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.
I am from la lucha de cada día
Nati Garcia-Franquiz, 2021 SAF internSC Migrant Education Program I am from una mente positiva and good energy siempreI am from mi mami who comes from the busy streets of la ciudad de México and mi papi who comesfrom el bello San Felipe, GuanajuatoI am from padres who are panaderosYo soy del corazón de él Betanias Bakery. I am from tres leches y conchas.I am from los consejos de, ”Echale ganas en todo” y “Sea diferente tan todos”I am from the beautiful base of the mountains of North CarolinaI am first generation determined to knock down borders and flourish seeds within…
I am breaking out of my shell
Celeste Ortega-Felix, 2021 SAF internNC Community Health Care Association I am Celeste. I come from the hibiscus-lined cool concrete houses of Puerto Rico under the fierce heat of the Caribbean sun. I am from the sweet juicy insides of mangoes and quenepas, from late afternoon walks to the beach and the town square. I am from a family of a strong and resilient mother, a compassionate and loyal father, and a visionary sister. I am soft-spoken and a person of a few words. I am breaking out of my shell.Loving humanity fiercely with all its ugliness and beauty is what…
Part of the Foundation for Change
Brandy Fuentes, 2021 SAF internNew Frame LLC “Where are you from?” I hate that question. I hate the question because I don’t know how to answer. Do I start by telling them I was born in Mexico? Or, do I start by telling them that I came to the United States when I was two months old and I grew up in Elkin, NC? To be completely honest, I don’t know where I’m from. I don’t know what it’s like to live in Mexico, but I am Mexican. I know what it's like to grow up in rural North Carolina,…
Amplifying Voices Outside My Own
Zola Jay, 2021 SAF intern, SC Legal Services Reflected in the computer screen that illuminated the faces of nearly thirty of my peers, was that of myself. Across it were expressions that ranged from excited to nervous to joyful as each fellow SAFista shared their hopes, intentions and the reasons for their participation in this shared space. The words of others encouraged me to self-reflect, especially in regards to my privilege, and it reminded me of the importance of amplifying voices outside of my own. And through this open dialogue, my nerves were quickly dissipated. Beyond the online platform that…
Finding Fuel For Growth
Sergio Orozco, 2021 SAF Program AssistantStudent Action with Farmworkers In summer 2019 I was selected as one of 25 interns to participate in SAF's Into The Fields internship. I was placed with the Migrant Education Program in Sampson county where I conducted outreach and worked as a teaching assistant for migrant children for a three-week summer program. It was my first time being given such an important role, let alone one on the other side of the country since I’m from Idaho. When I arrived in NC that summer, I was very insecure and lacked confidence in myself as a…
Where Are You From?
Angel Venegas Alonso, 2021 SAF internGood Samaritan Clinic When asked “where are you from?” I always have to stop and think about it. I never really knew how to explain where I’m from, who I am, and sometimes where I’m going. With time, I managed to realize that the best way to approach these questions is to approach them based on values. What values were instilled in me in the past, what values I hold close to me now, and why? I’m from a very poor town in the middle of Mexico (literally, in Zacatecas). I was raised by my…
A Call for Change to Happen Now!
America Juarez-Maldonado, SAF Solidaridad intern During my internship as a Solidaridad intern, I witnessed the growth of each student I worked with in the Levante Leadership Institute youth program. There were times where communication was difficult because of internet issues, but each of them has their own story and has so much to offer to the world. Having the opportunity to meet with some of the youth in person was so exciting and was a privilege. Reflecting back on my work, I notice a need for more support for students within the educational system. Latinx students from farmworker backgrounds in…
The Big Issue: Creating Systems Change
Tyshenna Phillips, SAF Solidaridad intern During my Solidaridad internship, I have learned that in order to create systems change within any social movement, collaboration across different sectors is essential, whether it is between different races and ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, or career fields. Systems change occurs when we address both the root causes of social inequalities and provide immediate relief to impacted communities and individuals. This is what I was able to witness and be a part of during my time with SAF.Throughout the year, I saw immediate relief to farmworkers provided through various in-person volunteer opportunities such as providing food,…
Farm work is essential
Tyme Nunn, SAF Solidaridad intern I love animals, so picking up knowledge about the livestock industry became a hobby of mine in recent years. I love to work with livestock such as horses, cattle, and goats and have obtained a Master’s of Beef Advocacy certification to learn more about the cattle industry and how to advocate for the beef industry; however, it was a surface level understanding of agriculture and farmworkers as a whole.In my time as a Solidaridad intern, I have grown to further understand the importance of agriculture in our society and how this industry would not be…
I have grown as an organizer
Evelyn Archer-Taminger, SAF Solidaridad intern I have learned so much this year working for Student Action with Farmworkers. I look back and am shocked by how much I didn't know about migrant workers, agricultural work, and the food system in America before my time as a Solidaridad intern. Thank you SAF for teaching me about farmworker advocacy!I have also gained crucial skills through my time as an intern here. I have grown as an organizer and I know so much more about the ins and outs of nonprofit work. Practical skills I learned through SAF will be instrumental in my…
An Issue I Faced: Interacting through Zoom
Emily Velazquez, SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member An issue I faced this year was interacting with people through Zoom. Because of Covid, Zoom is the only option to connect now and I feel like it has pushed me back a little because I like to interact and ask questions in person. Zoom has made it a bit difficult but I slowly began to adjust. An issue I solved this year was not being as shy as I used to. I feel like I am now prepared to stand up and become a leader.
The Big Issue: The Fair Food Program
Maria Celeste Carbajal, SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member The big issue that I learned about this year in Levante was the Fair Food Program from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). The Fair Food Program was designed to help ensure that fast-food franchises work with the CIW to fight against sexual abuse and a higher pay for tomato farmworkers in Immokalee. All of the main franchises have agreed except Wendy’s. Last year my mom and I got the opportunity to go to New York and protest in front of the CEO of Wendy’s and it was just so amazing. I…
The Disparities that Farmworker Children Face
Yuliana Ventura, SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member One of the big issues that was revealed to me this year through the Levante program was the disparities that farmworker children face throughout North Carolina. I was able to learn about this by working with Wake Forest University School of Medicine on a child labor research study and also having an information session with a Wake Forest representative. As a group, we were allowed to brainstorm ideas and choose which information we believed should be included in an infographic to raise awareness on this matter. I believe that I was able…
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Farmworkers are my family and my community
Omar Ibarra, SAF Solidaridad intern My time with SAF truly helped me see the extent to which farmworkers contribute to our communities. I was aware of farmworkers before and knew some level of the work they did, but SAF highlighted the overall movement. It has become unfathomable to me how little attention farmworkers get when they give so much to this country. SAF enabled me to further understand the issues that farmworkers face especially at the policy level where they are often purposefully ignored. I have gained many of the tools I need to speak on the injustices farmworkers face.…
The big issue that was revealed to me
Yarely Gonzalez. SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member Through the Levante program this year, the biggest issue that was presented was people being overworked and not getting paid enough. I think that it should be like other jobs where full time is considered 40 hours. And anything more than that should be paid more with overtime pay. Especially when it's hard work like the fields. I think getting the money you deserve makes a huge impact on how much you actually want to work. Someone that gets underpaid and is barely making it through life is not going to want…
A SAF experience that stuck with me
A SAF experience that stuck with me was when we filmed to make a series called “Voces del campo.” The reason it had a big impact and stood out to me was because I was able to be part of a project where I learned how to act and do skits, while also teaching and advocating for farmworker rights.– Juan Ibarra One of my favorite retreats for SAF was last year when we stayed overnight at the camp. We had so much fun with our little fire and we got to know each other more and it was just a…
A Time I Witnessed Courage
I always witness courage when it comes to my father working his tail off.– Jesús Cabrera I have witnessed courage on my soccer team where I see my teammates push each other or sometimes me and it helps so much.– Vicente Guzman When we went to the HKonJ protest in Raleigh last year, I was able to see the courage and power we had as people when we came together. We marched down the streets advocating for farmworkers' rights. It was my first time at a protest and it stuck with me because of the emotions felt through the air.…
A typical day at work
Emily Velazquez, SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member When I used to work in blueberries, my typical day would be from 8 am to 10 pm. I was pretty exhausted because I would be standing up all day. I witnessed an unjustice because there would be less hours on my paycheck than what I actually worked. It made me feel sad because I worked all those hours for it to come out all wrong. Also, it was unjust how no one had breaks in between working. And it was extremely cold in the packinghouse. I don’t know to this day…
Solidaridad + Levante Celebrate NFAW
Tyshenna Phillips, SAF Solidaridad intern In conclusion of National Farmworker Awareness week, SAF Solidaridad interns and Levante youth collaborated to conduct a presentation about the farmworker justice movement in the midst of the pandemic. I was extremely proud of our group for being able to come together and share the information that we have learned with our community. We enlightened our audience about the large role that farmworkers have in our agricultural system – being responsible for most of the fresh fruits and veggies we consume – and some of the issues that have been revealed during this pandemic including…
I am a constant state of growing and challenging
Lucy Thames, SAF Cosecha fellow I amA messy mix of assumptions and biases -Learned, unlearned by kin and by society,I am a constant state of growing and challenging:Myself, my sphere, the powers that be. I haveTwo hands to hold another or write a letter,Two ears to listen deep before I speak;Two feet to march or dance or walk alongside,Two eyes to show my mind where justice seeds. I workBehind the scenes, in emails and in spreadsheetsTo unite efforts and create spaces for others to speak.I wonderAt the power, wisdom and energy of community;I wonderWhen decision-makers will find their empathy. I…
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A fierce advocate
Rachel Wright Junio, SAF Cosecha fellow Who am I? I’m a lot of things. Most notably, I’m a mother, a wife, an educator, an advocate, and an aspiring salsera. I come from a small town in East Tennessee where our claim to fame is the first impeached President, Andrew Johnson. I come from a family of farmers on my mom’s side and a family of blue-collar workers on my dad’s side. Both of my parents worked hard to provide my brother and me with a comfortable life, but still instilled the principles of hard work and discipline by making us…
An extremely proud older sister
Selena Ibarra, SAF Cosecha fellow I am Selena Ibarra, first-generation daughter to migrant farmworkers and eldest of 11 children. I was born in Pendleton, Oregon where my parents first migrated from Mexico to pursue the American Dream. A dream that would prove to come with great strife for my family as we struggled with poverty and language barriers. Being the first in my family, I had to miss school when one of my siblings was sick to serve as the interpreter for my parents at doctor’s appointments, although the medical terms were often too complex for me to understand. Graduating…
Establishing New Pathways
Tyshenna Phillips, SAF Solidaridad intern This past year was one of the most unpredictable and uncomfortable time periods in my life. I was well into my last year of college when our everyday lives and routines were drastically shifted due to the pandemic. Despite having to rapidly adapt to the changes occurring, I was able to complete my last semester of undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology.My name is Tyshenna Phillips and I am the first person in my family to graduate from college. I have a total…
Creating Connection in a Pandemic
Evelyn Archer-Taminger, SAF Solidaridad intern In all my conversations with fellow seminary students, clergy, and many nonprofit workers, the same anxiety is represented again and again: How do we create/maintain community through a screen? In a time in which we cannot see or touch each other, how do we connect? The engagement I have seen through working with Student Action with Farmworkers is remarkable, despite the provisions COVID-19 has laid out. The staff members and fellow student interns work tirelessly to plan online-friendly icebreakers, break out rooms, emotionally engaging presentations, and thought-provoking questions. While I have never met many of…
My Typical Day
America Juarez-Maldonado, SAF Solidaridad intern My typical day at SAF always starts my morning with ease. Every time I start my work or have SAF team meetings I get excited to see some of my mentees and other SOL interns. I open my laptop to start the day, and start planning or message the Levante students that I mentor to see what they need or to advise them. My typical day also varies over time – especially last year as I was advising high school seniors with college applications and scholarships or checking on them to see what else they…