This summer, Wendy Luciano, an undergraduate student at the University of Washington pursuing Environmental Public Health, joined the community outreach team again, this time in the role of Outreach Specialist. Wendy, the daughter of immigrant farmworkers, was born and raised in the city of Sunnyside Washington.
“I have been part of the Semillero team for 3 years, I realized the true importance of an organization like Semillero de Ideas when I had an encounter with a farmworker as I was giving out flyers. He looked at me and said ‘You are wasting your time in people like me, like us, our sole purpose in life is to do what is told, ask no questions and work’. This was a vulnerable moment, I wasn’t talking to a stranger, but to workers who feel they have no choice, or even deserve the chance to improve their lives. This made me determined in giving my all in any Semillero event. We can make a difference not only for all farmworkers but the agriculture industry.”
Sunnyside, Mattawa, and the Benton City H2A camp were the three communities participating in Semillero’s climate change workshops this summer. The workshops were a sequence of 3 major themes seen throughout Semillero’s recent climate survey, of 250 farmworkers. The themes included improving material/supplies, water/shade accessibility, and night shifts.
“It has been through these workshops we create the meaning of true community. Farmworkers participate because they want to make improvements, not only in their workplace but in their personal lives as well. Skills of public speaking, collaboration, and learning new materials are the reason farmworkers continue participating. It has been through every interaction with participants that I have learned something new, something I can apply in the future.”
Wendy took the initiative to create a video about her experiences this summer, and we invite you to view it below. Thank you Wendy for your hard work, passion and dedication!