News From Rural Migrant Ministry

Farmworkers and Allies go to Albany!

On February 25 and March 4, farmworkers and their allies journeyed to Albany to sound their call for justice and equality. March 4th in particular was an inspiring day of movement building, leadership development, and legislative advocacy. Farmworkers joined allies from Albany and from Domestic Workers United (DWU) for a full day of events, including a press conference, procession, vigil (shortened by rain), lobby visits, and a debriefing/exchange exercise at the end of the day. The bill made it out of the Assembly Labor Committee and we added yet another cosponsor, but maybe the most important part of the day was the mutual inspiration generated by sharing with the domestic workers from New York City, whose struggle is rooted in some of the same historical events as ours.

Legislative Update

The Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act (A7528/S3884) has made its way through the Assembly Labor Committee and Codes Committee. Now it must be brought to the Assembly floor for a vote. With the legislature budgeting for a $50 million dole to upstate New York agriculture, we must also compel our representatives to ensure that the beneficiaries of those funds respect basic worker rights such as the right to overtime pay and a day of rest. We ask that congregations and other organizations write to their state legislators the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act (A7528/S3884) to their state legislators. These letters demonstrate the broad support for farmworker equality that exists among New Yorkers. Contact Jordan Wells at farmworkerjustice@gmail.com to get involved!

Justice for Farmworkers Campaign Seeks 'Pride of NY' Support

The Pride of New York Program was created to support New York's agricultural industry. Pride of NY members work together to promote food which is grown and processed in New York State. While supporting New York agriculture is a worthwhile endeavor, we cannot have a genuine Pride of NY Program while the shameful legacy of Jim Crow-era racism persists. Seventy-Five years after the start of the New Deal, New York's farmworkers continue to suffer from legal exclusions that leave them without protections such as overtime pay, a day of rest, and freedom of association.

The Justice for Farmworkers campaign is reaching out to potential allies in the food system to challenge the stubborn determination of the agricultural establishment, particularly the NY Farm Bureau, to deny farmworkers equal rights. We are inviting Pride of NY restaurants (http://www.prideofny.org/priderestaurants.asp), who want to honor the contributions of all people involved in NY agriculture, to show their support of farmworker justice by displaying a sign stating, "This establishment supports equal rights for farmworkers."

If you are a Pride of NY member interested in participating, or you want to help reach Pride of NY members in your area, please contact Jordan Wells at farmworkerjustice@gmail.com.

Youth Arts Group News!

Katie Hansen, an intern from Vassar College, is helping to organize a fundraising event with Vassar to help cover the stipends for YAG summer internships. This event will be a tag sale on May 25-26, 2008, in Poughkeepsie. If you would like to donate furniture or electronics in good condition, please contact Andres.

Youth Arts Group is planning a summer long Leadership Academy which will meet twice weekly for presentations, workshops, and educational trips. We will be applying for a grant from the National Self-Development of the People Committee. For more information contact Andres Chamorro YAG Coordinator @ 845-485-8627.