THE BROCKPORT ECUMENICAL OUTREACH COMMITTEE: An Abridged History of Activities BEOC was founded in 1989 when members of Brockport area churches became aware of the hostility and discrimination suffered by Brockport's mainly Hispanic migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and of the difficult material conditions in which many farmworkers lived. Eight churches joined with farmworkers, growers, and several agencies that work with migrant farmworkers to "encourage a peaceful multicultural community" by increasing mutual understanding, reducing prejudice, addressing food, clothing, housing and education needs, and assisting farmworkers to empower themselves. The BEOC became an affiliate member of the Greater Rochester Community of Churches in 1993. Contributions to BEOC's projects are tax-deductible through its affiliation with GRCC.
A list of the members of BEOC and a copy of the Mission Statement are printed on the last page of the pamphlet, "Migrant Farmworkers and the Brockport Community." The pamphlet was published by BEOC in 1994 (a similar pamphlet was published in 1989) and distributed through churches and organizations in the Brockport area. Its purpose is to inform members of the Brockport community concerning the vital contribution migrant farmworkers make to our local economy, the difficulties they face, and the services that exist to serve farmworkers. More than 1,500 copies have been distributed.
Since it’s founding, the BEOC has been an organization that has responded to voices in the farmworker community; the needs and concerns expressed have shaped the types of projects BEOC has undertaken. The following is a summary of these projects:
Migrant Information Night Forum, May 1989: Held at Brockport High School; several farmworkers served as panelists and told of their difficulties in the Brockport community; the audience included farmworkers, growers, clergy, invited guests, officials, interested individuals and those who work with farmworkers; a survey was distributed to the audience and panelists regarding the types of follow-up work in which the respondent might be interested; subcommittees were eventually formed to carry out the work.
Survival Spanish for Growers, Spring, 1990: Organized by Amy Machamer of Hurd Orchards, Holley, NY, and taught by Rodrigo Alconcero; ten growers were taught sufficient Spanish to improve their communications with their workers.
Clothing Center, August 1990: Located in renovated space in the basement of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the center receives donated clothing in good condition from member churches and distributes it to anyone in need; there is no means test to determine need and clients may take as much clothing as they wish; the center is open Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers from participating churches on a rotating basis staff it; funding has come from Kodak, the Tooley Fund, the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, and Kiwanis as well as in-kind services donated by various individuals, businesses and the Rotary Club. A separate Board of Directors for the Center was established in 1996.
Investigation of Farmworker Drowning, June-August 1991: After a young man drowned in the canal in Brockport during a police chase, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester requested BEOC to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning including allegations that the police officer had pushed the victim into the canal; some 45 interviews were conducted with witnesses, police officers, members of the Hispanic community, emergency workers and others. Although the police officer involved in the chase was found not to have committed misconduct, the interviews revealed a deep mistrust of the police among farmworkers and numerous instances of alleged bias and misconduct on the part of police officers in various enforcement agencies.
Farmworker/Law Enforcement Agency Public Forum, December 1991: BEOC’s growing awareness of farmworker/police difficulties and accusations of bias and abuse led to organizing a forum with a panel of three farmworkers and representatives of three police agencies including the Brockport Police, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and the New York State Police. Invited guests included representatives of various police agencies, attorneys, clergy, Farmworker Legal Services, farmworkers, public officials, judges, and SUNY College at Brockport criminal justice faculty. Panelists as well as members of the audience contributed their perspectives on police/community relations. Questionnaires evaluating the program and assessing interest in follow-up programs were distributed and collected.
Motor Vehicle Workshops, Summer 1992, 1993, and 1994: In part through the Farmworker/Law Enforcement Forum, BEOC became aware that motor vehicle equipment violations, failures to properly register, inspect, insure vehicles, and acquire driver's licenses, and traffic violations and Driving While Intoxicated charges were most frequently the occasion for farmworker/police contacts. Misunderstandings because of language and cultural differences often compound the problems. In response, the BEOC, in conjunction with the SUNY College Brockport Migrant Education Program, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the Brockport Police and Farmworker Legal Services, developed a bi-lingual educational program to inform farmworkers concerning the requirements of owning and driving motor vehicles in New York State, including educational materials and forms, and a Simplified Driver's Manual in Spanish. In addition, members of BEOC assisted farmworkers with completing DMV applications, assembling the required documentation and having it translated where necessary, providing transportation to the DMV and interpreting for the applicant while at the DMV. The BEOC also worked with the DMV to ameliorate or change practices that impede farmworkers from becoming licensed.
Bus Shelters at Migrant Camps, 1995: In 1994, BEOC learned that migrant children were waiting for the school bus in the dark and in inclement weather at the end of a road with no shelter. BEOC contacted George Dahl, a Brockport contractor, who donated plans for a shelter, and several farmworkers from the camp volunteered to assist with the construction. Bob and Carol Sodoma, camp owners, agreed to project and helped choose the site.
Bienvenida (Welcome) Celebration, 1990-present: Each year in June a celebration has been held to welcome farmworkers to Brockport. Although it was begun many years ago as a ministry of Church of the Nativity, BEOC has been a co-sponsor since 1990. Other sponsoring organizations are Hispanic Migrant Ministry, Migrant Education, and Oak Orchard. It has grown to include participation by officials of the Village of Brockport and the towns of Sweden and Clarkson and other members of the community. The festivities include a bilingual church service, dinner, and a dance, as well as a demonstration of traditional Mexican dances. The dinner is cooked under the direction of several Mexican women. Area churches provide desserts. Approximately 500 hundred participants attend the events of the day.
Farmworker Advocacy Day, 1997-present: The BEOC commitment is to helping farmworkers empower themselves. Members of BEOC work with farmworkers to enhance their understanding of how our government functions, how to lobby effectively for changes in the law and how to network with each other and statewide organizations that might be sympathetic to their goals. Some members of BEOC have traveled with the farmworkers to Albany, showing support for their right to advocate. BEOC has also helped to arrange local opportunities for farmworkers and friends to address elected officials. The legislative change involving three exclusionary laws reflects the growing success farmworkers with their advocating.
Search Committee for Brockport Chief of Police: As the Village of Brockport began to create a search committee for a new Chief of Police, the BEOC approached the Board of Trustees about the importance of having a representative from the Hispanic community serve on that committee. Three suggestions of potential members were offered, one of who was selected to serve on the committee.
Promoting Locally Grown Fruits & Vegetables: Highlighting area farms and farmworkers is an effective way to promote local agriculture and raise awareness of the value of both to our communities. The BEOC has promoted patronage of area farm stands, as well as having discussed promotion of locally produced foods with food store managers. This included assuring management level staff that people are interested and willing to support local farms through purchasing items grown locally. The stores do need to label local products as such. BEOC members continue a commitment to monitoring and voicing pleasure and displeasure over the use of favorable or non-favorable marketing techniques in stores for local products. BEOC has also provided stores with pictures and brief stories of both farmworkers and family farms.
Immigration Issues Affecting Farmworkers and Growers, 1989-present: The BEOC has had an ongoing interest in the impact of the INS/Border Patrol activities on the quality of life for farmworkers and the agricultural economy in our area. The BEOC is an active participant in the Committee on Immigration Issues Affecting Farmworkers, formed in July 2001. This group consists of farmworkers, farmworker advocates, church folks and growers working together to ensure human rights for farmworkers and labor concerns of growers. As BEOC looks toward the future, our guide will be the needs and desires of the farmworker community. With some of the proposed changes in the immigration law, and potential reductions of services at the state and federal levels, agencies that serve farmworkers face many challenges and uncertainties. The projects BEOC undertakes in the future will undoubtedly be shaped in part by these changes, but its mission remains the same--to continue to promote dialogue and mutual understanding between farmworkers and Brockport area residents.
A list of the members of BEOC and a copy of the Mission Statement are printed on the last page of the pamphlet, "Migrant Farmworkers and the Brockport Community." The pamphlet was published by BEOC in 1994 (a similar pamphlet was published in 1989) and distributed through churches and organizations in the Brockport area. Its purpose is to inform members of the Brockport community concerning the vital contribution migrant farmworkers make to our local economy, the difficulties they face, and the services that exist to serve farmworkers. More than 1,500 copies have been distributed.
Since it’s founding, the BEOC has been an organization that has responded to voices in the farmworker community; the needs and concerns expressed have shaped the types of projects BEOC has undertaken. The following is a summary of these projects:
Migrant Information Night Forum, May 1989: Held at Brockport High School; several farmworkers served as panelists and told of their difficulties in the Brockport community; the audience included farmworkers, growers, clergy, invited guests, officials, interested individuals and those who work with farmworkers; a survey was distributed to the audience and panelists regarding the types of follow-up work in which the respondent might be interested; subcommittees were eventually formed to carry out the work.
Survival Spanish for Growers, Spring, 1990: Organized by Amy Machamer of Hurd Orchards, Holley, NY, and taught by Rodrigo Alconcero; ten growers were taught sufficient Spanish to improve their communications with their workers.
Clothing Center, August 1990: Located in renovated space in the basement of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the center receives donated clothing in good condition from member churches and distributes it to anyone in need; there is no means test to determine need and clients may take as much clothing as they wish; the center is open Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers from participating churches on a rotating basis staff it; funding has come from Kodak, the Tooley Fund, the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, and Kiwanis as well as in-kind services donated by various individuals, businesses and the Rotary Club. A separate Board of Directors for the Center was established in 1996.
Investigation of Farmworker Drowning, June-August 1991: After a young man drowned in the canal in Brockport during a police chase, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester requested BEOC to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning including allegations that the police officer had pushed the victim into the canal; some 45 interviews were conducted with witnesses, police officers, members of the Hispanic community, emergency workers and others. Although the police officer involved in the chase was found not to have committed misconduct, the interviews revealed a deep mistrust of the police among farmworkers and numerous instances of alleged bias and misconduct on the part of police officers in various enforcement agencies.
Farmworker/Law Enforcement Agency Public Forum, December 1991: BEOC’s growing awareness of farmworker/police difficulties and accusations of bias and abuse led to organizing a forum with a panel of three farmworkers and representatives of three police agencies including the Brockport Police, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and the New York State Police. Invited guests included representatives of various police agencies, attorneys, clergy, Farmworker Legal Services, farmworkers, public officials, judges, and SUNY College at Brockport criminal justice faculty. Panelists as well as members of the audience contributed their perspectives on police/community relations. Questionnaires evaluating the program and assessing interest in follow-up programs were distributed and collected.
Motor Vehicle Workshops, Summer 1992, 1993, and 1994: In part through the Farmworker/Law Enforcement Forum, BEOC became aware that motor vehicle equipment violations, failures to properly register, inspect, insure vehicles, and acquire driver's licenses, and traffic violations and Driving While Intoxicated charges were most frequently the occasion for farmworker/police contacts. Misunderstandings because of language and cultural differences often compound the problems. In response, the BEOC, in conjunction with the SUNY College Brockport Migrant Education Program, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, the Brockport Police and Farmworker Legal Services, developed a bi-lingual educational program to inform farmworkers concerning the requirements of owning and driving motor vehicles in New York State, including educational materials and forms, and a Simplified Driver's Manual in Spanish. In addition, members of BEOC assisted farmworkers with completing DMV applications, assembling the required documentation and having it translated where necessary, providing transportation to the DMV and interpreting for the applicant while at the DMV. The BEOC also worked with the DMV to ameliorate or change practices that impede farmworkers from becoming licensed.
Bus Shelters at Migrant Camps, 1995: In 1994, BEOC learned that migrant children were waiting for the school bus in the dark and in inclement weather at the end of a road with no shelter. BEOC contacted George Dahl, a Brockport contractor, who donated plans for a shelter, and several farmworkers from the camp volunteered to assist with the construction. Bob and Carol Sodoma, camp owners, agreed to project and helped choose the site.
Bienvenida (Welcome) Celebration, 1990-present: Each year in June a celebration has been held to welcome farmworkers to Brockport. Although it was begun many years ago as a ministry of Church of the Nativity, BEOC has been a co-sponsor since 1990. Other sponsoring organizations are Hispanic Migrant Ministry, Migrant Education, and Oak Orchard. It has grown to include participation by officials of the Village of Brockport and the towns of Sweden and Clarkson and other members of the community. The festivities include a bilingual church service, dinner, and a dance, as well as a demonstration of traditional Mexican dances. The dinner is cooked under the direction of several Mexican women. Area churches provide desserts. Approximately 500 hundred participants attend the events of the day.
Farmworker Advocacy Day, 1997-present: The BEOC commitment is to helping farmworkers empower themselves. Members of BEOC work with farmworkers to enhance their understanding of how our government functions, how to lobby effectively for changes in the law and how to network with each other and statewide organizations that might be sympathetic to their goals. Some members of BEOC have traveled with the farmworkers to Albany, showing support for their right to advocate. BEOC has also helped to arrange local opportunities for farmworkers and friends to address elected officials. The legislative change involving three exclusionary laws reflects the growing success farmworkers with their advocating.
Search Committee for Brockport Chief of Police: As the Village of Brockport began to create a search committee for a new Chief of Police, the BEOC approached the Board of Trustees about the importance of having a representative from the Hispanic community serve on that committee. Three suggestions of potential members were offered, one of who was selected to serve on the committee.
Promoting Locally Grown Fruits & Vegetables: Highlighting area farms and farmworkers is an effective way to promote local agriculture and raise awareness of the value of both to our communities. The BEOC has promoted patronage of area farm stands, as well as having discussed promotion of locally produced foods with food store managers. This included assuring management level staff that people are interested and willing to support local farms through purchasing items grown locally. The stores do need to label local products as such. BEOC members continue a commitment to monitoring and voicing pleasure and displeasure over the use of favorable or non-favorable marketing techniques in stores for local products. BEOC has also provided stores with pictures and brief stories of both farmworkers and family farms.
Immigration Issues Affecting Farmworkers and Growers, 1989-present: The BEOC has had an ongoing interest in the impact of the INS/Border Patrol activities on the quality of life for farmworkers and the agricultural economy in our area. The BEOC is an active participant in the Committee on Immigration Issues Affecting Farmworkers, formed in July 2001. This group consists of farmworkers, farmworker advocates, church folks and growers working together to ensure human rights for farmworkers and labor concerns of growers. As BEOC looks toward the future, our guide will be the needs and desires of the farmworker community. With some of the proposed changes in the immigration law, and potential reductions of services at the state and federal levels, agencies that serve farmworkers face many challenges and uncertainties. The projects BEOC undertakes in the future will undoubtedly be shaped in part by these changes, but its mission remains the same--to continue to promote dialogue and mutual understanding between farmworkers and Brockport area residents.
