TWST Blog

On Wednesday, we pointed Sally’s trusty green machine due south and headed toward Woodburn, the third stop on our TWST.  The ride was quick and uneventful; two good qualities for a drive in my opinion. We arrived at Farmworker Housing Development Corporation about 40 minutes before our meeting which was held in the Community Center at FHDC’s Nuevo Amanecer housing development.
 
We started our time together with a fantastic lunch of fajitas with all of the trimmings prepared by a local favorite, El Zarandeado. Gorgeous murals hang on almost every wall in the Center. Our FHDC hosts explained that each illustrates the work they do, leaders involved in the work, and the broader movement for farmworker justice and immigrant rights.
 
Most of the roughly 15 folks who joined us were from Woodburn-based organizations, but the meeting also drew someone from Sheridan. One of the participants asked us why we do TWSTs, remarking that outreach of this sort seemed unusual for a private foundation. We explained that the TWSTs help nonprofits better understand MMT programs as well as help us learn more about the communities and organizations we serve.  A strong theme that emerged in our discussion was the need for greater collaboration amongst the different organizations engaged in improving their communities. As we dug deeper into this topic, we identified that a clear purpose that serves all of the partners is necessary to sustain collaborative effort.
 
Before I jump to our tour of Woodburn following the meeting, I want to note a couple of things about Sheridan, which is situated in Yamhill County. Sheridan’s economy includes a thriving agricultural industry, and is home to the Sheridan Prison, which makes a portion of its population transitory. Penny Toepel of the Sheridan Public Library, who TWST’d with us in Woodburn, mentioned the Ford Family Foundation Leadership Institute, a great training program that it offers to non-profits that work in rural communities. Sheridan’s population has doubled since the last census and the library strives to serve its growing population.  
 
After the meeting, Jaime Arredondo of FHDC took us on a quick tour of Woodburn, also known by locals as “Little Mexico”.  We learned that 60% of Woodburn’s population is Latino and that 40% of the Latino population is under 18 years old.  We also learned that visitors from communities across the U.S. and beyond are coming to learn about Woodburn’s story of struggle and success from the Latino-led organizations that are such an important part of the fabric of the city today.  As the demographics of the nation and Oregon continue to shift toward greater racial and ethnic diversity, all communities can learn a lot from Woodburn since it has and is continuing to grapple with the challenges and opportunities this brings.  In the spirit of the TWST exchange, we’ll all need to bring our support to Woodburn as this process moves forward, and we learn from their community.
 
First we did a quick stop at the Downtown Woodburn Plaza, formerly a parking lot, just off Woodburn’s main street. When Latinos began settling in the area, they gathered in the lot regularly on weekends or after a days work in keeping with their cultural tradition. It took some time for the white population to understand this. As more Latinos settled in the area, both populations came together to create the plaza as much improved public amenity for all to enjoy.

Next, we headed to Radio Movimeinto KPCN, which is a community radio station run by volunteers that began broadcasting in 2006 to educate, entertain and raise the consciousness in the community. Erubiel Valladares, the station’s multi-talented and animated leader, explained that the station is part of PCUN Oregon’s Farmworker Union.

About 500 feet behind the station is the PCUN Farmworker Union Service Center and its new Capaces Leadership Institute, which is under construction. Erubiel, who also manages construction of the new center, shared that the building will be the first certified passive house designed for office/education use in the nation. The goal of the Institute is to build the leadership capacity of the future generations to sustain and expand farmworker movement and support related movements for equality and justice.
 
Jaime took us on one final stop to see the stark conditions in which many farmworkers live. Owned by a contractor, this complex has about 12 units of clearly dilapidated housing. Graffiti, peeling paint, missing ventilation, and sagging walls/roof were all evident as we surveyed the homes. Jaime explained that FHDC has over 500 families on their waiting list. The need for more affordable, quality housing is great.
 
With humbled and inspired hearts, we dropped Jaime back at his office, bid him adios, and headed out for Salem, our next stop on the TWST.
 
 
 
 

Commenting on this Blog entry is closed.