By Nathan Dollar, Vecinos Inc.
In Western North Carolina we are intensifying our efforts to raise awareness and get folks involved in issues that affect farmworkers. In February of this year we held a screening of Harvest of Dignity on the campus of Western Carolina University followed by a discussion on farm labor in our communities. The event was successful with a concerned and enthusiastic crowd of over 100 people in attendance. This gave us the idea to begin forming an organization based out of WCU focused on farmworker issues – The Western Carolina Coalition for Farmworkers. While based out of the university it is our vision that this organization be of and for the broader WNC community.
Here in WNC we have strong communities and we take care of one another. Building on this strength, it is our goal to foster inclusion and full participation of farmworkers in our communities. Every member of our community deserves a safe place to work and live. We hope that together we can make this happen. The Western Carolina Coalition for Farmworkers is being organized by Vecinos Inc. Farmworker Health Program, Student Action with Farmworkers, WCU students and faculty, and other community members. We will be holding another event in September with the date TBA. If you are interested in learning more and getting more involved, please contact Emily Williams or Osiel Gonzalez Alanis.