When Advocacy Just Isn't Enough
In 2009 outreach workers were scrambling to address issues that weren't new but had become much more prevalent. Farmworkers were unable to afford sufficient food with the rise in prices, were seen walking out of food deserts far more often, and were not receiving the new minimum wage standard. A heat wave made for dangerous conditions inside mobile homes. Some growers and labor contractors forced farmworkers to give back donated air conditioners due to "excessive electric bills".
When introduced to Emily Drakage, the now former Coordinator for the Children in the Fields Campaign supported by the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), advocates were frustrated with the number of children living and working in hazardous conditions, the lack of enforcement, and absence of resources.
Then came an excessively wet fall. Sweet potato workers were wading into muddy fields in bare feet with rolled-up pant legs toward trucks too heavy to enter the sloppy stew left by torrential rains. At forty cents a bucket, no one was earning minimum wage. Contractors improvised by putting three or four workers on one paycheck, then writing the names and correct (and pitiful) amounts on the back. This was done to forego paying the workers minimum wage for hourly work as required by law when workers do not make production. When outreach workers collaborated with the U.S. Department of Labor in North Carolina and demonstrated the paycheck stubs - the investigator refused to take the evidence and later called to say she had been reassigned.
When introduced to Emily Drakage, the now former Coordinator for the Children in the Fields Campaign supported by the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP), advocates were frustrated with the number of children living and working in hazardous conditions, the lack of enforcement, and absence of resources.
Then came an excessively wet fall. Sweet potato workers were wading into muddy fields in bare feet with rolled-up pant legs toward trucks too heavy to enter the sloppy stew left by torrential rains. At forty cents a bucket, no one was earning minimum wage. Contractors improvised by putting three or four workers on one paycheck, then writing the names and correct (and pitiful) amounts on the back. This was done to forego paying the workers minimum wage for hourly work as required by law when workers do not make production. When outreach workers collaborated with the U.S. Department of Labor in North Carolina and demonstrated the paycheck stubs - the investigator refused to take the evidence and later called to say she had been reassigned.
North Carolina Focus on Increasing Education Leadership & Dignity
Founders of NC FIELD have extensive personal and professional experience with the farmworker community. With support from AFOP Children in the Fields that included youth group monies and fiscal management, and a grant from the Resourceful Communities Creating New Economies Fund that included board of directors professional development and strategic planning, NC FIELD created a plan that included youth leadership from the very beginning.
To date, twelve migrant and seasonal youth are trained as community leaders and organizers. They are trained to interact with the media, speak publicly, and deliver popular education. There are six core youth group leaders. Three of those leaders are nearing the end of a training and vetting process that will result in positions as full voting members of the Board of Directors in 2012.
NC FIELD, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization.
To date, twelve migrant and seasonal youth are trained as community leaders and organizers. They are trained to interact with the media, speak publicly, and deliver popular education. There are six core youth group leaders. Three of those leaders are nearing the end of a training and vetting process that will result in positions as full voting members of the Board of Directors in 2012.
NC FIELD, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization.
