California

California AgrAbility attended California Ag Day at the state capitol. This event is part of the National Ag Day campaign bringing a variety of resources to the public. Since California is a top producer in strawberries, tomatoes, almonds, avocados, grapes, and other agricultural products, the event provided an opportunity for attendees to recognize the significance of agriculture in their lives. Ag Day is hosted in partnership with the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and California Women for Agriculture. It is attended by state legislators, government leaders, 4-H students, FFA students, and the general public. California AgrAbility held a joint booth with the Western Center of Health and Safety and connected with over 200 attendees, speaking to them about agency services and information.

California AgrAbility staff attended the AgrAbility National Training Workshop in Lincoln, Nebraska. They participated in the Cultural Competency Panel session to introduce the concept of cultural humility, a tool that CalAgrAbility staff utilize to work with the diverse agricultural communities throughout California. Staff participated in the staff core competencies, program sustainability, safety and sensitivity of opioid use, vocational rehabilitation partnerships, pets with a purpose, and other workshops. Staff enjoyed fruitful conversations with other AgrAbility colleagues and look forward to future collaboration opportunities.

California AgrAbility, along with a coalition of agencies, hosted the Sixth Annual Promotores Conference in Yolo County to serve and recognize the hard work that promotores invest in the agricultural community. Collaborating agencies hosting this conference included Dignity Health, Western Center of Agricultural Safety and Health, Communicare, Empower Yolo, and Winters Healthcare. The event brought promotores together to learn about current topics such as self-esteem, workers' rights, sexual harassment, and more. Around 50 promotores attended, learning about new resources they can utilize to assist their consumers.

California AgrAbility attended the Migrant Parent Institute hosted by Migrant Education Region 2 in Woodland. Staff presented to 40 agricultural working families on AgrAbility services and common types of arthritis seen in agricultural workers. Several participants approached CalAgrAbility after the presentation and throughout the event to discuss AgrAbility services and to ask further questions about arthritis and agriculture.

Submitted by Sara Wat