Sun., Oct. 24, 12:15 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88967740143?pwd=M1pqRE92SnZBbjZKNmpvelBKVTNRdz09
ID: 889 6774 0143 Passcode: 261432
The overwhelming irony of the US agricultural system is that farm workers face environmental, political, economic, and structural barriers that prevent them from being able to sustainably feed their families in affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate ways. In the US, farm workers and dairy workers uphold the agricultural industry while simultaneously being 400 times more likely to experience food insecurity than the general public. They work long, arduous hours under the most punishing of conditions, and are literally unable to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The people who spend their days picking fruits and vegetables and milking cows struggle to feed their own families. Join Julie Taylor, Executive Director of the National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM), to hear about food insecurity among farm workers in the US, to learn about food justice, and find out what you can do to stand in solidarity with these essential workers. This learning hour is co-sponsored by First Church’s Adult Education Ministry and the Justice & Service Ministry.
Bio of presenter Julie Taylor.
Julie Taylor is the Executive Director for NFWM, a faith-based organization that brings support to US farm workers as they organize for better wages, decent living and working conditions and safety. The National Farm Worker Ministry has an almost 50 year history of standing with farm workers as they organize for justice. With 27 denominations, religious orders and regional groups, connects farm workers and their organizers to the faith community who choose to stand with some of the most marginalized in our society. Julie spent 13 years on the board of directors before taking this position in September 2015. Prior to that Julie worked for the national office of United Methodist Women, first as the Executive for Child and Family Advocacy. In this position, she directed their Initiative on Domestic Violence in partnership with United Methodist Men and addressed public education, child labor, farm worker conditions, reproductive justice and older women’s concerns. Her most recent job with United Methodist Women included serving as the Executive for Spiritual Growth where, Julie’s responsibilities included resourcing faith development, fostering spiritual and theological foundations for the work of United Methodist Women, assisting with leadership training, and helping to produce spiritual growth studies annually. She received her master’s degree in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Spring Arbor University, Michigan and has a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from Asbury University, Kentucky. Originally from Eclectic, AL, Julie currently lives in Raleigh, NC.