From Ellen Sherron:

Adopt a Corner
I have participated in the Adopt a Corner project in Fulton most Saturday mornings since November. The program was organized to support day laborers at their gathering spots. Volunteers commit to visit a specific corner to provide resources like "Know Your Rights" information, legal support, and supplies like whistles, gloves, and masks, and to act as a supportive presence. We also bring coffee, pastries, fruit, and hard-cooked eggs to the day laborers who may face harassment or exploitation. Other volunteers protect the workers by watching for ICE presence and alerting us with whistles. So far, we haven’t seen them.

It has been a rewarding experience and I plan to continue showing up most Saturday mornings from 7:30 to about 9. The workers inspire me: they are far away from home, are often disrespected and threatened, and face financial insecurity. With all that, they continue to be dignified, helpful, and gracious. We practice our bad Spanish and many of them practice their bad English, there is a surprising amount of laughter, and they support each other.

Some of you might identify with this: my position as a Privileged White Lady can shield me from the suffering of many of my neighbors, especially undocumented immigrants. Increasingly, I feel guilty and ineffectual. What I learned from my participation in Adopt a Corner is that being a Privileged White Lady can be my Superpower: the presence of white older women where the laborers congregate makes it safer for the workers: ICE might be hesitant to harass or pepper spray us—it would not look good. And the workers seemed to welcome our presence.

We can also help by hiring workers through the Graton, Fulton, and Petaluma labor centers. I have hired workers from Graton often over the years. I found the woman who helps me in my garden once a month at the Graton center three years ago. She knows a lot about plants, works hard, and helps me solve problems. She has sons and brothers who often work with her when I have larger projects. Learn more about the services CLG provides. 

Donations of warm winter clothing is especially appreciated. If you would like to donate these items, please contact Ellen Sherron.

You can also find out about local efforts through national organizations like National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON).