Track: Embodying Justice, Dignity, and Power for Migrant Workers
Speakers:
- Stephanie Johnson, Program Officer, Rural Democracy Initiative
- Bryant Macias, Interim Organizing Director, United Farm Workers Foundation
- Daniel Valdez, Chief External Affairs Officer, Welcoming America
Moderator:
- Lyndsay Ryder, Director of Integrated Rural Strategies Group, Neighborhood Funders Group
Session Description:
Rural communities have historically been overlooked and under-resourced, with rural areas experiencing some of the highest rates of economic hardship and poverty in the country. This lack of opportunity–largely a result of a long history of extraction from government and the private sector–has resulted in out-migration from rural areas to urban areas. And yet, over the last couple of decades, rural areas have seen their demographics shift as immigrants and refugees from Africa, Asia and Latin America have settled in, often opening businesses and working in the agricultural, meat, and dairy industries. This transition has come with its own set of challenges and threats as these communities have faced discrimination, workplace abuse and low wages, lack of language access, voter disenfranchisement, and heightened criminalization and enforcement. However, in recent years, with the rise of right-wing movements, rural communities have received increased attention from funders as ground zero for organizing that seeks to build power for all residents–including immigrants and refugees. On that front, organizations and funders are working hard to build welcoming infrastructure while also building people power.
Join this session to learn from three experts about their strategies to build thriving rural communities by advancing migrant justice and belonging.