(By Tommy Diaz, Healthy People & Communities Program Manager)

We were so excited in early March to host another one of our participatory talks (​​pláticas participativas) in Eastern Oregon and engage with the community. The event took place at the Iglesia Apostólica de la Fé where NCAP hosted community members and partners. The attendees participated in a two-hour discussion about pesticide safety, environmental protection and COVID-19 awareness.

The main purpose was to gather around our common concern of pesticide awareness, and have folks share their experiences and knowledge. We got to not only chat but also interact and have activities together, accompanied by delicious local tamales and pastries.

The attendees were thankful for the space provided for a thoughtful discussion. There seemed to be unanimous agreement around giving farm workers the space to express their needs and concerns in a supportive environment.

We had a great turnout of community members and partner organizations. We want to give a special shoutout to our collaborators: Ana Elisa Wilson with Doulas Latinas International (DLI); Zaira Sanches with the United Farm Workers (UFW); Pastor Oscar Haro and the Iglesia Apostólica de la Fe; and Alma Lombera with Latinas En Acción. We also want to thank the many NCAP supporters who recently donated nearly $900 to provide educational resources and food for this series of events!

Moving forward with our Farm Worker Education Project we’re preparing for another event in late April, this time in Ontario, OR—details here and in the poster below. We want to keep our momentum going, growing awareness of pesticides and improving farm worker rights!