WHAT IS AB 2183 AND WHY DID WE MARCH TO SACRAMENTO?
AB 2183, the Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act was created for farm workers all over California to be able to vote in union elections free from intimidation and deportation by growers, foremen, supervisors, and farm labor contractors.
On August 3, 2022, in Delano, CA farm workers, families, and allies began a 24-day, 335-mile pilgrimage to the California State Capitol in hope of receiving Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature on the bill.
Civil rights activist and co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association, Dolores Huerta (Center)
CHALLENGE
On August 26, 2022, the last day of the march I met with the UFW on behalf of the UFW Foundation to assist in digitally amplifying and documenting the event through stories, videos, and photographs.
Solution
More than 5,000 people joined the march in support of farm worker rights. As I marched with the crowd I listened to stories of resilience, hardships, and empowerment. I shared these stories on Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and TikTok Live with our Spanish and English-speaking audience. I captured photos and testimonials to share on our social media feeds and collected visuals for the UFW Foundation’s social media channels.
And of course, the pets and pups of the movement.
Result
Each day following the march, 24-hour vigils were held urging for the governor’s signature. On September 28, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2183, the Agricultural Labor Relations Voting Choice Act. This was a huge victory for farm workers all across California.
Personal Takeaway
"There was an undeniable sense of empowerment in the crowd as we all marched together to the state capitol. Farm workers, families, and allies gathered to show their support for AB 2183 to demand that Governor Gavin Newsom grant farm workers the safe voting rights they deserve.
We marched alongside Dolores Huerta who has been at the forefront of the farm worker movement and who continues to pave the way for farm workers, ensuring us that we are on the right side of history.
As we look to the governor to assist us in breaking down these barriers, we know that the work is NOT DONE. Now more than ever, we must continue to fight for farm workers to be heard!"
We marched alongside Dolores Huerta who has been at the forefront of the farm worker movement and who continues to pave the way for farm workers, ensuring us that we are on the right side of history.
As we look to the governor to assist us in breaking down these barriers, we know that the work is NOT DONE. Now more than ever, we must continue to fight for farm workers to be heard!"
My Role
I served as the Digital Media Coordinator for the UFW Foundation from May 2021–Present.