Fall, Y'all! 🍂 Is it time to pull out the coats and sweaters yet? The season calls for caldo de pollo and chocolate Abuelita, but then the days heat up unexpectedly—classic North Carolina weather, right? We used to think so, but this month has been a reminder of the climate-related changes affecting our lives and environment. As we embrace the changing season, we’ve been busy at Salud Sin Fronteras, making strides in our commitment to community engagement and environmental awareness.
October has been packed with meaningful activities, and we kicked it off with la Escuelita Ambiental in partnership with the Hispanic Federation. This six-session program proved to be an eye-opening experience for all participants, particularly our farmworker community. Together with other grassroots organizations, we engaged in deep discussions on critical topics such as household toxins, safe alternatives, and the environmental changes affecting our climate. Participants shared personal stories about how these issues impact their daily lives, fostering a sense of solidarity and collective action. The discussions sparked new insights and a shared commitment to work towards better options and solutions for our community. We are excited to continue our meetings with this group, exploring these vital issues and promoting healthier living practices.
Building on the momentum from our environmental efforts, we’ve been collaborating closely with the Hispanic Federation on the "La Voz de Mi Gente" campaign. This initiative aims to promote civic engagement among Latine voters, especially as we approach the upcoming elections. We’ve been deeply embedded in the community, reaching out to registered Latine voters at local gatherings and knocking on voter doors, discussing their voting plans and encouraging participation. We listen and understand the unique challenges our community faces, ensuring our outreach is both respectful and effective. It’s essential for our community to recognize the power of their voice during this pivotal time for our democracy.
In support of these efforts, we are excited to announce a Voter Education Workshop scheduled for November 1, 2024. This workshop aims to empower our community by educating them about their voting rights, helping them create a solid voting plan, emphasizing the importance of local elections, and providing tips on how to stay informed about the issues that matter to them. We believe that an informed voter is a powerful voter, and we are here to support that journey. This workshop will be a safe space where community members can ask questions, voice concerns, and gain confidence in navigating the electoral process. We encourage everyone to participate and take this opportunity to become more engaged citizens!
Additionally, we have been dedicated to supporting high school seniors as they navigate the college application process. Recognizing that many students face barriers due to limited resources, we’ve been lending out hotspots to provide internet access. This initiative is vital, especially for students who may not have reliable internet at home, enabling them to complete applications and access educational resources more effectively. We’ve seen firsthand the gratitude and relief from students and families as they gain access to these essential tools. Your support can help us continue this initiative—consider donating resources to help our students succeed!
We also had the pleasure of participating in the Second Annual Latino Festival at James Sprunt Community College, where we collaborated with the Centro Educativo Latino. During the event, we distributed 42 hotspots to college students, making a tangible difference in their access to education. Additionally, we were honored to be invited to the First Latino Festival at Clement Park in Wallace—right in our backyard! These events provided excellent opportunities to engage with community members, celebrate our culture, and foster connections. Being present at these festivals allowed us to hear the voices of our community, share resources, and build relationships that will last beyond just this month.
We are incredibly grateful for these partnerships and the chance to meet and interact with so many dedicated individuals in our community. Each event and initiative reinforces our commitment to being deeply rooted in the community we serve. Overall, October has been a whirlwind of activity, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Thank you for your continued support as we embrace this fall season! Your involvement makes a difference. Engage with us and share—what’s your favorite thing about fall? Whether it’s the cozy sweaters, the delicious food, or the beautiful changing leaves, we’d love to hear from you! And umm... pack a coat just in case!
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