Hello friends and family!

I am inviting you to participate in my campaign to raise $750 for Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF), a non-profit organization I believe in and trust. SAF has been working for over two decades to improve the lives of some of our nation's most marginalized and overlooked workers. SAF works with farmworkers, students, and advocates in the Southeast and nationwide to create a more just agricultural system. For this week only April 16-20, I am asking you to join me in supporting those who toil in the fields to put food on our tables: farmworkers.

This summer I will be working with SAF and have been placed as an intern at NC Justice Center and New Frame LLC. I am thankful and excited for this opportunity. While working with SAF I hope to work with, support, and uplift farmworkers. 

Why SAF, you may ask?

I was initially drawn to SAF because of my parents and because of my personal experience with farmwork. My parents are both originally from Guatemala and when they arrived in the U.S, over 25 years ago, the first job they had was in Florida picking tomatoes. They have shared their experiences of how hard and physically draining this type of work is and of how you can work 40+ hours a week and not be paid fair wages because of the unjust laws that do not give farmworkers the protection they need.

During the summers of my high school years I also worked in the fields, this work led me to meet the most hardworking people I know. People who are grateful to have a job even if it is working in the sun and even if no one appreciates the work they do. This experience opened my eyes and fueled my desire to take action towards better working conditions and respect for farmworkers. 

I truly believe in the work SAF does, SAF has committed itself to action with farmworkers, not action for farm workers, but action with farmworkers. SAF has committed itself to work alongside farmworkers in campaigning for their rights. In SAF's 20 years of work, over 80,000 farmworkers have gained access to health, education, legal and organizing support. Over 150,000 people have advocated for farmworker justice through SAF's campaigns. This is why I trust in SAF and the work they do.

Therefore, please consider supporting SAF through this fundraiser! Help SAF continue to work for greater respect and justice for farmworkers – the people who are in the fields right now harvesting and preparing the food you and I consume. My goal is to raise a minimum of $750 to support SAF's work with farmworkers. My campaign begins April 16th and ends April 20th. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of $25, $50, $100, or more (even a little bit will help, but if you can afford more it is more than welcome). I'm excited to see how the individual contributions, from so many people I love and cherish, can add up and become part of a greater effort.

To donate, simply click on the green "DONATE" button!

With love and thankfulness,

Lourdes :)