Convivencia 2023
Alianza Nacional de Campesinas brought together more than 130 farmworker women in person and more than 30 virtually for its fifth National Convivencia (convening) in Washington D.C. from April 15 to the 18, 2023.
Over the course of three days, we generated recommendations and shared solutions about the exploitative and unfair working and living conditions that farmworker women are forced to endure.
Our convivencia is not simply a conference. Instead, by coming together, we communicate, reach agreements on complicated issues, and make recommendations for future work. Working together within our cultural context, over the course of a few days has always been a core element of Alianza's work, allowing our members to confidently share their experiences with each other. Building relationships ensures that our work moves in the direction that farmworker women need and deserve.
Members participated in 20 workshops focused on Alianza's four priority areas, which include ending gender based violence, environmental justice; including eliminating the use misuse of pesticides, ensuring labor rights and promoting a comprehensive and inclusive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. Other workshops focused on the place of farmworkers within the 2023 Farm Bill, and how to address health, nutrition, and poverty challenges that exist within the farmworker community.
Participants engaging in conversation in workshops.
On Monday, April 17, participants met with Congressional representatives and senators in more than 50 legislative visits to discuss issues and legislation related to Alianzas four priority areas.
Participants with Representative Salinas.
Participants with Senator Booker.
Our convivencia historically concluded at the United States Department of Agriculture building. With the support of Maria Goldberg, Farmworker Coordinator at USDA. Silvia Fabela, The Honorable Xochitl Torres Small, Dr. Lisa Ramirez, Margo Schlanger, and Dr. Penny Brown Reynolds expressed their gratitude for our work and welcomed Alianza during the opening preliminary before representatives from the U.S. Department of State, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor and other notable federal agency representatives joined us for a roundtable session.
Participants in the courtyard at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Welcoming and participant sign in table.
U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D., grew up in the community of Coachella, California, where both of his parents were farmworkers. Dr. Ruiz commends all Campesinas, and welcomes the 2023 Convivencia.
V, playwright, activist, and founder of the One Billion Rising Movement, offers her words of support to Alianza and our members during out 2023 Convivencia.
Charlotte Burrows, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission welcomes Alianza and our members during our fourth National Convivencia of Farmworker Women in Washington DC.
Julie Chávez Rodriguez, granddaughter of American labor leader César Chávez and American labor activist Helen Fabela Chávez, addresses more than 200 Campesinas at our 2023 Convening.
A full report of our Convivencia is coming soon!