MISSION

The mission of the Institute is to build the capacity of its grassroots farmworker member groups. They in turn will build the capacity of the farmworker community so that they are better equipped to actively and collectively address the issues that negatively impact their health and safety. Our long-range goal is to improve farmworkers' occupational and environmental health and safety.

The Institute's mission and long-range goal utilizes a multi-level approach to address farmworker health and safety. This approach includes: 1) capacity building training, 2) impacting public policy, 3) educating the broader community, and 4) coalition building. When you have an informed workforce, solidarity and support from other coalitions, along with an informed consumer base - you can more effectively impact change. Each approach is an essential piece in terms of pushing forward the farmworker health and safety agenda. By addressing the health and safety of our most vulnerable workforce (i.e. farmworkers), then you are also improving the well-being of other workers, the community, and the environment.

The Institute’s Vision of Social Change

The Institute's vision of social change is one in which the affected community (be it farmworkers, immigrants, people of color, low income, etc) has the necessary skills and tools to analyze their situation; voice their concerns; and develop their own collective plan for action.

Our organization relates to the farmworker social movement as well as others by building the capacity of grassroots organizations and their constituents who are directly involved in the struggle for social justice. The Institute's philosophy is to work from within and have an impact on the grassroots organizing of the affected community. Farmworker issues cut across all social justice movements in addition to being a movement in its own right. The Institute's trainings and materials are created specifically to develop critical thinking and self-advocacy skills. They also reflect a desire for inclusion and a respect for the wisdom and experience each community member can offer. As a result of this, many of our materials are readily adaptable to meet the capacity building training needs of other community-based organizations involved in the struggle for social, environmental and economic justice.