Before I started my Into the Fields internship with SAF, I wrote a policy paper about farmworker issues. It was an in-depth analysis of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (AWAP) and I thought it was a good way to educate myself on these issues.
Fast forward, August 7, 2020, I went back to read that paper. And upon reading, I wish I knew then what I know now. I wrote a policy recommendation on the AWAP, and how it should be enforced more by having the Department of Agriculture increase their investigations in migrant labor camps. Yet, what I know now is that the solution isn’t that simple.
Lobbying on farmworker issues during my time at New Frame reinforced for me what systemic oppression looks like, but it also showed me how it gets to that point. The same individuals that don’t provide PPE, better wages, or better housing conditions to farmworkers, are the same people that serve on legislative agricultural committees or work for the N.C Dept. of Agriculture; growers.
How can we trust those in power to hold growers accountable for their violations, when they uphold the policies that continue such violations, and for some, as growers themselves?
Even though I advocated on behalf of farmworkers there were times when I questioned how I could successfully carry out this work, while using farmworker voices. Nontheless, I worked through this opportunity by listening to my farmworker participant, ‘Rodrigo’, on the documentary project, and my fellow SAFistas from farmworker backgrounds.
Not many farmworkers may know who I am or how I marked my place in this movement. But I know even behind the scenes, I am student who cares and took action. I will always be grateful for Student Action with Farmworkers for giving me the start of my journey with social justice work.
The farmworker movement is an intersection of movements to dismantle our country’s social, economic, and racial inequities. And now, as a SAF alum, I know I’m just getting started.
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Ana gave to 2020 Interns and Fellows
Gave 1.00 hour on 08/06/2020
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This Impact is private