
Kenly Montes, ITF intern 2023 Hi everyone! My name is Kenly Montes. I am a Latina born from immigrant parents. My dad was born and raised in Zacatecas and my mom in Guerrero. Two small pueblitos, one is El Pozo de Jarillas, and the other is Las Juntas de Chacámero. I am about to be a senior at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I am majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Information and Computer Technology. I was born in Dunn, NC and I have lived almost my whole life in Newton Grove, NC. I am doing this…
Continue Reading I am doing this internship to get more exposure in helping my community
I believe it is vital to acknowledge and protect our farmworkers
Jose Velasquez, ITF intern 2023 Hello, my name is Jose Velasquez, and I am a rising junior at Tufts University. I am majoring in quantitative economics with a minor in urban studies. I am interested in urban and labor economics and plan to use this interest in future policy work. I am also a Tisch Scholar, a program hosted by the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. The program helps students connect with the surrounding Medford and Boston communities through civic work and organizing. I am also a member of the clubs United for Immigrant Justice…
Continue Reading I believe it is vital to acknowledge and protect our farmworkers
I learned many things in this program about myself and my community
WHILE BEING IN LEVANTE I learned a lot of things being a part of something makes you feel good, I was able to participate more with people, interact with them I'm not a social person but in Levante you're welcomed and you feel more safe to open up during the time I was there I liked how people will work together and interact with one another to get work done, learning about people while working in groups, the times we would have games and know more about each other was nice. You don't see that as much these days my…
Continue Reading I learned many things in this program about myself and my community
My time at SAF has been invaluable to me and I am so thankful for the lessons...
Lauren Moore, Solidaridad Intern, 2023 While all of SAF was incredibly educational and formational for me, the issue which was most revealed to me during my time in my internship is the current and ongoing devastating effects of racialized capitalism. With SAF I learned the history of agricultural exceptionalism and how farm workers have been exploited from the beginning of America’s history. We traced the through line between the exploitation of enslaved people who were agricultural workers to the exploitation of farm workers today, which has only marginally improved. One of the most memorable moments of this was our tour…
Continue Reading My time at SAF has been invaluable to me and I am so thankful for the lessons...
It is part of my own personal goal to tell the stories of farmworkers
Teresa Vazquez, SOL Intern 2022 A sandwich has a couple of key ingredients. Two slices of bread will hold several ingredients that when combined will create a satiating sandwich. Mayonnaise may coat the slices of bread, providing a savory coating to final ingredients. Then, any kind of deli meat, maybe turkey or ham. Next, if cheese is at hand, a slice or two of American or pepper jack. On top of the cheese, a nice slice of a freshly cut tomato, fleshy and filled with juice. Last but not least, a nice handful of lettuce, iceberg or romaine. The places that…
Continue Reading It is part of my own personal goal to tell the stories of farmworkers
I Have A Giant Community Of Support To Rely On
Sam Hernandez, Cosecha Intern, 2022 During the beginning of my participation with the Cosecha Fellowship, I didn't know what truths I was going to have to face about myself in this field of work. From the very first retreat, I realized we were all going to face the hard topics and truths that surround this work. When we looked into “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” by Paulo Freire, we discussed the topic of white supremacy and how that shows up into every facet of our lives and our ability to be a leader. I learned over that retreat that I have…
Continue Reading I Have A Giant Community Of Support To Rely On
There Is A Place For Everyone At The Table
Maggie Helms, Cosecha Intern, 2022 Everyone has to eat. No matter who you are or what you’re good at, there’s one thing that unites us all - food. Through the various SAF programs I’ve participated in over the years, I’ve learned so much about the hands that pick that food. Not just about the hands that harvest, but the people, and their struggles, their joy, their families, and their unique, individual strengths. These countless stories and connections have given me a deeper appreciation of the individual within the collective - and this past year was one of many personal and…
Continue Reading There Is A Place For Everyone At The Table
I Come From A Proud Mexican Family
Sofia Garcia, Levante Intern 2022 My name is Sofia Garcia, I’m from a small town named Newton Grove. I come from a proud Mexican family. I’m taking part in this program because I think everyone should educate themselves more about on-going social topics, something that interests me. I’m excited to meet new and different people from various backgrounds and areas. I don’t think I’m afraid of anything in particular but I guess I’m scared to not push myself to do more/better.
Together, I hope we collectively inspire hope and justice
Teresa Vazquez, SOL Intern 2022 Hello! My name is Teresa Vazquez, and I am a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying English and Political Science. I am beyond grateful to be able to spend my final year as an undergraduate student working with SAF as a Solidaridad intern. The question of where I come from is particularly interesting as I am the bridge of two cultures within my family. While I was born and raised in the small, rural town of Dobson, North Carolina, my parents are both from the state of Michoacán in Mexico. I believe…
Continue Reading Together, I hope we collectively inspire hope and justice