Harvesting Justice:
Sin Ellos, No Somos Nosotros
> OUR MISSION <
The focus of Harvesting Justice is to address the systemic inequities faced by farmworkers, particularly in the areas of affordable housing, access to healthcare, and job safety regulations. Our goal is to work towards tangible policy changes that will improve the lives of farmworkers in our community by securing better living conditions, enhancing worker protections, and increasing access to essential healthcare services.
Harvesting Justice specifically centers on the 555 Kelly Avenue Affordable Housing Project, advocating for stronger job safety regulations, such as the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard, and the expansion of Medi-Cal coverage for farmworkers. Our efforts will be aimed at influencing local government, community stakeholders, and agricultural employers to support these policy changes.
> STRATEGY <
Our strategy is to implement a multi-step approach that prioritizes engagement, policy change, and community mobilization. The following phases will guide our efforts:
1. Research & Relationship Building:
We will gather data on existing policies (affordable housing regulations, heat illness standards, and Medi-Cal coverage) and meet with key stakeholders such as farmworker advocacy groups, local housing developers, and healthcare providers.
This will also include interviews with farmworkers and agricultural employers to understand the specific challenges and needs of our target population.
2. Advocacy & Mobilization:
Using the data collected, we will organize campaigns to raise awareness of the issues, targeting local decision-makers (city council, county board of supervisors) and agricultural employers.
We will mobilize the community through town halls, social media campaigns, and petition drives, ensuring farmworkers' voices are heard. Advocacy efforts will focus on the 555 Kelly Avenue project, stronger job safety regulations, and expanded Medi-Cal eligibility.
3. Direct Policy Engagement & Decision-Making:
We will organize meetings with local policymakers, such as the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the Half Moon Bay City Council, to present our research and recommendations for policy changes.
Key strategies will include providing testimonials from farmworkers, presenting data on the economic benefits of improving farmworker conditions, and advocating for the public’s support.
This approach aligns with our vision of human dignity and economic justice, providing a clear, actionable roadmap to enact lasting change.
> TARGET AUDIENCE <
Our initiative focuses on three primary targets: Farmworkers, Local Policymakers, and Community Stakeholders. Each group has distinct needs and roles in making the project successful.
Farmworkers
Primary Stakeholders:
Demographics: Predominantly immigrant populations, often working in agriculture for low wages, facing unstable housing, unsafe working conditions, and limited healthcare access.
Needs/Challenges: Secure, affordable housing; improved job safety regulations (heat and pesticide exposure); and greater access to healthcare.
Engagement: This audience will be engaged through direct outreach (interviews, surveys) and participation in public forums or community events where their voices can be heard and mobilized.
Local Policymakers
Target for Advocacy:
Demographics: Elected officials, including the Half Moon Bay City Council and San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.
Needs/Challenges: Pressure from both community opposition and advocates to support farmworker policies. They need to make informed decisions that balance community concerns and support for vulnerable populations.
Engagement: Engagement will occur through direct meetings, policy briefings, and public hearings where farmworkers' issues are highlighted and framed as essential for both human dignity and local economic prosperity.
Community Stakeholders
Allied Organizations & Local Businesses:
Demographics: Nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and agricultural employers who are impacted by policy changes affecting farmworkers.
Needs/Challenges: Understanding the economic and social impact of better farmworker conditions on the broader community. They may need evidence of how improving conditions can benefit local business, public health, and long-term community stability.
Engagement: This group will be engaged through educational campaigns, collaboration on joint initiatives (e.g., local housing developments), and providing mutual support for policy changes that benefit both workers and the community.
>MILESTONES <
OUR PROJECT MILESTONES AND PROJECTED OUTCOMES
Milestone 1: Research & Stakeholder Engagement Completion
Projected Outcome: Completed research on current policies, data collection from farmworkers, and initial meetings with local stakeholders. This milestone will provide the foundational knowledge needed to support our advocacy efforts.
Milestone 2: Community Mobilization & Awareness Campaign Launched
Projected Outcome: Successful launch of the social media campaign, town halls, and petition drive. Community awareness will increase, and key allies will be mobilized for advocacy.
Milestone 3: Policy Proposal Submitted to Local Government
Projected Outcome: Submit formal policy proposals on affordable housing and farmworker protections to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and Half Moon Bay City Council. We will also secure meetings with policymakers to discuss proposed changes.