Accompaniment (Standing With Others)
We believe that a just, rural New York — its political, educational, judicial and food systems — involves all of us. We also believe that those who courageously call out for justice need others to stand with them — to accompany them in this quest. The Accompaniment Program of Rural & Migrant Ministry is about working together, learning from one another, and inspiring one another.
The Accompaniment Program is also rooted in the belief that those who are impacted by decision-making need to be at the table where those decisions are made. And if there are impediments to their participation, those barriers need to be removed.
From our very beginning, we have sought to address policies and structures that deny farmworkers and other rural workers equality, justice and hope. We have done this by accompanying workers as they seek to change these systems, and we have done this by organizing and educating allies to stand with workers and their families – using our privilege and access in support of the workers. In order to be effective, we have invited a diversity of allies from the faith, labor and student communities to join us.
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We work to address local issues of rural injustice, and have at times joined broad coalitions to address national issues that are impacting rural New York State workers and their families. However, our prime effort during the past two decades has been to coordinate and staff the Justice for Farmworkers Legislative Campaign
Now that the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act has passed, we enter a new stage of accompanying farmworkers so that they can utilize their newly won labor rights.
Another key aspect of RMM’s Accompaniment work is standing with grass-roots leaders as they establish community-based cooperatives, which are a long-standing avenue for people to build a power base and bring about real change. Presently, RMM is working with three emerging cooperatives across rural New York.
What’s at Stake: Those who face systemic injustice cannot bring about needed change without the advocacy and support of those who are willing to put their privilege on the line, and who feel morally obligated to stand with the oppressed and accompany them on their journey to justice.
Why It Matters: The Accompaniment Program holds fast to the idea that those who are impacted by the decisions and policies of those in power deserve a seat the table and to have their voices heard. This means that we must also work to dismantle obstacles that inhibit or prevent their participation.
MENU OF HOPE
Rural & Migrant Ministry is providing an updated resource for Congregations, Unions and other communities supporting immigrants in our neighborhoods and communities. Information and action steps are developing quickly; therefore, this document will be published online as key sections become available.
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Programs
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Justice Celebration
Read more: Justice CelebrationRMM is pleased to partner with Grace! in Lyons to host a monthly gathering that brings together the diverse people who make up RMM. We begin with music, prayer, presentations and an individual sharing the story of their life’s journey. Afterward, we share a meal, courtesy of the women-owned cooking cooperative Las Chefs Latinas. Come…
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Justice for Farmworkers Campaign
Read more: Justice for Farmworkers CampaignThe Justice for Farmworkers Campaign (JFW) was created as a statewide educational and legislative movement aimed at giving farmworkers the same rights that every other New York State worker receives. Early legislative campaign successes included the right to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in the fields, and the right to the same minimum wage…
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Union Solidarity
Read more: Union SolidarityRMM is partnering with Trabajadores Agricolas Unidos (TAU), an effort sponsored by UFCW and RWDSU to implement the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act.
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CASA
Read more: CASAThe Center of Alliance, Solidarity, and Accompaniment (CASA) is worker-led group that strives to bring about change in eastern Long Island. Artists in Residence
