Collective history
Our collective historical timeline highlights the milestones, achievements and events accomplished over the years by many apprentices of color at CASFS, with the aspiration to generate a more culturally diverse, inclusive curriculum and accessible program. We want to recognize all of the heart-work unseen and unrecorded over the years. We are grateful to all those who have come before us that have courageously paved the way.
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2000
SUMMER
- Justice for All Cultural Identities (JACI) is formed. Eleven apprentices, nine-People of Color and two-White allies, meet regularly over the year and draft a letter that is hand delivered to the administration, advocating for inclusion of social justice issues and anti-oppression work in the CASFS' mission.
- JACI members write a proposal to the CASFS staff recommending a 2nd year position which focuses on social justice. One JACI member is hired for the 2001 season.
SUMMER
2003
SUMMER
2002
- Apprentices of color write a letter to CASFS staff with recommendations on how to make the program more inclusive and welcoming to apprentices of color.
- A Diversity Committee is formed with three staff members and three second year apprentices to work on revamping the diversity training.
2003
WINTER
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One leader of the POC apprentices applied to be a second year and is selected for the 2004 season.
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Akiko Minami is hired as Program Assistant to Diane Nichols with the intention to work on diversity issues with the POC second year.
2012
SPRING
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SJAC forms the Social Justice Forum (SJF) to have direct communication, input and contact with apprentices of color during the Summer.
WINTER
2011
2006-2011
WINTER
-
SJAC advocates for social justice curriculum in the program.
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The curriculum expands to include: labor, communication, social justice classes and readings plus field trips to the Bay Area to visit food justice programs.
- The Diversity Committee’s name is changed to Social Justice Advocacy Committee (SJAC).
2005
WINTER
SUMMER
2012
-
SJAC organizes and formulates a Diversity Training to present to apprentices of 2012, during welcome week.
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The SJ Forum is introduced to 2012 cohort, which consist of POC apprentices and White allies, they meet weekly and forms three subcommittees: Curriculum Development, People Of Color, and Outreach in order to further the prior work requested.
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The 1st Annual CASFS People of Color Reunion is hosted by SJF subcommittee in the Up Garden. Since then, annually we hold a CASFS People of Color Reunion.
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Prior to the completion of the program, Social Justice Forum apprentices formally present an official document with recommendations to CASFS staff and the new Director, Daniel Press.
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Several SJF apprentices are accepted as second year apprentices, they intentionally continue the work over the winter and into the new cohort.
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Over the winter SJF, plans for workshops to address internal issues like repetitive issues amongst apprentices related to with lack of diversity, anti-oppression.
2013
SPRING
2013
WINTER
-
At the beginning of welcome week, an Anti Oppression Workshop is offered to new apprentices, 2nd years, and CASFS staff.
-
The work started by the SJF continues amongst apprentices, 2nd years and CASFS Staff, in order to further advance the work from the year prior.
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CASFS contracts Neil Thapar, a 2012 POC alumni and SJF member, to include Social Justice Case Studies for each of the 11 chapters in the Teaching Organic Farming and Gardening Manual.
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SJF apprentices and 2nd year apprentices of Color formulate a job description and request a permanent CASFS Staff of Color to address apprentice needs.
-
The CASFS POC Alumni Network, is established during the 2nd Annual POC Reunion, with the desire to purposefully collaborate to address challenges at CASFS.
SUMMER
2013
FALL
2013
2014
WINTER
- POC and SJF apprentices are accepted as 2nd years, a steady flow of work is accomplished and continued, based on the recommendation made the year prior.
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The 3rd Annual CASFS POC Reunion, begins to be a place where we can further formulate ideas amongst past, present and future 2nd year apprentices.
-
The Food and Labor Timeline is installed in the Veggie Shed, presenting.
2014
SUMMER
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The Black Lives Matter Garden started in its original location in the PICA Housing Quad, by 2nd year apprentice Leo Orleans.
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4th Annual CASFS POC Reunion.
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A new position is offered to Laura Turner-Essel, as the first Director of Residential & Community Life.
2015
SUMMER
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In May, the Black Lives Matter Garden is moved into Farm Garden space; by September, an initial altar space, 4 directions beds, and herb garden are established.
2016
SPRING
-
In October, the mural "We didn't cross the borders" goes up in the Farm Garden, created by first-year apprentice, Emilia Cordero.
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The Friends of the Farm & Garden agree to help fund POC Network website creation, community building activities, and annual POC reunion.
2016
FALL
2017
SPRING
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The Food Justice & Equity Scholarship is established by POC Alumni and Staff, to support individuals from low-income communities.
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In March, The Friends of the Farm and Garden grant funding to build the POC Alumni Network Website, which is designed and built by CASFS POC Network.
WINTER
-
In June, the Social Justice & Equity Scholarship is generously granted $50,000 on behalf of Bon Appetit.
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In July, the CASFS POC Alumni Network Website is established and featured at the CASFS 50th Anniversary Weekend Celebration.
-
Akiko Minami leaves her position, citing the need for a permanent staff member to focus on social justice issues.
2017
SUMMER
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A private donor gave a donation to support the Black Lives Matter Garden.
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The CASFS POC Network creates an undergraduate internship opportunity with the network, to provide mentorship and learning opportunities to students on campus.
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In April, the first Social Justice Reader is premiered for the new cohort of apprentices.
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January, Laura Turner Essel begins her position.
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CASFS, for the first time, establishes a line item in the annual budget for institutional funds for the POC Network and Queer Farmer Field Day.
WINTER
2016
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During the 5th Annual CASFS POC Reunion, alumni and current apprentices discuss the idea of establishing a CASFS POC website.
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In June, a Seed Sovereignty Salon series begins in the Farm Garden, to make the connections between social justice and sustainable seed systems.