– Lucy Thames, 2021 Cosecha fellow Oppression is at the core of our systems. We’ve seen it in the fields, from the labor of enslaved people to migrant farmworkers. We’ve seen it in our neighborhoods, from blatant segregation to redlining. We’ve seen it even in the changemaking spaces that many of us love, from a... [Read more]
Apuntes de campo
Apuntes de campo es el blog donde los estudiantes de Estudiantes en Acción con Campesinos (SAF) comparten historias de su trabajo directo en el campo con los trabajadores, el trabajo organizativo de base y las actividades de defensoría. Y también donde los trabajadores agrícolas comparten sus propias historias y esperanzas de cambio, escribiendo en el lenguaje que les resulte más cómodo a cada uno.
Awareness, Reflection, Regulation
– Selena Ibarra, 2021 SAF Cosecha fellow One of the issues reinforced for me at the Cosecha retreat in October was the need for self-care in the workplace because we, as leaders, are a part of a great movement for social justice. One of the workshops that stood out to me from the retreat focused... [Read more]
Present, Inquisitive, and Participating
– Kirsten Alfaro, 2021 SAF Cosecha fellow “Am I present? Did I finish what I said I was going to finish? I wish I could be like them. What if people think I’m a complete fai--" Stop. Big Issue: Life is hard. Leading is hard. It’s messy, it’s complex, it’s human. I’m HUMAN!!! I’m realizing... [Read more]
A Treadmill Under My Desk
– Rachel Wright Junio, 2021 SAF Cosecha fellow A treadmill under my desk. That's what my life had come to. Don't get me wrong – I love this treadmill, and I have found several benefits to moving more while at work. But this treadmill is a symbol. It's a symbol of overwork. It's a symbol... [Read more]
I want to make change in my community
Emily Velazquez, SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member My name is Emily Velazquez and I am a very strong person. The circumstances I had to go through have shaped me into the person I am today. My parents are originally from Michoacan, Mexico. I try to visit each year to see my family and spend... [Read more]
I've been in the fields
Vicente Guzman, SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member My experience with SAF has been amazing. We have been able to meet new people and talk about our lives. I’ve loved to talk about how to help farmworkers, especially in these hard times with the pandemic and this hot weather. I’ve been in the fields and... [Read more]
I remember being in their shoes
Ana Rojas-Gabriel, Solidaridad intern The following prompts are simple questions yet complex to answer: who am I? and where do I come from? I am Ana Rojas-Gabriel, a first-generation student at UNC-Chapel Hill. I come from my parents' hard work and their American dreams. I come from “echale ganas mija” and “sí, se puede”. From... [Read more]
I can't wait to begin
Genesis Ramirez, SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member Hi everyone, I’m Genesis Ramirez and I am a senior at Sampson Early College high school. My family is from beautiful Honduras. My mother immigrated from her home country for a better life here in the U.S many years ago before having me and my other sibling.... [Read more]
Getting involved in my community
Raúl EgremySAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member My name is Raúl Egremy Jr. and I am from Benson, North Carolina. I was born in Brownsville, Texas and my family is from Matamoros, Tamaulipas in Mexico. My dad and mom lived there until 10 years ago, when we moved to North Carolina. I joined the Levante... [Read more]
Working with the land community
Tony B. Nguyen, Solidaridad intern My name is Tony B. Nguyen. I am originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, but most recently I am coming from Greensboro, North Carolina, where I had been living for the past five years. I am working with SAF over this next year as a Solidaridad Intern as part of my graduate... [Read more]
Developing a relationship with food and land
Julianna Rennie, Solidaridad intern I grew up in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina. My family could afford healthy and plentiful food, and my mother enjoyed cooking family meals every night. I thought food came from the grocery store, and I found dirt, well … dirty. My experiences are probably typical. But now, thinking about... [Read more]
My story begins even before I was born
Nathaly Trinidad Flores, Solidaridad intern My story begins even before I was born.The generations of strong people, that's the real story to be told.While I do not know all their names, it is because of their hard work that I am here today.In many ways, I feel guilty for that.Why do I deserve these opportunities,... [Read more]