Southwest Florida

Solidarity with Farmworkers

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Experience a five to six day journey to Southwest Florida to explore the systemic injustices faced by migrant farmworkers and underserved communities, and understand the continued fight for improved working conditions and fair wages.

Coalition of Immokalee Workers Signs

Sunset on the beach

Wildlife of Corkscrew Swamp

Why travel to Florida?
Immokalee, Florida, located in Southwest Florida, is the home of a large migrant population where nearly one-third of the population lives below the poverty line and only one-third are high school graduates. Migrant farmworkers in and around Immokalee make up some of the most exploited workers in the country, facing challenges such as unfair wages and harassment. In the past decade, many grassroots organizations, including the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, have had tremendous success building nationwide campaigns to fight for the rights of these workers. Groups will learn about the campaigns, meet the workers, and gain a deep understanding of the life and conditions of migrant workers in Southwest Florida — and the inspirational ways they are organizing for change.
What are the upcoming trips to Florida?

There are no upcoming programs scheduled at this time. Please come back later or inquire about setting your own program dates.

What is the cost?
Depending on housing and number of participants, the cost per participant is between $300 and $500, not including roundtrip travel to/from Southwest Florida.
Helpful Resources:

Articles

Politics of the Plate: The Price of Tomatoes – Barry Estabrook, Gourmet, March 2009

In Florida Tomato Fields, a Penny Buys Progress by Steven Greenhouse, New York Times, April 24, 2014

Videos

Books

The Human Cost of Food: Farmworkers’ Lives, Labor, and Advocacy – Charles D. Johnson, Jr. and Melissa F. Wiggins (editors), 2002
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Heather Vickery is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with UU congregations, State Action Networks, past UU College of Social Justice (UUCSJ) program participants, and regional staff in order to expand engagement in UUSC and UUCSJ’s work. As the Coordinator for Congregational Activism, she manages the workshop offerings and group visits to the UUSC/UUCSJ office and assists with communications for the Activism and Justice Education Team. Heather is an active member of the Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network and a dedicated dog-mom to her rescue puppy Nova.

Heather may be contacted at hvickery@uucsj.org and 617-301-4303