Over 40 years ago, Ken and Susan Webb established a relationship with the 1199 SEIU healthcare workers’ union of NYC. F&W is the union’s longest continuous camp partner. Each year, this partnership brings 25-40 campers, mostly of color, to F&W camps. As we celebrate that relationship, we also recognize that Farm & Wilderness has a long history of educating youth, teens, and staff on topics of social justice. How the organization addresses issues and conversations has evolved over time. Our programs have included anti-racism and anti-bias work and now inclusivity and equity, with an emphasis on race and class. We hold ourselves accountable through trainings, forums, evaluation, and a board committee that reflects and informs our practice. We continue to develop educational experiences of social justice and equity that foster a lasting impact, extending far beyond our summer community.
This year we are diving deeply into removing barriers to living our values and core goal to be a welcoming organization and community. First, this year we begin the work of a new strategic plan, integrating our Inclusivity and Equity (I&E) goals. Second, we’ve convened a group of staff, trustees, and community members to explore our roots and determine the work ahead to confront our own institutional racism. This group contributed to a five- year plan, from which benchmarks and means of accountability will be set. In May, the proposed plan will be shared with the board.
As part of our I&E strategic plan, we are strengthening and developing partnerships. This fall, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our oldest partnership with the 1199 SEIU (NY health care workers union). We are planning a 40th 1199 SEIU/ F&W reunion in September 2018 at the 1199 headquarters. Additionally, this past fall, we formed a new partnership with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, which will be sending 10 youth to F&W this summer. We are excited to cultivate this mutually beneficial relationship and increase educational opportunities. We are celebrating raising $1.9 million for campership in our Thrive for 75 Campaign. We are learning from this successful campaign to further engage our community in the philanthropy that sustains our work.
Though snow is still falling in Vermont, seedlings are sprouting in our greenhouse and Spring Planting weekend is just around the corner. We hope to see you there!