(By Dominica Navarro, Healthy People & Communities Program Manager)

Above, left: Dominica and Ana at a PPE distribution event in Hermiston, OR. | Right: Informational materials to help spread the word.

¡Léelo en español!

In collaboration with partners and community leaders, NCAP is launching a series of participatory events this winter for Spanish-speaking farm workers and landscapers across six counties in Oregon. Our goal is to help reduce the harms of pesticide use in the workplace by providing tools for workers to champion safety.  By working alongside community leaders, such as Ana Elisa Wilson, we are able to address the true needs of our communities. 

“We are living in times of change, where we see the need to implement and develop projects that work for the welfare of our rural communities. Where Hispanic migrants are, for the most part, the population that has been most affected since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is worth mentioning that the topic of pesticide knowledge and the relationship between pesticides and health is of utmost importance. Through community participation, this is the focus of our pesticide and health education and prevention work.”  
--Ana Elisa Wilson, Community Leader

Our Method: Based on Inclusion & Empowerment

Amplifying the skills and leadership abilities people already have, we will utilize participatory education strategies and dialogue. Everyone comes with lived experiences that can be shared! By emphasizing the inclusive nature of this series, where participants share their knowledge with each other, we will create enhanced awareness of pesticide use and safety in the workplace. All the events are free and hosted in Spanish!

For Farm Workers & Their Families

With the majority of pesticide use occurring in agriculture, those who work in and around the fields are at an increased risk of coming into contact with pesticides and becoming sick. We will be hosting community conversations for farm workers and their families in five rural counties in Oregon (Jefferson, Wasco, Morrow, Umatilla and Malheur). Conversations will explore a variety of topics to increase awareness and access to available tools and resources that can help reduce pesticide exposure incidents.

By bringing people together and educating on the ins-and-outs of pesticides, we will develop opportunities for local leaders where all are welcome!

Topics Include:

• Family Health and Nutrition
• Environment and Climate Change
• Oregon State Laws and Policies
• Agricultural Worker Protection (WPS) Trainings
  

Get involved! Are you a farm worker in Jefferson, Wasco, Morrow, Umatilla or Malheur County, or do you work with Spanish-speaking agricultural workers? If so, please reach out! For more information, see our flyer.

For Landscape Companies Interested in Environmental Stewardship

We invite Spanish-speaking landscaping professionals in and around Clackamas County (Oregon) to join us! Are you interested in growing your knowledge, skills, and network to reduce pesticide pollutants in the environment while on the job? Are you passionate about improving human and environmental health, as well as your business’ bottom line?

By attending this virtual series, landscape professionals will increase their understanding of environmental protection, and better meet the needs of customers and a growing movement for sustainable land management practices.

Over time, we hope to create a sustaining network that will provide opportunities for professional engagement, empowerment, mentorship, and enhancement of knowledge in safe and efficient pesticide-free landscaping practices.

Topics Include:

• Needs Assessment
• Strategies and Techniques
• Environment and Water Quality
• Local Rules and Regulations
  

Get involved! Do you know a landscape company in Clackamas County interested in Spanish-language environmental stewardship training? Share our flyer!

For questions and to learn more, reach out to Dominica Navarro, [email protected]

Thank you to The Collins Foundation, Clackamas Water Environment Services, and the Oregon Community Foundation Betsy Priddy Fund for their generous support in helping to make these programs possible.