Julianna Rennie, Solidaridad intern
Through working with Student Action with Farmworkers this year, I learned that the farmworker justice movement needs everyone! It’s normal to feel too small or unimportant to contribute to a cause. But when we come together, we become unstoppable! I began to internalize this realization during the final retreat for the Levante youth and Solidaridad interns. A group of high school and college students may not seem very powerful, but our stories and ideas matter.
If everyone boycotts, lobbies their representatives, and spreads the word, our movement will succeed. And when we take action as a community – like I had the opportunity to do through SAF – then that work becomes joyful. I felt energized and empowered by hearing about everything my fellow interns learned and how they contributed over the course of the year. Even though we each have different skills and interests, we united around a common cause and found support through collaborating with each other and the SAF staff.
I also learned a lot about the history of the farmworker justice movement and what’s involved in policy analysis and advocacy. However, my new perspective on community organizing is probably the greatest thing that I’ll take away from this program. I’m excited to continue making connections and taking action alongside the friends I’ve made through SAF and those who I have yet to meet. Thanks for an amazing year, y’all!