Convivencia 2021

On April 16 - 19, 2021, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas brought together our membership of 15 organizations from 11 states, representing over 700,000 women farm workers and food systems laborers for a virtual “Convivencia.” The purpose of the gathering was to generate and share solutions to the difficult working and living conditions campesinas face. The term Convivencia, or coexistence in English, does not simply refer to a conference or a convening. It is the action of being in community together, of communication, coming to agreements, and making recommendations for the future of our work.

In addition to members participating in the Convivencia, Alianza was joined by special guests Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz and playwright/activist, founder of the One Billion Rising movement, “V” (formerly known as Eve Ensler). Both shared their appreciation for the work led by Alianza’s members as well as a commitment to uplift and support Alianza’s political priorities and agenda. On Monday, Alianza members met with 31 congressional representatives and 20 senators and lobbied their representatives around Alianza’s 4 priority areas: 

• Violence against women and girls (including domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, gender discrimination, & sexual abuse of minors)

• Pesticides & Environmental Justice (worker protection standards (WPS), sustainable agriculture)

• Immigration (comprehensive immigration reform, legal protections for survivors of gender-based violence and other forms of abuses, including migrant and guest workers)

• Labor Rights (health and safety, labor and employment standards, & equal pay and treatment)

Members shared compelling testimonies about their realities and work experience with the congressional offices and with one another throughout the weekend. Members also strategized around how to address these issues in their own communities. 

 “The Convivencia, which means coexistence in English, is not just a conference or a convening. The Convivencia is a gathering, a time for our members and partners to be in community together to share our issues and challenges, to come to agreements, and to strategize around the future of our work. The legislative visits with our local and state representatives were very fruitful, and we will continue to advocate for our priorities and hold our elected representatives accountable to our communities and see to it that they keep their promises.” - Mily Treviño-Sauceda, Executive Director, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas

 Members were thoroughly engaged throughout the entire Convivencia and left with a feeling of  hope and possibilities after three days of building and strategizing together. Member of Alianza and of Líderes Campesinas, Yuriria López, said: “This Convivencia helped us... Especially to know that we should not be afraid that we should raise our voices and that we are the spokespeople for thousands and thousands of other campesinas like ourselves. Maybe not all of them can speak right now, due to fear or because there is no outlet for them, but we are their voices and here at the Convivencia, we made them heard."