Friday, March 8, 2013
Day two!
Second day of marching and we are still smiling!!! Here is the group with our friend Luna after marching 25 miles the past two days and we still have 6 more miles to go for the day before we return to Immokalee!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
We Are Marching.... Siyahumba
We began our two days of marching against Publix in solidarity with the CIW and allies from North Porth to Sarasota,FL. Here is Lauren dancing while she marches...
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Coffee and Bread
When waking up at 4:30am, we were not sure what this morning would entail. Upon arriving, we were given the duties to pass out coffee and pastries to spread the word about the March against Publix. A variety of farmworkers came to get the coffee and pastries in front of the Coalition office before they loaded the buses to begin their work day. Each farmworker was very grateful for the food and coffee, just as we were grateful to have this experience. We were handing out the pastries when one of the farmworkers came up and took two. I knew that he shouldn't but I wasn't sure what to say, especially since I did not speak spanish. The guy behind him came up to me and said you have to tell them they can only take one or else they will try to take advantage of the situation. It was surprising the amount of farmworkers as well as the variety of ethnicities present. Farmworkers come from Mexico, Haiti, and Guatemala typically. This variety of individuals built a language barrier. It was difficult to know what language each person spoke, which made communicating difficult. However, we learned that a friendly smile is part of a universal language.
By: Lauren Grabowski
By: Lauren Grabowski
I think I hear a rooster crowing,,,,
Students got up at 4:30am and headed over to CIW headquarters. Here are students passing out bread and coffee with CIW staffer. Nelly as a promotion for the upcoming meeting and march.
Eyes and Ears and Open Heart
Eyes and Ears and an Open Heart
In the beginning, we weren't too sure what to expect, what we were doing, or even why we were here in Immokalee. This morning we were presented with the opportunity to tour the CIW office, see the neighborhood workers live in, appreciate the harsh living conditions the workers survive in, all guided by Sylvia. Sylvia works with the CIW and explained to us the history of the organization and some of the hardships the workers face. While in the CIW headquarters, she explained how there were several services available to farmworkers and their families. Some of these services include a small non-profit grocery store where the farmworkers can purchase food at affordable prices, only paying tax. They also provide a safe area where families can gather to enjoy movies, company, and simply relax in a safe, comfortable, environment.
While Sylvia explained the in's and out's of the CIW, she included a lot of the history of the coalition, how it was founded, and the workers. She mentioned how the workers realized that they were not making fair wages and they researched where most of the money was going. After some research, they found that most of the profits were going to the corporations that were purchasing the produce, not the workers nor the owners. We found it truly amazing and inspiring that these determined workers had the knowledge and resources to do such extensive research to help find the coalition. It was also eye opening that the coalition was founded by six determined people. This opened our eyes to what determination, perseverance, and unity can do. This tour really made us open our eyes to understand our purpose and why we are here to help.
Later in the day, we went to a Habitat for Humanity site in Immokalee. Even though we were given a small task of caulking the porches on several homes, we felt as though we were truly making a difference in someone's life. After meeting a home owner and talking awhile, we realized how much our time and help means to her and her community. Listening her talk about her and her family, as well as the importance of this house, we realized how lucky we were to spend time helping others.
Additionally, working side by side with retired folk from around the area really showed how committed they were to helping others by volunteering their time weekly with Habitat. They showed us how to be selfless and open to others. All of the fellow volunteers welcomed us with open arms and guided us in many directions. They also appreciated having us there to help out on the various sites and to allow them to hear our story as well. Habitat will always hold a special place in our hearts by allowing us to give and grow as people.
While speaking with another group member, both of us finally grasped our purpose here.: it's not to give these people a better life, it's to simply do the right thing, to work with the people of Immokalee to bring justice.
In the beginning, we weren't too sure what to expect, what we were doing, or even why we were here in Immokalee. This morning we were presented with the opportunity to tour the CIW office, see the neighborhood workers live in, appreciate the harsh living conditions the workers survive in, all guided by Sylvia. Sylvia works with the CIW and explained to us the history of the organization and some of the hardships the workers face. While in the CIW headquarters, she explained how there were several services available to farmworkers and their families. Some of these services include a small non-profit grocery store where the farmworkers can purchase food at affordable prices, only paying tax. They also provide a safe area where families can gather to enjoy movies, company, and simply relax in a safe, comfortable, environment.
While Sylvia explained the in's and out's of the CIW, she included a lot of the history of the coalition, how it was founded, and the workers. She mentioned how the workers realized that they were not making fair wages and they researched where most of the money was going. After some research, they found that most of the profits were going to the corporations that were purchasing the produce, not the workers nor the owners. We found it truly amazing and inspiring that these determined workers had the knowledge and resources to do such extensive research to help find the coalition. It was also eye opening that the coalition was founded by six determined people. This opened our eyes to what determination, perseverance, and unity can do. This tour really made us open our eyes to understand our purpose and why we are here to help.
Later in the day, we went to a Habitat for Humanity site in Immokalee. Even though we were given a small task of caulking the porches on several homes, we felt as though we were truly making a difference in someone's life. After meeting a home owner and talking awhile, we realized how much our time and help means to her and her community. Listening her talk about her and her family, as well as the importance of this house, we realized how lucky we were to spend time helping others.
Additionally, working side by side with retired folk from around the area really showed how committed they were to helping others by volunteering their time weekly with Habitat. They showed us how to be selfless and open to others. All of the fellow volunteers welcomed us with open arms and guided us in many directions. They also appreciated having us there to help out on the various sites and to allow them to hear our story as well. Habitat will always hold a special place in our hearts by allowing us to give and grow as people.
While speaking with another group member, both of us finally grasped our purpose here.: it's not to give these people a better life, it's to simply do the right thing, to work with the people of Immokalee to bring justice.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Farmworker housing
Sylvia explaining that rent for the trailers pictured is roughly $300 per week to live.
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