Congress won’t step into the fields, and farm workers are paying the price.
“Take Our Jobs” calls on all 100 U.S. senators to step into the fields and see the truth for themselves. It’s a challenge to experience the labor that keeps this country fed, and a demand to act.
The ask is simple. Stand with farm workers. Pass immigration reform. Support the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and give undocumented workers a path to legal status.
Results at a Glance:
I produced high-performing multi-platform organic content for the campaign, driving 12,500+ impressions, 940+ engagements, 210+ link clicks, and an engagement rate of 7.6% within 4 weeks. SPOILER ALERT: Senator Cory Booker took the challenge, too!
I produced high-performing multi-platform organic content for the campaign, driving 12,500+ impressions, 940+ engagements, 210+ link clicks, and an engagement rate of 7.6% within 4 weeks. SPOILER ALERT: Senator Cory Booker took the challenge, too!
Take Our Jobs
Senator Alex Padilla Takes the Farm Worker Challenge, Rolling Up His Sleeves to Stand with the People Who Feed the Nation
This isn’t a photo op. It’s a call to action. “Take Our Jobs” puts lawmakers in the fields, bending, picking, sweating, right alongside the workers who feed the nation. It’s about truth, accountability, and what it really means to stand with farm workers when talk isn’t enough.
Senator Alex Padilla was the first to show up. In Moorpark, California, he worked shoulder to shoulder with the people behind the food, proving that leadership starts with listening.
Senator Alex Padilla (right), learning how to properly harvest parsley from a farm worker.
Challenge
Senator Padilla Spent a Day in the Fields and Saw What Farm Work Really Means
June 3, 2022. 6 a.m. I showed up early, ready to follow Senator Padilla as he spent a full day in the fields harvesting parsley and radishes right alongside farm workers.
Translation: POV: It’s sunrise and @SenAlexPadilla is beginning his day away from the office, preparing to pick produce alongside hard-working farm workers to provide our nation with parsley and radishes #TakeOurJobs
Solution
This Is What Action Looks Like
No stock shots. No filters to soften the story. Just real moments. Sweat. Sun. Solidarity. Captured and shared in two languages. Every photo was a window into the field, broadcast to English and Spanish speakers alike. Because if people can’t see it, they won’t get it. And if they don’t get it, nothing changes.
The farm workers met Senator Padilla. They stretched together, getting ready for what was coming. Then they headed into the field to harvest parsley side by side.
The farm workers brought lunch for everyone. They told jokes and shared stories from the fields. And yes, Senator Padilla showed off his famous tortilla roll. After lunch, the work didn’t stop. We got right back to the field, learning how to pick, bundle, and load crates of radishes.
"Rad Senators Pick Radishes."
Result
After Padilla, Booker Stepped Up
Our social posts sparked a wave of support from farm workers, activists, and allies who refused to stay silent. Then Senator Cory Booker took the challenge too, pushing the campaign even further and making sure more people couldn’t look away.
Translation: 💪🏽 Challenge ACCEPTED: After a long day of harvesting parsley and radishes, @senalexpadilla was challenged by fellow farm workers to load the truck bed with crates. Padilla doesn’t say no to a challenge and is using that same determination to fight for #FarmWorkerLegalization. #TakeOurJobs
We captured and shared the moments you had to be there for, things the news never showed. These one-of-a-kind stories brought our social media to life and gave people a real look behind the scenes.
Personal Takeaway
Farm Work Is HARD WORK
Throughout the year, farm workers have been at the forefront of climate change and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring families across the nation, regardless of race, gender, or political stance, are fed. Farm workers are, without a doubt, undervalued, underpaid, and underrepresented.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of empowerment when meeting the United States' first Latino Senator. We shared stories of our hometown in Pacoima, CA, and spoke of his earlier campaigns in local politics. Witnessing Senator Padilla work alongside farm workers made me hopeful for a more inclusive future.
My Role
I served as the Digital Media Coordinator for the UFW Foundation from January 2022–Present.
