FIELD - Farmworkers Institute of Education and Leadership Development

 Dr. Hector P. Garcia - a Mexican-born American civil rights pioneer, loving father, decorated World War II veteran, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, physician, surgeon, and champion for equality, education, and voting rights - helped to change the face of this country. Legendary medical doctor and social reformer who founded the American G. I. Forum. In 1984, President Reagan awarded Garcia the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. Garcia was the first Mexican American ever to receive the honor.  A statue on the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi campus now stands as a memorial to Garcia's legacy. It bears his personal motto, which is also the motto of the American GI Forum: "Education is our Freedom, and Freedom Should be Everybody's Business."

Dolores Huerto co-founded the National Farm Workers Association {later the United Farm Workers} with Cesar E. Chavez in 1962.  Huerta directed a national grape boycott to protest the dangers of pesticides on grape pickers, which led the entire California table grape industry to adopt safer practices.  She also negotiated the first collective bargaining agreement with an agricultural business to secure better wages and working conditions for farmworkers.  Throughout her career, Huerta fought for world peace and the rights of immigrants, women, minorities, at-risk youth, and LGBTQ+ Americans.   #HipanicHeritage 

Hispanic workers have played an important role in the history of the nation and the labor movement.  Cesar Chavez labor leader has made important contributions to work in America. Cesar Chavez one of the country's most famous labor advocates, Cesar Chavez let the United Farm Workers of America. Embracing non-violent acts of civil disobedience, Chavez drew attention to discrimination and brought about policies that improved working and living conditions for farmworkers around the country.  For Chavez, strikes and other forms of peaceful protest were tolls for improving the lives of others. "The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people," he said. 

 We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 thru October 15 to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.  It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. Stay tuned for the 2021 theme of Hispanic Heritage Month feature "Esperanza: A celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope."

Help me congratulate Shay Nichols from our recycling team at the Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps. She is officially forklift certified.  Everyone is excited for her. Definitely made possible with team support.  This is what CCEC is all about. Visit our web page for more details about all of our free programs and how you could be part of a winning team.  www.farmworkerinstitute.org  

  This is Angelica Otero she is one of EPIC de Cesar Chavez high school graduates from our McFarland Ca. school. Angelica discovered the opportunities provided by FIELD/EPIC to those who for one reason or another did not complete high school. However, with work and personal obligations, it is often challenging for adults to set time aside to attend classes. Fortunately EPIC has flexible schedules and Angelica knew this was the time for her to take advantage of her second chance. Although the school year was difficult because of COVID Angelica's perseverance helped her reach her goal and received her high school diploma. Angelica graduated in July 2021. It's never too late.  www.farmworkerinstitute.org   

 The Cesar Chavez Environmental Corps recycling team is working hard in the Stallion Springs community. They visit Stallion Springs weekly and pick up cardboard. In today's economy, businesses and institutions recycle items like cardboard because it often saves them money on waste disposal costs. Recycling is also good for the planet and local communities because it helps conserve valuable resources, reduces pollution from the production of new materials, and creates jobs. Together we can make a difference in keeping our planet and communities clean.  https://www.farmworkerinstitute.org/ccec www.farmworkerinstitute.org