News & Views
from the
Sustainable Southwest
New Mexico’s Women and Girls
Our Stories , Our Lives L e a d e r s h i p , C r e at i v i t y , R e s i l i e n c e a n d I n s p i r at i o n E m p o w e r i n g Y o u n g W o m e n • A d v o c at i n g f o r J u s t i c e September 2016
Northern New Mexico’s Largest Distribution Newspaper
Vol. 8 No. 9
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21 SEPTEMBER RU FREEMAN WITH JOHN FREEMAN 5 OCTOBER GIDEON LEVY WITH DAVID BARSAMIAN 26 OCTOBER ANNE CARSON WITH MICHAEL SILVERBLATT 2 NOVEMBER ANGELA Y. DAVIS WITH BARBARA RANSBY 7 DECEMBER ANDREW BACEVICH WITH MARILYN B. YOUNG 18 JANUARY CHINA MIÉVILLE WITH JORD/ANA ROSENBERG 1 FEBRUARY GLENN GREENWALD WITH TOM ENGELHARDT 15 FEBRUARY EILEEN MYLES WITH DAN CHIASSON 8 MARCH TERRY TEMPEST WILLIAMS WITH COLUM McCANN 29 MARCH VIET THANH NGUYEN WITH MAXINE HONG KINGSTON 3 MAY ARUNDHATI ROY WITH ANTHONY ARNOVE 10 MAY MARLON JAMES WITH RUSSELL BANKS
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New Mexico’s History Is Alive at El Rancho de las Golondrinas El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a one-of-akind living history museum where the past comes to life and weekend programs are fun for the whole family! OPEN WEDNESDAY– SUNDAY, 10am– 4pm, JUNE 1– O CTOBER 2, 2016 U P C O M I N G W E E K E N D E V E N TS Santa Fe Renaissance Fair | September 17 & 18 Clan Tynker and Order of Epona jousters, fairies, jugglers, dancers, kids’ games, craft and food vendors and so much more. Harvest Festival | October 1 & 2 Bring in the harvest with villagers as they crush grapes for wine by foot, string chile ristras, and make tortillas. Voted #2 Best Harvest Festival in the country by USA Today.
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Vol. 8, No. 9 •September 2016 Issue No. 89 Publisher
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News & Views
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Sustainable Southwest
Winner of the Sustainable Santa Fe Award for Outstanding Educational Project
Editor-in-chief
Seth Roffman
from the
Contents Our Stories, Our Lives: New Mexico’s Women and Girls • Sarah Ghiorse, Fatima van Hattum and Antoinette Villamil . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . ..
7 Excerpts from Las Mujeres Hablan Declaration for New Mexico . . .. . .. . 8 Sembrando Salud: The Kalpulli Izkalli’s Cihuaphatli Project • Sylvia Ledesma . . .. . 9 Breath of My Heart — A Birth Story • Jessica Frenchette-Gutfreund . . .. 10 What Would Jesusita Do? • Connie Trujillo and Pat Leahan. . .. . .. . .. 12 Breaking the Cycle of Violence • Deleana OtherBull . . .. . .. . .. . .. . 14 Tewa Women United’s Butterfly Wings Program • Michelle Martinez . . .. 15 Brave Girls at the Santa Fe Indian School • Dalene Coriz . . .. . .. . .. . 16 Raising Powerful Girls through the Alchemy of Adolescence • Arina M. Pittman. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 18
19 .. 20
Girls Inc. of Santa Fe • Kim Brown . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. Hildago Together: The Hidalgo Women’s Cooperative • Cory Sprott . .
Immigrant Women Raise the Floor for Workers in New Mexico • Emmanuelle Leal Santillan . . .. . .. . .. . .. .
22
Women Benefit from the Creative Economy in Southern New Mexico • Teresa Guerra . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 25 WESST – Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team • Bette Bradbury. . .. . .. 27 Our Lived Experience, Our Solutions • Tannia Esparza . . .. . .. . .. . ..
29
Southwest Organizing Project’s New Mexico con Mujeres • Beva Sanchez-Padilla . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. The Roots Summer Leadership Academy • Cathryn McGill . . .. . Newsbites and Sidebars. . .. . ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. What’s Going On . . .. . .. . . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. News & Views
froM the
sustaiNabLe southwest
New Mexico’s woMeN aNd Girls
Our StOrieS , Our LiveS L e a d e r s h i p , C r e at i v i t y , r e s i L i e n C e a n d i n s p i r at i o n E m p o w E r i n g Y o u n g w o m E n • A d v o c At i n g f o r J u s t i c E September 2016
31 .. . .. . 35 7, 13, 37 . .. . .. 38
NortherN New Mexico’s Largest DistributioN Newspaper
Vol. 8 No. 9
ON THE COVER (l-r): Fatima van Hattum, program manager for NewMexicoWomen.Org; Andrea Serrano, deputy director of OLÉ Education Fund; Barbara Poley, New Mexico Community Foundation board member; Cindy Ewing; Liz Bremner, cofounder of WiserGiving; Teresa Younger, president and CEO of Ms. Foundation; Sarah Ghiorse, program director for NewMexicoWomen.Org; and Patricia Trujillo, Ph.D., associate professor of English and Chicana/o Studies at Northern New Mexico College Photo © Erin Azouz
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Our Stories, Our Lives
New Mexico’s Women and Girls
Sarah Ghiorse, Fatima van Hattum and Antoinette Villamil
N
e w M e x i c o Wo m e n . O r g i s thrilled to collaborate with t h e G r een F ir e T imes o n this “O ur Lives, O ur Stories: New Mexico’s Women and Girls” edition, highlighting organizations, projects and community members working on issues that impact women and girls across New Mexico. The intention is to highlight the nuanced and varied lived experiences of women, gir ls and the organizations supporting them. As a fund and program of New Mexico Community Foundation dedicated to advancing opportunities for women and girls statewide, part of our role is to amplify the voices of our community partners. Through storytelling we lift our voices, break glass ceilings and shift the dominant gender narratives that surround and shape all of our lives.
Stories that matter to us and reflect the realities of our lives
The voices and experiences of women are often overlooked or misrepresented. This is even more potent in New Mexico, where half of our female population is comprised of women of color. For example, less than 1 percent of the stories covered on popular news stations are Latina-related, while Latina women have the highest likelihood to be shown partially
or fully naked in roles described as “sexy” or “exotic.”1 What kinds of messages does this send to young women developing their intellect, exploring their sexual expression and seeking role models and validation for their experiences? Wouldn’t it be more effective and empowering to write the stories of our grandmothers, our traditional foods, our experiences with violence, our loving and notso-loving families, our powerful embodiments of motherhood, our struggles with depression, our dances, our poetry and the ebb and flow of our joys and sorrows? With this issue of GFT, we are seeking to do just that—share stories that matter to us and reflect the realities of our lives rather than a commercialized, fantasy version. In these pages you’ll read about some of our community partners. Groups like the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, who wrote about their fourday Native Youth Summit, a powerful leadership development experience with a cohort of Native youth leaders ages 12 to 18 from across New Mexico who have been directly affected by domestic and sexual violence. Kalpulli Izkalli describes the wisdom of grandmothers, curanderas, parteras and their work to pass knowledge and traditions to the next generation. Somos un Pueblo Unido shares the story of powerful immigrant women creating committees to organize for improved working conditions. Together
they recovered more than $1 million in stolen wages and back pay and fought sexual harassment, discrimination and health and safety violations! In southern New Mexico, Tres Manos Weaving discusses its work to create a successful training and mentoring program for lowincome women to thrive in the creative economy as professional artisan weavers.
From northern New Mexico, the skillful, compassionate midwives at Breath of My Heart are helping families reclaim traditional birth practices to cultivate a nurturing environment that welcomes all families’ cultural strengths. In our own voices, the stories of women and continued on page 8
NewMexicoWomen.Org
NewMexicoWomen.Org, a program of New Mexico Community Foundation, is the only fund of its kind in the state that advances opportunities for women and girls statewide so that they can lead self-sufficient, healthy and empowered lives. NMW.O works to fulfill its mission The NewMexicoWomen.Org team (l-r): Sarah via a three-pronged strategy: Ghiorse, program director; Fatima van Hattum, Educate through research and program manager; Antoinette Villamil, program communications, seeking coordinator; Candy Carlson, NMCF development to bring public attention to assistant and Renee Villarreal, NMCF director of issues affecting women and Programs and Community Outreach girls with a goal of influencing policy. Lead through facilitating alliances among nonprofits, funders and other sectors in order to concentrate resources, foster collaboration and build capacity. Invest by increasing philanthropic investments in programs serving women and girls through donor education and strategic grant-making efforts. The program’s current focus is on health and economic equity for women and girls in underserved, rural and low-income communities and communities of color. NMW.O’s ongoing Take a Stand for New Mexico Women and Girls campaign aims to raise one dollar for each of the 1.04 million New Mexican women and girls. Whether contributors invest one dollar or ten thousand dollars, they are taking a stand to build a foundation of support and improve the lives of women and girls in our state.
New Mexico Community Foundation
New Mexico Community Foundation is a statewide endowment-building and grantmaking organization that serves and invests in New Mexico’s communities and their greatest asset—people. As a steward of community resources, NMCF supports a quality of life that reflects the diverse values, traditions, beauty and dreams of New Mexico. Building community wealth and relationships and maximizing community capacity and self-reliance are at the heart of the foundation’s work.
© Seth Roffman (2)
NMCF was started in 1983 by a small group of dedicated, visionary volunteers who believed in the power of philanthropy as a tool for inspiring creative, community-based change and prosperity. With their own donations and a passion for New Mexico, they launched a dynamic, diverse foundation whose grants, programs and initiatives today touch lives and landscapes statewide.
One Billion Rising, a community partner of NewMexicoWomen.Org, at the New Mexico state capitol. The annual global event aims to end violence against women.
NMCF’s progressive, grassroots approach empowers community members to collaborate on critical issues by tapping into local resources and discovering the strength in themselves.The foundation connects donors to valuable projects and community issues and works to be responsive to current, and often urgent, community needs. NMCF pools resources to support New Mexico’s most underserved communities, strengthens New Mexico’s nonprofits and grows philanthropy, especially in rural New Mexico. Its motto: Together, We Thrive! To join the foundation, call 505.820.6860 or visit www.nmcf.org
1) http://laslatinitas.com/teens/media-representations-of-latinas
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12th annual
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honoring our heritage: the natur al and cultur al history of the gil a
The Southwest’s Premier Nature Festival!
september 22–25 silver city, new mexico
Our Stories, Our Lives continued from page 7 girls deserve to be shared and heard. Each contribution describes powerful examples of women and girls’ leadership, creativity, resilience and inspiration. Our experiences are interspersed with victory, adversity, hope and loss. Our struggles as a state also belie small triumphs, big wins and slow changes. We know this collection barely scratches the surface and that many stories are missing. Accept this as a humble beginning to be continued. We will end with a quote from one of our Advisory Board members, Dr. Patricia Trujillo: “I imagine a New Mexico where women take up more space—where
women are professors, farmers, doctors, storytellers, policy makers, artists, leaders, and where we get paid equally for our work. I dream of a New Mexico where girls and women don’t just have choices, but where we are the architects of our own opportunities. Women hold the blueprints for structures yet unimagined, and we are the future of New Mexico.” i Sarah Ghiorse is program director of NewMexicoWomen.Org. Fatima van Hattum is program manager of NewMexicoWomen. Org. Antoinette Villamil is program coordinator of NewMexicoWomen.Org
Excerpts from
featuring Audrey Peterman, Dave Foreman, Phil Connors,
Hakim Bellamy, Diana Molina, Jeff Haozous, Michael Darrow, Ft. Sill Apache Fire Dancers with the Gooday Family, Liz Archuleta, Dr. Esteban Muldavin, Dr. Richard Felger, kayaking, guided hikes, birding, & more!
schedule & registration
gilaconservation.org 575.538.8078 Partially funded by Silver City Lodger’s Tax
Women’s Declaration for New Mexico 2010, 2014 Preamble The Earth community stands at a defining moment in time. Injustices, poverty, ignorance, corruption, crime and violence have deepened and our Earth Mother is suffering. These offenses have led to values that have become hurtful and a destructive way of living. We believe that women are sacred, unique human beings of the Earth. We believe that female and male energy is found within the other. We believe that all people belong to one earth community as a human family. We, therefore, declare the following: Whereas, women are the nurturers of the human seed within their wombs and bearers of the blessing of creation through the process of giving birth.
© Seth Roffman
fred barraza
Las Mujeres Hablan: The Women Speak
Members of Las Mujeres Hablan (l-r): Pilar Trujillo (NMAA), Marian Naranjo (HOPE), Juliet GarcíaGonzales (NMAA). Not pictured: Kathy Sánchez (TWU), Beata TsosieWhereas, because of the profound role of Peña (TWU), Paula García (NMAA) women in creation, ancient cultures and civilizations throughout human history and today have revered the earth as our Mother, the source of all life, Whereas, mothers and grandmothers continue to be the primary caregivers of children through breastfeeding, feeding, and nurturing, from infancy through all the stages of our human lives, . . . Be it resolved That we are gathered to declare our reverence for our women ancestors that nurtured generation upon generation so that we could be given the blessing of life, Be it further resolved that we will collectively and intentionally work to carry on the seed-saving, farming and ranching traditions of our ancestors and to pass these teachings on to the younger generations, Be it further resolved that we will raise our children to be conscious human beings mindful of the sacred gift of life we have been granted by the creator, to be reverent of our Mother Earth, and to be respectful in their relations ... Mission: Las Mujeres Hablan (The Women Speak) is an Indigenous and land-based, women-led network that creates connections between women in New Mexico to protect our people, traditional knowledge and sacred places. We believe the truth that all life is inherently interconnected with Mother Earth. The foundation of Las Mujeres Hablan is the women-led organizations Honor Our Pueblo Existence (HOPE), New Mexico Acequia Association (NMAA) and Tewa Women United (TWU), later followed by ally organizations. To read the complete declaration and learn more about Las Mujeres Hablan, visit www.facebook.com/lasmujereshablan.nm
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
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H e a lt h & H e a l i n g
Sembrando Salud
The Kalpulli Izkalli’s Cihuaphatli (Women’s Medicine) Project Sylvia Ledesma
“The Earth is our mother; from her we receive our life and our ability to live. It is our responsibility to care for our mother, and in caring for our mother, we care for ourselves. Women, all females, are a manifestation of Mother Earth in human form.” – Beijing Declaration of Indigenous Women, 1995
An intergenerational model for culture and knowledge transfer related to healing
Today, I see more and more babies born without brains, spines, or limbs, and many “uncurable” diseases. Our food and water are contaminated by neglect and inattentiveness; our Earth Mother shakes from the violence of machines injected into her womb. She weeps as her waters turn shades of color from oil spills and bloodshed, and she gasps for clean air for her grieving lungs. Something is not right! I hear my Lita’s words as I reflect on the past 20 years of Kalpulli Izkalli and the women and their families that created it. I am witness to a transformation of our organization, of our community, and most importantly, I’m seeing the transformative process that has changed
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the lives of many we have come in contact with. This is our story of women coming together, sowing seeds, sembrando salud (age-old wisdom and knowledge of health and healing) over the past 20 years to transform the health and environment of our community. Some are just beginning to sprout. Historically, indigenous women have played significant leadership roles in the health, well-being and development of families and communities. These roles inc luded intergenerational passing of knowledge to future generations. Unf or tunatel y, with coloniz ation, women’s leadership roles through rituals, ceremonies and other means have been taken away and, in many cases, lost. In 1999, Kalpulli Izkalli created the Promotoras Tradicionales (women who promote and practice traditional and natural medicine) Project as an intergenerational model for culture and knowledge transfer related to healing exclusively for women. We began by sharing what we knew with each other, seeking out elders and curanderas in the community, and offering workshops or tekios (community work or sharing for community good). We eventually created the Cihuaphatli ( Women’s Medicine) Project. The community requested that we open a space where we could offer health and healing services. That was the beginning of establishing a clinic, Topahkal (House of our Medicine) Health and Healing Center, in 2001. Through the center, the Promotoras Tradicionales bring equitable and culturally appropriate health, mental health and healing to indigenous and immigrant women and their families, provide women with skills, capacity and leadership to advocate for themselves and their families and improve community health systems. Our services are also provided at community healing spaces
© Tori Lee
W
hen I was a little girl, my Lita (abuelita/grandma) and I were sowing seeds in the garden for vegetables and flowers. She told me that when you bury a seed in the ground and it blooms and gives fruit, that meant everything was all right... but if it didn’t, something was not right and I had to be more attentive to its needs. She would tell stories of times when food was plentiful, rich and nourishing, and when the purest water could be gotten from un ojo de agua (a natural spring), and when her cuñada (sister-in-law), a partera (midwife), would help birth beautiful, healthy babies like my mama, as was her esperanza (hope) for me. As we both grew older and my Lita continued her journey beyond this world, I began to see a very different picture from what I remembered in her stories.
Tools of the healing trade: medicinal plants, smudge stick, copal resin, candles and health fairs. The clinic operates as a “traditional gift exchange” serving mostly low-income patients. No one is ever turned away. By 2005, the Promotoras Tradicionales re a l i z e d t h a t t h e re n e e d e d t o b e more women doing this work. An apprenticeship program was created. Through a “reproductive justice” lens, the project has maintained a focus on our role as women, as life-givers, caregivers, nourishers and co-creators. It has provided opportunities to raise our voices in decisions that are only ours to make as women. “From a healthy earth come healthy women; from healthy women come healthy children.” Kalpulli Izkalli has worked towards effective traditional indigenous approaches to move our families and community toward healing and justice. One of the biggest challenges has been getting women to take back their voice (their power) to heal themselves, and inspire them to mobilize that collective voice and move from personal transformation to community transformation.
These efforts will transform our community for future generations. Currently, the founding mothers and their families, including a new generation of young people, are in a process of regeneration of the Kalpulli Izkalli. Regeneration is vital in the process of letting go of what no longer serves the community and allows the new to resurge. Gardens thrive when weeds are removed.
Traditional Healing Fair
On Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we will honor our abuelas, grandmothers and those who came before and blessed us with sembrando salud. O ur 20 th anniversary celebration, the Encuentro de Medicina Tradicionál, will take place at the Westside Community Center, 1250 Isleta SW. i Sylvia Ledesma is the coordinator for Kalpulli Izkalli in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 505.452.9208
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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H e a lt h & H e a l i n g
Breath of My Heart — A Birth Story
Jessica Frechette-Gutfreund Photos by Claire Sanders, Full Heart Birth
trickled in and out. David’s grandparents spent time sitting in the waiting room, telling stories and remembering other births in the family. Midwifer y has been a New Mexican practice as long as people have lived on these lands. andy Martínez, her partner, David Pueblo, Chicano/ Rivera, and close family members Hispanic and Mexicano arrived at Breath of My Heart communities have carried Birthplace in the early morning on a hot midwifer y knowledge summer day. Sandy and David, both 18, through generations, with were raised in the Española Valley, and medicine-people, parteras like most first-time parents were excited and curanderas supporting and anxious about their baby on the way. women during birth and Sandy’s contractions started overnight and honoring birth as sacred. had become more painful over the last few Ac ro s s c o m mu n i t i e s , hours. She settled into the birth room and birth is a moment in started to get comfortable. Doula Tauz which time stands TamuPovi, from Tewa Women United’s still. For generations, Sandy labors in bed at the BMH clinic with support from her partner, David, her mother, Loren Gallegos YVK doula program, rubbed her back with b i r t h w o r k e r s h a v e and doula Tauz TamuPovi each contraction and helped her slow her performed the role of prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum birth-center practices. Nurse-midwife breathing. Her family made themselves bringing culture, language and traditions and well-woman care outside of a scholar Felina Ortiz has written that at home—setting up food, texting family to welcome a new baby. hospital setting for low-risk women. the numbers of traditional midwives members and trying to guess how long it fell to fewer than 100 by 1965. She would take for the baby to come. Belín A hundred years ago there were likely Research shows that planned home says it then dwindled to very scarce Marcus, apprentice midwife, filled a more than 1,000 midwives across the births or those in a birth center are numbers through the second half of the bathtub so Sandy could relax in the water. state; today an estimated 40 licensed associated with good health outcomes, century. Many factors led to the decline As the day went on, family members midwives assist with home births or including drastically lower rates of in Ne w Mexico, inc luding casarean section, as well as higher regulations instituted by the rates of patient satisfaction and use of state. Associated literacy breastfeeding than among births that requirements weren’t accessible occur in a hospital setting. f o r m a ny o l d e r m i d w i ve s . Expansion of New Mexico Department of Health services and Indian Health ser vices changed the ways people accessed pregnancy-related s e r v i c e s . S i m u l t a n e o u s l y, And births at home or in a birth center there was a national push to are on the rise. The Center for Disease encourage people to rely on Control reported that from 2004‑2012, hospitals and doctors as the births at home or in a birth center only suitable birth providers. increased by more than 30 percent. Even so, midwives continued Interestingly, this increase was among to ser ve under-resourced non-Hispanic white women across the and hard-to-reach rural country. The numbers of births at home communities. New Mexico or in a birth center stayed the same or remains one of the few states declined for women of every other race/ where midwifer y was never ethnic group. made illegal. Over the last 40 years, New Mexico has been The recognition that many families in friendly to home birth and the Española Valley didn’t have access Midwife apprentice Belín Marcus guides David in cutting Luna’s umbilical cord bir th-center pr actitioners. to these options was the incentive Today, licensed midwives offer continued on page 23
S
Celebrating pregnancy and birth as a sacred rite of passage
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
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REUNION dance to the funky soul of the Club West
presents
Test drive electric cars Nissan Leaf, Tesla S, Chevy Volt See the Newest Solar Panels Taste organic and local food Prizes and Much More Motown Reunion portion of the proceeds contributed to:
Scottish Rite Ballroom Fiesta Saturday, September 10th Doors open at 6:30pm
Tickets Santa Fe 505-988-1234 or ticketssantafe.org
Tickets: Tickets Santa Fe 505-988-1234 or ticketssantafe.org Juices for sale$22 (noatalcohol, all Juices ages show). Prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. $18 in advance, the door. for sale (no alcohol, all ages show). Fundraiser for: Earth Care , Santa Fe Farmers Market, Institute andNew Energy Economy Produced by AParallelWorld.com HELPING YOU SAVE THE PLANET WHILE SAVING MONEY
Starting at 12:00 noon, all are invited to the second annual Sustainability Showcase. Drive the latest plug-in cars, see the newest solar panels, taste local and organic food and learn about local banking to keep your money circulating in Santa Fe’s local economy.
Coming Home Connection QUIET INSPIRATION AWARD
New Mexico Appleseed COURAGEOUS INNOVATION AWARD
Southwestern Association for Indian Arts TRIED & TRUE AWARD
Santa Fe Art Institute VISIONARY AWARD
Quarrier and Philip Cook PHILANTHROPIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
Tuesday, October 4, 2016 5 – 8pm, Awards Ceremony & Dinner La Fonda on the Plaza, 100 E. San Francisco Street, Santa Fe Tickets: $50 To make reservations and for more information visit us at www.santafecf.org/pinonawards or call us at 505.988.9715.
OCTOBER 4, 2016 CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE NONPROFIT SECTOR
Please join us in celebration as we honor the vital work of nonprofits and philanthropists in our region.
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Unable to join us in person? Your tax deductible contribution in support of the Piñon Awards is deeply appreciated.
We thank our loyal sponsors: Galpert/Ortega Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Gruet Winery Kaune’s Neighborhood Market Los Alamos National Bank Wells Fargo
The Owings Gallery Century Bank New Mexico Bank & Trust Thornburg Investment Management
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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H e a lt h & H e a l i n g
What would Jesusita do?
Connie Trujillo and Pat Leahan
Moms, educators, human rights advocates and others arrived for a march in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in April 2016 in response to the sudden cessation of obstetrics services.
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hat’s the question recently posed by community members in Las Vegas, New Mexico, when, on March 1, the only acute medical care facility in the area—Alta Vista Regional Hospital (AVRH)—announced it was closing its obstetrics department on March 7. The private, for-profit hospital, owned by the largest hospital chain in the United States, Community Health Systems of Tennessee, gave only six days’ notice to the OB department’s nursing staff, physicians, nurse-midwives and, most importantly, patients. The memo from AVRH blamed “market conditions” for the “temporary” closure. This closure meant that women could no longer deliver their babies at the hospital or even in their homes with a midwife. The reaction from the community was immediate shock and anger. Midwif er y has a deepl y honored, longstanding history here. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, while the rest of the United States was becoming urbanized and industrialized, this region remained culturally and geographically isolated and unique. The people in the villages of northeastern New Mexico developed their own system of folk
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medicine that inc luded curanderaparteras, or folk healing midwives. One of the most famous is Doña Jesusita Aragón. Before her death in 2005, she practiced in Las Vegas and the surrounding area for 80 years and is believed to have delivered more than 20,000 babies, including 27 sets of twins and two sets of triplets. Most of these births took place in her home. Jesusita stopped delivering babies in 2000 when she was 93 years old. So when AVRH made its announcement, it’s no wonder the community began invoking Doña Jesusita’s name as they pondered what to do about this devastating news.
natal care of themselves and their babies.
on the side of the highway.”
Because Alta Vista was the only hospital in the northeastern part of the state with the capacity to allow certified nurse-midwives to continue delivering babies, women now have to travel much longer distances, and over a mountain pass, to Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque or Raton, to deliver their babies. This has already led to tragedy. Just two days after the OB unit closed, a young family from Mora, with the mother in labor, had a tire blow-out at 11:30 p.m. on I-25 near Glorieta as they had to bypass the Las Vegas hospital and head to Santa Fe. They were unharmed and fortunately delivered a healthy baby. But on March 22, 26-year-old Las Vegas mom Desiree Castillo and her unborn son were killed in a weather-related accident on I-25 as the family was returning from a Santa Fe OB appointment. On June 20, Tierney and Paul Taylor barely made it to Santa Fe in time. “The baby was already crowning as we approached the I-25 exit to Santa Fe,” Tierney explained. “We almost didn’t make it. Our baby would have been born
Numerous sectors of the community are coming together to try and prevent such incidents. Some want to try and force Alta Vista to re-open the OB department. Others are hoping a nonprofit hospital or freestanding birthing center will come to town. Women and girls across several counties are doing grassroots organizing. A group called Northeast New Mexico Women’s Health Advocates delivered more than 1,000 signatures to the San Miguel County Board of Commissioners, and on April 12, the commission voted unanimously to form a “Community Hospital and Health Care Study Group” to examine the issue.
Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas, NM has closed its obstetrics department.
In Las Vegas over the last 10 years, nurse-midwives have attended more than 50 percent of the vaginal births at AVRH. This is considerably higher than the national average of 12 percent and the state average of 30 percent. Women in this part of New Mexico choose to partner with local midwives for one of the most important events in their lives—the prenatal, birthing and post-
Green Fire Times • September 2016
Brooklyn Aragón, a 17-year old Las Vegas high-schooler who worked to gather signatures for the petition said, “How can women in labor be expected to drive, in some cases more than two hours, to get to the hospital? Closing the OB unit was about greed. That’s what I think. It makes me sad that profit outweighs the well-being of women and their children.” On July 7, the New Mexico Legislative Health and Human Services Committee
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A Portrait of Jesusita AragÓn (1908-2005)
Doña Jesusita Aragón was probably the most beloved healer and midwife in northern New Mexico. While some reports estimate she delivered 12,000 babies, a family spokesperson stated in 2005 that she delivered a total of 45,943 babies during her 80-plus years in midwifery. Just 13 years old during her first delivery, she learned from her Tía Valentina how to deliver babies and use traditional healing herbs. Although she apprenticed with her aunt, she said that she somehow just knew what to do during a birth. For example, when a doctor, trying to be helpful, handed Aragón a stethoscope to listen to an in-utero baby’s heartbeat, she said, “I don’t need that.” Instead, she moved her hands across the woman’s abdomen and instructed the doctor where to place his instrument. The doctor, astounded,
had just witnessed her ability to listen to the baby’s pulse with her fingers. She was also able to tell whether a baby was under stress by feeling the pulse through the top of the baby’s head. Incredibly self-sufficient, Aragon hand-built her own house, chopping down trees and hauling wood on her back. It was in this house that she set up a birthing center with nine or 10 beds, charging from $10 to $125 a birth from the 1930s to the early 2000s. A single mother with two children, Aragón delivered her second child by herself. Aragón practiced midwifery until she was 93. She died in 2005 at the age of 97.
Local women protest at a busy intersection in Las Vegas, New Mexico held a hearing in Las Vegas. Chaired by Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, the committee heard testimony from hospital CEO Chr is Wolf and the Ne w Mexico Hospital Association. They also heard from a mother-to-be and a certified nurse-midwife, as well as concerned women and girls. The only way to fix the problem that is now affecting more than 7,000 women in the area is to restore these services. Ways to do that include the hospital hiring locum tenens (temporary help for physicians) to help cover the pediatric and o bstetr ic needs, the hospital partnering with another hospital with more resources to help support the reopening of the unit, or another entity or facility taking on the labor and delivery needs for the women in this community. This facility would need to have the ability to provide surgical ser vices, if needed, and staff to sustain a safe birthing environment. OB/GYN services must be brought back to Las Vegas as soon as possible. The midwives must be allowed to continue on the path of Jesusita, delivering babies in their own communities. Rather than “market conditions,” the priority must be the well-being of the women and their children in the villages and towns across northeastern New Mexico. i Connie Trujillo is a certified nurse-midwife who works at Alumbra Women’s Health and Maternity Care in Las Vegas, N.M.
Is it true PNM recycles old refrigerators?
What about freezers?
Do you pick it up for free?
Have a question about our Refrigerator Recycling Program? Talk to us. PNM will recycle your old, working refrigerator or freezer and pay you $50. We’ll pick it up for free, keeping materials like metal, glass and plastic out of the landfill – and greenhouse gases out of the environment. Learn more at PNM.com/answers.
Pa t L e a h a n i s co-director of Las Vegas Peace and Justice Center.
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
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H e a lt h & H e a l i n g
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women Deleana OtherBull
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pending part of your summer learning about domestic violence and sexual assault may not sound like a fun way to spend your time—but it is at the heart of the work of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and its Native youth violence-prevention and early-intervention initiatives, which include a summer summit for Native youth leaders who have been directly affected by violence. Breaking the cycle of violence begins with empowering youth-led community change. CSVANW’s alliance of more than 50 highly committed individuals and organizations has become a broad, unified voice that works to raise awareness about the public safety of Native women and children at state, tribal and federal levels. CSVANW also provides critical lifeline services.
aGuA fRiA nUrSerY 1409 Agua Fria • Santa Fe (505) 983-4831
More than 60 percent of Native youth have been exposed to violence.
The National Institute of Justice recently released a research report that says four out of five Native women are impacted by violence. Fifty-six percent will experience sexual violence, and 55 percent will experience some form of physical violence. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reports that within the past year more than 60 percent of Native youth have been exposed to violence at home, school or within their communities. Violence is the most common and earliest trauma that Native youth experience. It often occurs within a home and is perpetuated within a family. Violence
2016 Native Youth Summit attendees can have detrimental effects on one’s emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual development. Youth exposed to violence have higher risks for substance abuse, externalized behavioral problems and internalized problems such as extreme stress, depression and anxiety, and they are at higher risk for suicide. Additionally, Native youth who are exposed to violence within the home are 75 percent more likely to become a future victim of violence or a perpetrator. Yet there is still a lack of community-based prevention and early intervention efforts. That ’s where CSVANW comes in. Each year, CSVANW hold an annual 4-day Native Youth Summit, a powerful leadership-development experience for a cohort of youth ages 12 to 18 from across New Mexico who have been directly affected by domestic or sexual violence. The summit offers experiential learning, personal and team-building challenges. Storytelling and youth-led community councils foster resiliency and inspire the participants to go forth into their own tribal communities and work to break the cycle of violence. CSVANW will offer an advocate training, “Sexual Violence in New Mexico Tribal Communities: Protecting Our Most Sacred,” on Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Albuquerque. i
2016 Native Youth Summit attendees
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
Deleana OtherBull is the executive director for the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, which is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 505.243.9199, www.csvanw.org/ about-us/
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E m p o w e r i n g Yo u n g W o m e n
Tewa Women United’s Butterfly Wings Program
his summer,Tewa Women United (TWU) hosted the first annual Butterfly Wings Program for Native American girls 11 to 16 years old. The program focused on the development of healthy relationships and sexuality as well as body sovereignty. Body sovereignty is the right to bodily integrity and the exclusive control of one’s own body and life. Butterfly Wings brought together a committed group of five youth, two college interns, one high school intern and three staff members.
clay can be a form of therapy. Sometimes when we are hurt and bothered by life’s difficulties, traditional art forms can be a way to heal and take some of the hurt away. Saya Evelyn reminded us that pottery, as with any art, is not meant to be perfect. She shared that some of her most popular pieces have been ones that were uneven and even broken in the firing process.This is a powerful metaphor: Imperfect and even broken things can be the most beautiful and sought after.
Program themes included: embracing the power of being a girl of color, self-care practices, honoring our spirituality as Pueblo people, taking control of one’s body and understanding the body’s functions. Other topics covered were: how to determine when a relationship is not healthy, how to identify the kind of relationships we want and potential partners, as well as how to make informed decisions about engaging in sexual activity and the use of contraceptives.
To learn more about healthy eating and lifestyles, we visited the new Healthy Foods Oasis Garden at Valdez Park in Española and helped fix erosion damage.There we learned about traditional foods grown in the Española Valley and collected “Indian” tea (also known as Kota or Debe in Tewa). With all of the unhealthy things that are being put in food,it is important to be aware and return to our traditional foodways and do what may seem unthinkable in this day and age: grow our own food.
Michelle Martzínez
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Healthy femininity using traditional practices and knowledge
The program was not the traditional sex-ed young people may experience in school. It integrated more culturally relevant Pueblo activities into a 16-lesson curriculum. Several guest presenters taught about healthy femininity using traditional practices and knowledge. These included pottery-making, beadwork, environmental justice education and the importance of understanding that what happens to the land happens to the people.
Butterfly Wings 2016 participants at their last session a text message. Through this activity and others, we were able to connect on a deeper level with our spiritual selves. A highlight was a retreat at La Mesita Ranch in Nambé. We spent three days and two nights at this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary filled with stunning Native American art. Through Rylin Bicenti (Diné) and Wysper Carpenter-Kish we learned about “artivism”—art that incorporates activism— and the concept of consent when it comes to our bodies as it applies to land and our
relationship with Mother Earth. We learned how important it is for all of us, as women and girls of color, to stand up for our rights and be present when things are going on that impact our community. Another highlight was when one of the TWU sayas (grandmothers), Evelyn Naranjo, taught us pottery-making in her lesson called “Healing with Clay.” This aligned with our lesson on generational trauma called “Trauma Rocks.” Saya Evelyn not only taught us how to build clay pots but also how working with
In addition to learning so much about ourselves, we made lasting friendships.Thank you to the participants, interns, special guests and staff of Tewa Women United. i Michelle Martínez, a sophomore at Northern New Mexico College, is an intern at Tewa Women United under the A’Gin Healthy Sexuality and Body Sovereignty Program. 505.747.3259, http://tewawomenunited.org
The program commenced with a ropes course facilitated by TWU Voices staff member and experiential educator Beverly Billie, who took all participants and staff through two exciting (and sometimes scary) team-building courses. There was plenty of laughter, some tears, and we were able to really bond with one another and build trust. This provided us with a solid foundation for everything that followed. For every session we convened a prayer circle. One of the weekly practices was creating “paper prayers.” Instead of verbalizing prayers out loud, we wrote what was in our minds and hearts, while traditional music was sung or played. The paper prayers were burned together, outside. We equated the rising smoke to hitting the send button for
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
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Brave Girls at the Santa Fe Indian School
Finding a Connection, Purpose and Meaning to Inspire Others Dalene Coriz
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he Leadership Institute at the Santa Fe Indian School (SFIS) serves as a catalyst for discourse. Since 1997, the institute has expanded to 16 leadership development programs, guided by mentorship, community service, public policy and critical thinking. Through integration of Indigenous cultural philosophies, these programs are designed to become assets for tribal communities. One example of this is the Brave Girls program.
“Humility allows us to work well with others and shows us that we can always improve ourselves.” – Eashudee (Pueblo of Isleta)
Grounded in the philosophy of “giving back,” Brave Girls helps young Native women expand self-knowledge, develop a positive self-identity and healthy lifestyle practices, and develop the capacity to think critically about issues affecting their communities. Employing the Leadership Institute’s model, they develop a consciousness of community issues from a female perspective. They network with professional women within communities, develop public speaking skills and—with partners and guest mentors—work to create an intergenerational mentorship system.
Because the SFIS represents New Mexico’s 22 tribes, Brave Girls can have statewide impact. The program is developing a Girls Resource Center and Girls Studies Department. One of the main goals is to create a program to be shared with tribal schools. Brave Girls strives to identify what each young woman’s contribution to her community can be. One of the ways of doing this is by convening think tanks specifically for Pueblo women. The theme of these institutes is The Power of Pueblo Women. This first-of-its-kind initiative is a series, which will lead to a Women’s Convocation that will allow generations of Pueblo women to have open and honest discussions regarding the changing roles of women within their communities. The Leadership Institute sees Brave Girls as not only an investment in young Native women, but as a crucial investment in the health, well-being and survival of children, families and communities. Creating a conscious understanding of relevant issues and the way external forces continue to impact community institutions is the ultimate goal as Brave Girls help empower tribal community members. The Leadership Institute at the SFIS knows that skills and courage are what it takes to give back and build strong communities. i Dalene Coriz is the creator and founder of Brave Girls. www.lisfis.org
Beverly Billie prepares some of the Brave Girls for their ropes course
NewMexicoWomen.Org, a fund and program of New Mexico Community Foundation, works to advance opportunities for women and girls statewide so they can lead self-sufficient, healthy and empowered lives. Join us in Taking a Stand for New Mexico’s women and girls! 16
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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2016 Biodynamic Conference
TIERRA VIVA Farming the Living Earth
November 16th through 20th Santa Fe Convention Center, NM Over 50 workshops exploring biodynamic principles and practices, agricultural wisdom of the Americas, living water, living soil, and much more, including:
Biodynamic Permaculture
Water Resilience on the Farm
Reconnecting Formerly Incarcerated People to Nature and Society
Making Biodynamic Compost
The Spirit of Healing Plants
Liberating Farmland for Farmers and Communities
Plus ten inspiring keynote speakers, field trips, networking, delicious food, exhibits, and entertainment, all in right here in Santa Fe. Register today!
biodynamics.com/conference (262) 649-9212 x2 www.GreenFireTimes.com
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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Raising Powerful Girls Through the Alchemy of Adolescence Santa Fe Girls School Arina M. Pittman
S he is star ting to look outside of the family for ideas and expressions o f w h a t i t m e a n s t o b e a wom a n and an adult in this culture at this time. S he probabl y does not even know that she is looking for answers, b u t h e r p e e r s , s i g n i fi c a n t a d u l t s , teac hers, media figures, extended family members and the culture at large all offer their versions. Life temporarily becomes a melting pot of mixed messages, blurred boundaries, pervasive confusion and, possibly, lack of direction. The invisible, arduous task of adolescence is to sift through the medley of messages to find one’s own inner gold. We see many adolescent girls get quiet and less focused on academics. They sometimes fall into an extreme of either shutting down or becoming overthe-top, fascinated with social media, possessive of friends and insecure about
themselves. Their forming identities are at stake. They are searching for true light and true direction regarding what it means to be human and what it means to be a woman. For a parent of an adolescent girl it is a good time to ask: Is my daughter surrounded by a culture that values diversity of opinion, creates a safe space for dialogue, one that guides students through conflict resolution by offering interpersonal skills? Are values of cooperation and relationshipbuilding fostered in her daily life? Is she able to take academic risks, speak her truth without fear and maintain her integrity? Here is what Marion Wo o d m a n , t h e r e n o w n e d a u t h o r and women’s-movement figure says about the critical values she calls “the feminine principle”: “The feminine principle attempts to relate. Instead of breaking things off into parts, it says, ‘ W h e r e a r e w e a l i k e ? Ho w c a n w e connect? Where is the love? Can you listen to me? Can you really hear what I am saying? Can you see me? Do you care whether you see me or not?’” It is apparent how this practice of
© Arina Pittman
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he is 10 years old, still far from adolescence—though there are days when she shines through in a whole new way. There are moments when a glimpse of how she might look, be, as a young woman, is revealed.
listening and hearing, of caring—by anyone, regardless of age or gender— offers a possibility of peaceful discourse, compassionate connection and creative solutions that are critical for a 21 stcentury citizen in our changing times. This need to relate to others requires cultivation and protection. It blossoms
when supported by practice and a community. It must be allowed to inform every aspect of family life and classroom culture, where opportunities to relate to others—often to very different others— are most present. Feminine values mean sharing leadership, collaborating on projects, building inclusive alliances, caring for others, striving for mutual success and pulling talents together for a common goal. It means learning to resolve conflict in a kind and clear manner, which takes skill, strength, determination and practice. Most importantly for adolescent girls, it requires adult guidance. Adolescence is the time when exposure to and practice of these values give rise to the true gold of a strong, loving and caring person. i Arina Pittman, operations manager a t t h e S a n t a Fe Girls’ School, runs Ter raGirls Landb a s e d C r e a t i v i t y, an after-school program that connects adolescent girls to nature through gardening and celebrating seasons. 505.820.3188,
www.santafegirlsschool.org
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E m p o w e r i n g Yo u n g W o m e n
Girls Inc. of Santa Fe
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n a room of the Hillside Center, home to Girls Inc. of Santa Fe for the past 57 years, 15 5- and 6-year-old girls put on space helmets they created and prepare to launch into space. Their mission: to explore other planets and bring back observations of alien plants and animals. In preparation for this journey their facilitators have spread drawings of extraterrestrial life throughout the room. The young explorers search for signs of life and sketch what they find before returning to their rocket for the voyage home. By playing astronauts, the girls are not just exercising their imaginations; they are envisioning one possible future for themselves.
Life-changing experiences and real solutions
At the same time, a group of 10- and 11-year-olds spends a week getting handson experience with scientific methods as they take on the roles of forensic scientists conducting an investigation into a fictional murder. Their facilitators present them with facts of the case. The girls use microscopes to examine simulated hair and blood samples. They try on the work of a scientist and learn about the importance of organization, record keeping and attention to detail. They have gone beyond imagining and have entered the realm of tangible practice. They learn that, yes, they can do it. Two dozen teens and pre-teens prepare for a three-day camping trip in the Pecos Wilderness. They spend weeks training physically for the demands of the 11-mile hike they will take. They work through activities designed to improve communication and decision-making skills. Perhaps most importantly, they act as a team to support and encourage each other as they face challenging situations. One such undertaking involves a trip to the Santa Fe Mountain Center, where the girls climb re-purposed telephone
poles to reach a wire strung high above the ground. A girl traverses the wire from each end, meeting in the middle where they must change places before continuing to the other end of the wire. Both girls wear harnesses attached to safety lines belayed by the rest of the their group, who offer encouragement from below. Thus the support they give, and learn to trust in, is both physical and emotional. They learn that they can trust themselves and one another.
These are just a fe w examples of the kinds The AHA Festival of Progressive Arts will take place at the Railyard, the Midtown District and Solana of programs Girls Inc. Center in Santa Fe from Sept.16–18. https://ahafestival.com provides to girls ages 5-16. while talking about careers in science. Other Girls Inc. This year, before heading off to Girls Inc. seeks to inspire girls to take mentors with expertise in areas such as college, she was a summer camp facilitator, positive risks, to encourage healthy choices geology, art, golf, relationship communication supporting a group of girls as they tried and to foster a sense of independence and the history of New Mexico also have on what it would mean to be a geologist, so that they grow up to be strong, smart shared their knowledge. And, of course, every forensic scientist, photographer, designer, and bold women. The programming is day their facilitators are present in every sense entrepreneur or outdoor adventurer. She says, holistic and grounded in a researchof the word.The girls learn that they can have “The most important thing I learned was to based curriculum. These activities often an interesting and fulfilling career. have respect for myself and to know that no emphasize an initial exploratory phase one can tell me I can’t do it because I’m Latina In the past several years, Girls Inc. has in which girls use all of their senses to or because I grew up somewhere far away. It’s expanded its reach by bringing programs experience a phenomenon before being important to know that I can be who I want to the schools. The Girls Inc. Outreach prompted with information that might to be in life and no one can pull me down… Coordinator last year served more than 200 otherwise limit their observations. They It’s a gift that all girls should have.” girls in schools. In one case, administrators learn that they have valuable knowledge at a school asked Girls Inc. to help a With supportive, generous people in their and abilities. specific group that had serious issues with corner, girls will change the world despite Mentorship is another key component of the bullying. After a semester working on what their family’s economic ability may Girls Inc. experience. For example, before communication and teambuilding, the girls be. Your time, talent and financial support they began their week as forensic scientists, who had once spent their time cutting each can help Girls Inc. make an even bigger girls met with Katharina Babcock from other down instead turned their energy impact. Call 505.982.2042 or visit www. the Santa Fe Forensic Lab to ask about her into making plans for their futures. They girlsincofsantafe.org i career path and day-to-day work. At the learned to be kind to one another. Kim Brown has been program director, director end of Chemistry Week during summer of program development and operations The final word on what is accomplished camp, 15 chemists and mechanical engineers director of Girls Inc. 505.982.2042, https:// belongs to the girls themselves. As a girl, from Sandia National Labs spent a morning girlsincofsantafe.org Alanie spent more than seven years with leading the girls through hands-on activities
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© Seth Roffman
Kim Brown
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
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B u i l d i n g S u s ta i n a b l e C o m m u n i t i e s
Hildago Together
The Hidalgo Women’s Cooperative
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f you have traveled west on Interstate 10 from anywhere in New Mexico, you have passed through Lordsburg in Hidalgo County. More than likely, you stopped for fuel, food or just took a break from the road, as it is the last stop before you cross over into Arizona. Truckstops at either end of town and the restaurants at the middle exit are what most people visit when passing through. You just might have been forced to stop due to dust storms
Lights, Soil, Action!
from the wind kicking up the dry earth that surrounds the town in the summer, or because of the limited visibility and ice-covered freeway in the winter. Lordsburg was once a bustling railroad, highway and mining town. W hen travelers do venture down the old highway through town, they are struck by the aged disrepair of the boarded-up buildings that once held
Take 11 Nov 92016
15
, uerque Albuq NM
Join leaders in agriculture, conservation, policy, science, and advocacy to discuss regenerative solutions for 21st century challenges.
Featured Speakers
Wes Jackson
Dr. Jonathan Lundgren
Lucy Waruingi
Special Quivira Conference Fundraiser on November 9 featuring: Dr. Temple Grandin Register at Quiviracoalition.org
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
busy restaurants, bars and motels. Over the years, as industries pulled out and businesses shut down, most workers left and took their families. Businesses closed, schools shrank and services dwindled. Those who stayed either have lived in the area for generations, do not have the resources or ability to go, or have returned to care f o r t h e i r a g i n g p a re n t s . Houses and businesses left untended have begun to disintegrate, along with the town’s infrastructure. For those who remain, life is much more complicated than it was before.
© Seth Roffman
Cory Sprott
Families in the area, and especially single mothers and widows on fixed incomes, are impoverished, isolated and underserved. Transportation Art from discarded materials. The Recycle Santa Fe Art is usually the biggest barrier to Festival is Dec. 2–4 at the Santa Fe Convention Center. accessing services, especially for those who live in the county, group has four core members who work outside of Lordsburg. For services such as together to sell handmade goods at events employment, orthodontics and vision, or all around Hidalgo County. Others have domestic violence support, families must come and gone, but four mothers have travel to Silver City, Las Cruces or even worked together over the past five years, El Paso, Texas. If they live in Animas, the and when one can’t make it to an event, the shortest trip to such services is 100 miles others take her goods along and sell them each way. With no public transportation, for her. These events have also become their it might as well be 1,000 miles, unless they social hours, like a book club, for these now have a car and enough money to pay for fuel. very close friends. Women living in these When considering conditions naturally come developing programs together to counter feelings to increase economic of isolation and lack of security for women and power. They offer to pick girls, the last thing we up each other’s kids from want to do is to create school, shop for each other fear or uncertainty or a at Walmart, carpool to sense of being even more powerless. doctors’ appointments, and pitch in with Programs like the Hidalgo Women’s food items for fundraisers for families Cooperative allow for a support system in need, because they have needed, or of local women to give new participants know they will need, someone’s help a sense of security and sisterhood. somewhere along the way. Programs They certainly don’t happen overnight. that succeed in these areas build on that It takes time to nurture the network natural tendency to come together. and for a natural leader to arise. The The Hidalgo Women’s Cooperative, key to sustainability is that foundation sponsored by SPIRIT of Hidalgo and and a group that works together. i Ne w M e x i c o Wo m e n . o r g, p ro v i d e s Cory Sprott is development director of resources that allow women the flexibility SPIRIT in Lordsburg, New Mexico. to earn an income while caring for their families and supporting each other. This
For those who remain, life is much more complicated.
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21
B u i l d i n g S u s ta i n a b l e C o m m u n i t i e s
Immigrant Women Raise the Floor for Workers in New Mexico Somos un Pueblo Unido Emmanuelle Leal Santillán
L
luvia Ramírez Orozco was fired from her job at a Santa Fe hotel after she complained about being forced to work without pay. “I was told to look for another job,” said Ramírez Orozco. “I had been cleaning rooms there for over a year and would have to clock out before finishing my work.” Months later, she was not only able to get her job and stolen wages back, but she helped her co-workers do the same. Today, they have positioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with—on and off the clock.
In spite of those and many other wins, low-wage workers, unprotected by union contracts, continued to see their rights violated on the job. And so through Somos, they began retooling old models of workplace organizing, making them relevant in today’s labor market. The United Worker Center of New Mexico (UWC), founded by Somos in 2012, is working to help small groups of hotel-, restaurant- and other workers win big changes through small collective actions. In the last five years, the UWC has helped form more than 50 worksite committees to organize for improved working conditions. Together they recovered more than $1 million in stolen wages and back pay and fought sexual harassment, discrimination and health and safety violations.
These women are standing up to those in power, and in the process, they find themselves transformed.
For years the families who make up Somos Un Pueblo Unido have worked hard to make New Mexico a better place for loww a ge wo rk e r s a n d their families. In 2002, it was a group of immigrant women in Santa Fe that laid the foundation for a successful campaign to pass a state law granting driver’s licenses to undocumented workers. Shortly after, they worked with local unions and community groups to raise the city’s minimum wage. And in 2009, they pushed for a state antiwage theft law aimed at protecting all workers from unscrupulous employers who steal their hard-earned money.
“Many of the workers we see coming to our worker center are women,” said Rayos Burciaga, community organizer and cofounder of Somos’ worker center. “They are moms with children who depend on their paychecks,” explained Burciaga.
“They come in wanting to advocate for themselves out of necessity, desperation and outrage over their working conditions.” Ramírez Orozco paid a visit to the UWC and quickly began organizing a worksite committee with some of her co-workers. At first they faced various forms of retaliation. Hours were cut and workers were threatened. But because their collective actions are protected under federal labor laws that were originally meant for unions, they were able to file a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board and win reinstatement of hours and protection. “Every hard-earned dollar that I was not getting paid was one dollar less I had to provide for my children,” said Ramírez Orozco. “I needed to find a way, and Somos helped me understand that, with my co-workers, I was stronger.” Like Ramírez Oroz co, many other women are successfully using this tool to change their lives and build power in the workplace. It is an innovative tool that has c aught the attention of academics, labor activists and national news media like The New York Times. Cecilia Lara, a Blake’s Lotaburger kitchen worker in Santa Fe, joined 10 co-workers
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
to organize against repeated sexual harassment. “They laughed at us when we complained,” recalled Lara.“They thought we were weak and that we would not speak up for ourselves…Our manager would tell us that Mexican women are whores and other very vulgar comments,” said Lara. “But we were very aware that we could get fired if we spoke up.” But after seeking help at the UWC, they organized a committee to gain protection against retaliation, filed various complaints and staged a protest. The strategy worked. “We forced our store to implement new sexual harassment policies, ban the regional supervisor from stepping foot in our store and won a pay increase,” said Lara. “And our work is not over. We are still fighting for all the other workers at Lotaburger, but at least we are doing it together.” These women are standing up to those in power, and in the process, they find themselves transformed. “ They lift themselves up, take great pride in what they accomplish, and in turn teach their own children and families about defending their rights,” said Burciaga. “We all deserve to be treated fairly, with respect, and should be allowed to work with dignity,” said Brenda Bojórquez, another member of the Blake’s Lotaburger Workers Committee. By lifting themselves up, they are raising the floor for all workers in New Mexico. For more information about your rights as a worker, contact the United Worker Center of New Mexico at 505.983.6247, or go to somosunpueblounido.org i Emmanuelle “Neza” Leal Santillán is communications coordinator for Somos Un Pueblo Unido. Santa Fe: 505.424.7832, Roswell: 575.622.4486, www.somosunpueblounido.org
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Breath of My Heart — A Birth Story 10
© Claire Sanders, Full Heart Birth
continued from page
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Sandy Martínez’s four cousins, younger sister and mother shed tears of joy as they witness baby Luna’s birth behind the establishment of Breath of My Heart Birthplace (BMH). In 2010, a group of midwives and community stakeholders in Española began to imagine what it would mean to have high-quality maternity care that respected family and cultural values. Many of our grandparents were born at home, and many of our grandmothers were midwives. BMH operates with a model of community midwifer y care that addresses health inequities and barriers to quality prenatal care. BMH offers a no-cost walk-in clinic every Monday as a means of increasing access to prenatal care and to give the Española community a chance to meet midwives and learn about birthing options that are covered under Medicaid. BMH provides maternity care that reflects the needs of Española’s diverse families–including young parents, immigrant women and families living through cycles of substance use and trauma–with an evidence-based model of care that has shown to be safe and cost-effective in serving rural areas. Teaching student midwives, like Belín Marcus of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, is another aspect of the organization’s work. As the baby was close to being born, Sandy’s midwife, Jessica Gutfreund, listened to the baby’s heartbeat with a handheld Doppler, making sure that the birth was moving along normally. The baby’s heartbeat was strong; the sound gave Sandy a needed boost of energy. Surrounded by her family, she leaned on her partner between pushes. Sandy asked her mom to say a prayer for
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the strength needed to birth her baby. Her cousins stood at the foot of the bed encouraging her with kind words as the baby’s head began to emerge. After more than 12 hours of labor, Sandy birthed her baby, Luna Andrea. David helped catch the baby and lifted her onto her mother’s chest. The whole family burst into tears of joy and relief. The midwives were watchful, caring for new mom and baby and assisting with the delivery of the placenta. They made sure the new family made a smooth transition. They gave Sandy and David some time alone to bond and admire their new baby without interruptions. When they were ready, the new parents and their baby went home.
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Sandy and Luna are doing well and are recovering from the hard work of labor and birth. The midwives came for a check-up at their home the next day and visited three more times over the week as part of their post-partum care. Sandy was glowing when the midwives stopped by. “I’m so glad I did it this way,” she said. “I knew I could do it, even though I was scared.” Sandy and David want to learn all about their new baby. The midwives sat with them and answered their questions, reassuring them that they have what it takes to be great parents. Baby Luna has been nursing well. As the midwives left, the baby was alert and aware in her father’s arms. For more information, visit www. breathofmyheart.org i Jessica Frechette-Gutfreund LM, CPM, a midwife in the Española Valley, serves as the chief academic officer for the National College of Midwifery in Taos, New Mexico.
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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B u i l d i n g S u s ta i n a b l e C o m m u n i t i e s
Women Benefit from the Creative Economy in Southern New Mexico Tres Manos Weaving of New Mexico, Inc.
Teresa Guerra
D
English. It also We c a n d o provides space, better than this. floor looms, Communities hands-on and dedicated mentoring people want to and a variety see all people of high quality achieve their threads— dreams. Social cotton, tencel, and work soy, bamboo, opportunities silk and are important chenille, in to all women, many colors. regardless of The weavers their sociodesign their economic own projects status. All and create women want outstanding to contribute hand-woven to their family’s shawls, scarves, economic jackets and security and accessories quality of life. for women Low-income Hand-woven at Tres Manos and men. The women have weavers also participate in the governance of the same creative spark and entrepreneurship There are severe economic barriers for the organization, volunteering on the board capabilities as anyone else. people who lack a high school education, of directors and assisting in key operations E n g l i s h l a n g u a g e s k i l l s , re l i a b l e Tres Manos Weaving of New Mexico, Inc., areas such as store and inventory management, transportation and computer skills. Work a charitable nonprofit in Mesilla, adjacent to quality control and event management. Tres options for many low-income women Las Cruces, is creating a successful training Manos has created a strong network of women are limited to cleaning houses, caring for and mentoring economic pathway for lowwho work hard and advocate for themselves. relatives at home or agricultural work. income women to thrive as professional Entrepreneurship for low-income people Upon completion of their initial artisan weavers. Tres Manos is a women-led is not a priority in traditional training and training, the weavers earn 60 percent organization that provides free weaving, economic development programs. of the retail price of their garments business and life-skills training in Spanish and when sold. They also earn $10 an hour mentoring new participants and teaching adult weaving classes. The organization has an on-site boutique in Mesilla, which is open every day except Monday. Tres Manos attends many festivals around the state and hosts the fall and spring Southern New Mexico Fiber Arts Festivals in Mesilla. The organization also presents fiber arts kids’ camps at Las Cruces Boys and Girls Club, elementary schools and community centers in Doña Ana County. Many young girls and boys appreciate an opportunity to make something with their hands and simple mater ials, express their creativit y and get away from their screens for a little while. When a young person recognizes the talent he or she has, it is empowering, sets the imagination Students are mentored by experienced weavers. free and encourages personal growth. oña Ana County in New Mexico is a rural, border area within 50 miles of Texas and México. The county is home to 37 colonias communities (unincorporated areas) that are among the least economically developed areas of the United States. More than one in three families with children under 18 live in poverty. More than 65 percent of the population is Hispanic. More than 50 percent of the population speaks Spanish at home; English is their second language. More than 50 percent of families living in poverty have no member who has graduated high school. More than 60 percent of families living in poverty have, at most, one member who works.
Helping women become successful artisans as weavers in southern New Mexico
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Many looms and threads have been donated to the program. Beginner and intermediate weaving classes attract people from as far away as Silver City and Santa Fe. Customers value the high-quality fashion statement a Tres Manos garment makes for both casual outfits and dressy occasions. They also appreciate that their purchase directly helps a low-income woman earn money to support her family. Tres Manos recently received certification from the New Mexico Tourism Department, highlighting that all of its handwoven products are “New Mexico True,” meeting the highest standards, and are 100 percent manufactured in New Mexico. The creative economy offers new opportunities for organizations to help low-income women and girls to use their creativity, ambition and the power of their dreams to build life-, business- and
Working on a custom order technical skills. Tres Manos is a trailblazer in this effort. We welcome ideas and support so that we can expand our reach to more women in southern New Mexico and help other communities and organizations look to their creative roots and create more economic opportunities. You can also visit in person at the Old Tortilla Factory, 1910 Calle de Parián in Mesilla or shop for Tres Manos garments on the Internet at www.etsy.com i Teresa Guerra is executive director of Tres Manos Weaving of New Mexico Inc. 575.644.6149, www.tresmanosweaving.org
Green Fire Times • September 2016
25
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B u i l d i n g S u s ta i n a b l e C o m m u n i t i e s
Bette Bradbury
L
ong before it was considered politically and culturally advantageous to help women and low-income minorities start and grow businesses, The Women’s Economic Self Sufficiency Team (WESST), was born. In 1988, three professional women in Albuquerque identified a gap and a need among women entrepreneurs in New Mexico. With a seed grant from PNM, they opened a downtown office in donated space to house the new nonprofit entity. Based on the strength of WESST ’s business plan, a $50,000 loan was received from the Sisters of Catholic Charity so WESST could begin offering start-up loans for viable low-income, female entrepreneurs. Women with very diverse backgrounds, ideas and needs began to identify WESST as their go-to place to brainstorm ideas, start and grow businesses, learn from skilled business professionals and connect to other female entrepreneurs.
WESST’s mission is to be a home to entrepreneurs.
Creating strong, lasting relationships is very important to women in business. Time and money are always huge issues for entrepreneurs. But equally important is the ability to maintain personal and professional strength and integrity while staying true to personal and professional goals. When resources are stretched to the max, women reap great benefits from supportive relationships.
Women’s Economic Self Sufficiency Team In 1995, CNM (then TVI – Technical Vocational Institute) in Albuquerque contracted with WESST to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for females and minorities. That led to the opening of five additional offices around the state. That same year, a woman-owned business in Taos received a loan to purchase equipment that would allow the new business to mix big batches of product so the proprietor could fulfill private label manufacturing contracts. That business owner, Krysia Boinis, has now received nine WESST loans. Her beauty- and certified organic skin-care products are sold worldwide under several labels. She employs 22 people locally, and 97 percent of her revenues are generated outside of New Mexico. Interestingly, many of WESST’s loan clients continue to work with WESST long after their loan has been repaid; the ongoing technical assistance provided is considered invaluable for business growth. Santa Fe’s recycling program was spearheaded by a young woman, Nancy Judd, a skilled artisan. Her goal was to educate the public about the benefits of recycling through artistic expression. She needed to figure out how to monetize the concept. In 2007 she connected with WESST and made full use of WESST’s business development services. Eight intense years later she is a world-renowned sculptor of repurposed trash, an internationally-known museum exhibitor, teacher, public speaker and a woman who—through hard work and some tumultuous times—turned her passions into a viable business. Española Valley Fiber Arts Center (EVFAC) is a membership organization that combines
Krysia Boinis, Vapour Organic Beauty co-founder
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Gabe and Leah Chávez, Peaceful Pet Sitters training and marketing for regional fiber artisans. Many literally work from the ground up raising and shearing sheep and alpaca, spinning and dying yarns, weaving beautiful products that are sold online and in EVFAC’s retail store. For more than 20 years, WESST has been instrumental in helping the organization stay viable in a global marketplace by consulting with management, providing workshops and one-on-one consultations to artisans who are motivated to transition their weaving passion from a hobby to a business. Peaceful Pet Sitters, a relatively new business owned by Leah Chávez, was created when she was working as the adoption manager at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter. Repeatedly, people asked her where they could find high-quality walking, transport and overnight services for their dogs and cats. In response to a need, PPS was born. It has been a success. Leah and her husband, Gabe, are extremely conscientious when screening owners’ and pets’ needs, knowing that most pets are an important member of the family. Leah gets frequent requests from owners outside of the Santa Fe area and plans to expand her services. Peaceful Pet Sitters is fully licensed, bonded and receives rave reviews.
Recently, WESST/Santa Fe offered Etsy (a peer-to-peer e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and supplies) workshops in four rural communities. Four workshops a week, four weeks in four separate communities, resulted in 53 people opening online shops, increasing business knowledge and promoting the sale of their handmade products in a worldwide marketplace. Today, more than 80 percent of WESST’s clients in northern New Mexico are women. From artists to patent holders, women benefit from having a trustworthy, skilled and dependable business development team that is consistently available when needed. Each WESST location is a stand-alone Women’s Business Center, funded in part by the SBA (Small Business Administration). WESST Santa Fe’s staff is bilingual. WESST is proud to ser ve the entrepreneurial adventures of talented women in New Mexico who want to start and grow their businesses. i B e t te B ra d b u r y i s regional manager of WESST. 505.474.6556, www.wesst.org/santa-fe
Green Fire Times • September 2016
27
New Mexcio State Fair September 2015 Š Anna Christine Hansen
James H. Auerbach, MD and Staff support Green Fire Times in its efforts to bring about a better world by focusing on the people, enterprises and initiatives that are transforming New Mexico into a diverse and sustainable economy. Some of the topics Green fire times showcases: Green: Building, Products, Services, Entrepreneurship, Investing and Jobs; Renewable Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, Regional Cuisine, Ecotourism, Climate Adaptation, Natural Resource Stewardship, Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Regional History, Community Development, Educational Opportunities James H. Auerbach, MD provides dermatology services in Santa Fe, NM (Sorry, we are no longer accepting new clients.)
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Green Fire Times â&#x20AC;˘ September 2016
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A d v o c at i n g f o r J u s t i c e
Our Lived Experience, Our Solutions
Young Women United Tannia Esparza
“Te quedo grande la llegua…y a mí me falto jinete…”
M
y mother, my tía Norma, my little sister Cachis and I would make our way to a swap meet every Sunday morning singing this Alicia Villarreal ranchera at the top of our lungs. For years we packed all the yard sale finds we could fit in our 1986 Chevy Nova to make the two-and-a-half hour drive, set up our little puestesito to resell said finds and miraculously make enough of a profit to pay rent. I was 6 years old when my mother found herself strategizing with informal economies to make ends meet. We crafted and sold baptism, wedding and quinceañera recuerdos and cleaned rich peoples’ houses and offices. I watched Cachis while my mom worked her restaurant job.
Policy-change strategies directly shaped by the people most impacted
I knew we were struggling and worried for my mother when I would, unbeknownst to her, stay up at night watching her sift through bills with fear and desperation. To this day I consider that time crucial in shaping me. It was in those mariachi songs where we made happy memories in the midst of uncertainty, found strength in
each other and ourselves and grew deep love and respect for the ganas we had to make it beyond survival; it’s how we knew we deserved better. At Young Women United ( YWU), we work to build systemic change in New Mexico alongside our communities through organizing and policy-change strategies directly shaped by the people most impacted. W hile I support and identify with women-of-color feminists, I, like many women and people of color, didn’t decide to become a feminist. Many of us were raised with soft, wild hearts by family who held us when we were heartbroken, sisters who celebrated our survival, brothers who taught us about glitter, and mamas who did everything they could to lift us up. Fo r m a ny i m m i g r a n t wom e n l i k e my mother, first generation Xicanas like myself, generational Chicanas, Indigenous/Native people and people of color across New Mexico, our politics was shaped by our lived experience. Our leaders’ lived experience is what brought t h e m t o o r g a n i z i n g, c on t r i b u t i n g valuable, pragmatic solutions to some of our state’s greatest challenges. The lived experience of our New Mexican women and girls is nuanced beyond political ideologies, meaning that our approach to investing in real solutions must be
equally as nuanced and thoughtful. For example, while women continue to be the fastest-growing incarcerated population, criminal justice policies and resources continue to overlook the impacts of incarceration on women and whole families. In the face of these challenges, YWU centers the expertise of women who have navigated cycles of addiction and incarceration in leading policy and culture shift efforts to decriminalize substance use and bring critical understanding to addiction as a healthcare issue. Together, we are shaping legislative efforts like Ban the Box, a policy that would remove questions about felony convictions from employment applications in the private sector, allowing women and families a fighting chance at economic security for their loved ones. At YWU we also understand that our families live complex lives and must often make complex reproductive health decisions such as deciding to parent as a young person, give birth at home with a midwife, breastfeed, utilize the contraception, or decide to have an abortion. We work hard to make sure women have access to safe, high-quality prenatal care, breastfeeding support and reproductive healthcare so that these complex decisions remain in the hands of women, families and their providers. Addressing the root causes of social inequities can deeply impact women and girls. For years, teen pregnancy has been presented as a problem in New Mexico and across the country. Prevention has been named as the solution. YWU does not believe in
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preventing teen pregnancy. We do not believe in managing, coercing, or controlling the reproductive autonomy of any person, including young people. Instead we believe all people should have what they need to make informed decisions about their own reproductive lives, regardless of age, gender identity, sexuality, race, class, ability, etc. We know that by investing resources in preventing teen pregnancy we miss an opportunity to address broader systemic issues impacting social inequities. Instead of utilizing young parents as scapegoats, our energies are better spent making sure all families have access to education, living-wage jobs and safe neighborhoods—social determinants of health that truly have an impact on a person’s outcomes. The mariachi songs of my childhood accompanied our family of strong women into immigrant rights marches demanding undocumented children have access to education; they walked with my mother in establishing her own business, and they now live inside my reproductive-justice heart. O ur work to uplift women and girls in New Mexico must do what those mariachi songs did for my family—acknowledge the strength and resiliency in all of us, meet us where we’re at, and consider us experts of our own lives. i Tannia Esparza is executive director of Young Women United. 505.831.8930, www.youngwomenunited. org/staff/
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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A d v o c at i n g f o r J u s t i c e
SouthWest Organizing Project’s New Mexico Con Mujeres Feminism Isn’t Like Pepper You Sprinkle on Your Event Beva Sánchez-Padilla
N
ew Mexico Con Mujeres is the feminism project of the SouthWest Organizing Project (SWOP). SWOP is a 35-year-old racial-, climate- and gender-justice organization based in Albuquerque. One year ago, SWOP intentionally made gender justice part of its mission and launched an intersectional campaign focused on justice for women, locally and globally. Con Mujeres defines feminism as a lens that is used to understand the responsibilities toward the sacred system of life. We believe and are guided by the laws of Mother Earth —laws of nature that have been violated to the point of degradation and destruction. Women are the stewards of our water, land, air and seeds. To summarize a presentation by feminist scholar Bell Hooks: “… there has been a soul surgery, a cultural theft done to our planet, and much money has been made out of the wreckage of civilizations … we must reclaim and we must heal.” Climate justice and gender justice are intrinsically connected.
Climate justice and gender justice are intrinsically connected.
Con Mujeres’ feminism is galvanized when we see statistics presented by New Mexico Women.org in its Indicators Report: “77 percent of New Mexico households are headed by women,”“48 percent of New Mexico women ages 16-64 work full-time and year-round,”and “New Mexico women earn 79 cents for every $1 earned by men.” We are pushed to strategy and action when we read: “The number of American troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2012 was 6,488.The number of American women who were murdered by current or ex- male partners during that time was 11,766.” Or: “Worldwide, 30 percent of all women who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner; globally, as many as 38 percent of all murders of women are committed
The “Grass Roots Global Justice World March of Women” feminism training in Albuquerque had 35 women participating from 20 organizations around the country, including more than 15 members of Con Mujeres.
by intimate partners. “30 Shocking Domestic Violence Statistics That Remind Us It’s An Epidemic,” by Alanna Vagianos, Huffington Post, Feb. 13, 2015.
NOW, Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, Strong Families and Women’s Equality Center, helps inform Con Mujeres’ goals and work.
Locally, Con Mujeres has gathered more than a thousand signatures, social media likes and twitter followers who demand economic justice—equal pay, healthful jobs and reversal of trends in low-wage work; safety — an end to violence in the home, schools and streets; safe, respectful and responsible protection by law enforcement; health care–access to safe, affordable health care and protection from assaults on reproductive health; child care-access to early childhood education and affordable childcare; and environmental justice—clean air, water and land. Writing letters to the editor and opinion editorials and speaking to elected officials has been part of our local focus. Engaging with organizations that support women, family and community, such as Young Women United, Kalpulli Ixkalli, Health Equity Partnership, Mujeres Colectiva, 7th Direction, Coalition for Choice,
SWOP has been a member of Grass Roots Global Justice and World March of Women (WMW ) since 2014. Con Mujeres joined the 65-plus chapters of the WMW in Africa, Europe and South America, and we work in conjunction with more than 20 social justice organizations nationally. All address the inequity of women working in sweatshops and express support for rural agricultural women. We have called for stopping violence against women in the private and public spheres.
The liberation of women is not an act of charity. It is not the result of a humanitarian or compassionate position. It is a fundamental necessity for change, for a revolution, a guarantee of its continuity and a condition for its success. – Graca Sambo (Mozambique)
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Our feminist focus is to examine the roots, mechanisms and effects of misogyny and sexism and to educate by deconstructing patriarchy and colonialism. Con Mujeres has joined with the WMW in a call for action, research, study and implementation of a feminist economy, not only equity in
The blood that runs through our veins is like the water that travels through Mother Earth. Our bones are like the rocks. Our mother, the Earth, is alive like our bodies. – Estévan Arellano (Northern New Mexico)
pay but to replace our destructive extractive economy with a restorative, regenerative one. Con Mujeres recognizes the power of the personal narratives for informing and advancing policy, justice and change. We produce social media and organize study groups,healing circles and public actions. We believe that the sacred power we possess is made up of our innate warrior, erotic, creative and nurturing strengths. We are presently involved with the investigation into the unsolved murders and mass burial of 11 young women of color who were discovered in 2008 in the West Mesa area of Albuquerque. Con Mujeres knows that women have the agency and the responsibility to lead and to be in the forefront of flipping the patriarchal paradigm on its head for the love and life of our mother, our planet and our people. i
Beva Sánchez-Padilla is an organizer of the Con Mujeres c a m p a i g n a t S o u t h We s t Organizing Project. 505.247.8832, www.swop.net
We feminists say: This is my body. This is my land. This is my territory. We as women must resist, defend, articulate, heal and transform our communities. – Sandra Morán (Guatemala)
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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A d v o c at i n g f o r J u s t i c e
The Roots Summer Leadership Academy
Cathryn McGill
I
was raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma, primarily by my divorced, single mother, Rubye Carter. My mom was one of the first pre-integration black teachers at an all-white high school, and I sometimes wonder how she managed to successfully nurture, raise and champion five kids on a meager teacher’s salary, while adeptly deflecting the overt racism and sexism she encountered on a daily basis during her 31-year career. Upon her death in 2008, I wrote “The Hand That Rocked My Cradle,” a tribute song explaining how her unwavering support was the powerful example that “shaped my world.” And though mom was the undisputed CEO of our household and her classroom, she also created a strong village for us that included extended family, friends and the larger-thanlife pastor of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Rev. J.A. Reed, Sr.
roots
Our endgame is to promote true multiculturalism and to debunk the myth that New Mexico is tri-cultural.
notably produces the New Mexico Black History Festival, held annually in February, and the Roots Summer Leadership Academy, with the goal of increasing the visibility of and raising awareness regarding the contributions of blacks in New Mexico. Our endgame is to promote true multiculturalism and to debunk the myth that New Mexico is tri-cultural (Anglo, Native American and Hispanic). According to the 2010 Census, blacks comprise just over 3 percent of the total population and for a number of reasons are often left out of the political, social and cultural landscape. In many arenas there is still much work to do to ensure that multiculturalism is routinely practiced. The NMBHOC exists to be of service in this area—our youth must have a clear sense of belonging, regardless of race or socioeconomic background.
This past January marked my 32nd year as a New Mexican. I was 23 when I rolled into town from Chicago, looking for happier times and better weather. I planned to stay for two years before heading to the Big Apple and Broadway. Like so many others who become enchanted by the beauty and spirit of these ancient lands, I chose to stay. After working in the public and nonprofit sector for more than two decades, six years ago I started the New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee (NMBHOC). The NMBHOC most
This year at our academy, I met a little girl who reminded me of me when I was 8 years old. She absolutely knows everything, and every single teacher has written in her assessments either that she is a little “bossy boots” or “Teacher/ Director #2.” Of course, they all go on to say they love her and wouldn’t have it any other way. When I look into the face of this child, I see myself and I remember why I do the work I do. I remember Rev. Reed’s imperative and my mother’s voice captured in the words of my tribute song: “Hold Your Head Up High. Remember where you’re from. Stand for what is right; hear the beat of your own drum. No matter what the circumstances, do your best, and the good Lord up above will take care of the rest.” I want little girls (and little boys for that matter) of every race and socioeconomic background to know that they are born to be leaders and to learn to deflect negative stereotypes that would discourage, silence or shame
I’m not sure how much formal educational training Rev. Reed received, but he created a positioning statement to define and empower us. Every Sunday, the church bulletin had a slogan that read, “Mt. Calvary is the church were everybody is somebody.” By every possible material standard, we were poor, but the richness of my upbringing laid the foundation for my life’s work.
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them. I want them to understand and celebrate who they are and where they came from, knowing that this knowledge alone can be the source of their lifelong prosperity. I want them to understand the importance of Marcus Garvey’s quote, “A people who lack the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture are like a tree without roots.” In the summer of 2012, a few minutes before I needed to leave for the very first iteration of the Roots camp, I remembered that we needed a theme song and I sat down at my piano and scribbled out a title, a melody and these words that, unbeknownst to me, would completely define the essence of the work we do with youth and, indeed, with the entire community.
I Believe in Me I believe in me cause I believe in you
cause I believe in we
Our whole community And my roots are deep to keep me strong I stand proud and I know I belong Everybody hear me when I say that I am somebody I am somebody I am somebody
And so goes the story of why I stay in New Mexico. I love this land and will do my part to ensure that New Mexico is a place, like my old church back home, where everybody is somebody. I hope you’ll join us in celebrating the goodness, the richness and the power of continuing to create a community where we all have a place at the table; where every single one of our voices is heard. I sure do miss my mom, but I think she’d be proud of the work I’ve chosen. Through it, I pay homage to her legacy and the way she shaped my world. i Cathryn McGill is the founder and director of the New Mexico Black History Organizing Committee.
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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Green Fire Times • September 2016
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NEWSBITEs UNIFY FEST – September 22-25 at Las Golondrinas Nathan Crane is an award-winning author, filmmaker and inspirational speaker who is motivated to help people experience healthy, sustainable, meaningful lives. He is a passionate advocate for collaboration among eco-conscious leaders, organizations, families and activists.
Crane has focused his heart, mind, energy and resources to produce UNIFY FEST, a four-day “transformational” festival dedicated to sustainable living. The festival will feature renowned musicians, speakers, workshop teachers, yoga instructors and indigenous leaders conducting ceremonies. The event will offer Nathan Crane family, adult and children’s activities. Camping sites will be available. In addition to inspiring people to live in harmony with the planet, Crane’s intention is to use funds raised from the festival to build a nonprofit community eco-school in Santa Fe where permaculture, organic food production, collaboration and selfreliance are at the heart of the curriculum. “We want to teach these important sustainable living skills to children and families so we can lead by example,” he says. The festival is also intended to be an amazing multicultural party. Thousands of people from all over the world are expected to attend. Hundreds of volunteers will be trading their time for access to the festival. Local businesses will share products and services. Organic, vegetarian, vegan, raw and plant-based food options will be available for purchase. UNIFY FEST will take place at Las Golondrinas, a historic ranch and living history museum in La Cienega, south of Santa Fe. Detailed information and tickets to the alcohol-free event are available at unifyfest.com
Center for Wisdom Healing Qigong Opening in Galisteo Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. It is related to tai chi.
This past spring, Mingtong Gu, a renowned qigong teacher and healer, bought the magnificent Vista Clara Ranch and Spa in Galisteo, New Mexico, and will be opening it as the Center for Wisdom Healing Qigong on Oct. 1. The new center is the manifestation of Master Gu’s long-held vision: a healing retreat center where people from around the world can gather to awaken and heal the body, mind and heart through daily practices and teachings of Wisdom Healing Qigong. Inaugural festivities with Gu begin Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Santa Fe Community College. Admission is $15. A grand opening ceremony in Galisteo with speakers from various holistic healing backgrounds, local luminaries, music and dancing is open to the public at no charge from 2 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 1. That will be followed by a full-day workshop on Oct. 2. The center will offer a healing intensive retreat from Oct. 7 to Nov. 3. Detailed information about the grand opening weekend is available at ChiCenter.com or by calling 707.347.6489 or emailing admin@chicenter.com.
San Augustín Plains Water-Transfer Plan Revived
A controversial proposal to pump more than 17 billion gallons of groundwater from west-central New Mexico will have public hearings. The State Engineer’s Office has asked the Augustín Plains Ranch, LLC, the commercial venture behind the water-transfer plan, to, within 60 days, publish notices of its application to pump and transport water. The notices will require a comprehensive study and public hearings. Augustín Plains’ first application was rejected two years ago, when the State Engineer said that the proposal was vague and its effects could not be evaluated. The application was met with fierce opposition from ranchers and residents who think the “water theft” would render their wells useless. They consider the proposal too speculative and have vowed to fight the new application.
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The developers propose to drill 37 wells on 17,000 acres they own near Datil. Water from the aquifer would be pumped via a 140-mile pipeline to municipalities in central New Mexico and eventually discharged into the Río Grande. They compare the plan to the San Juan-Chama project and tout it as “a sustainable source of water for generations of New Mexicans while securing habitats for protecting endangered species and creating economic benefit to local communities.” Project director Michel Jichlinski also said the project would make New Mexico a leader in innovative water-resources development technologies. Jan Pelz, director of the wild rivers program for WildEarth Guardians said, “This project is just another way to exploit our rivers and underground water resources in the same manner that has occurred for the past century.” Up to 10 days after the notices are published, the public can file objections by writing to the Office of the State Engineer, 5550 San Antonio Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109-4127.
NASA Study Identifies Four Corners Methane Leak Sources
According to a new NASA study, half of the Delaware-sized cloud of methane that hangs over the Four Corners region is primarily coming from 250 sources, including leaking well pads, storage tanks, pipelines and gas processing plants. Moreover, the study reveals that the worst 25 sites alone are responsible for a quarter of the pollution. The findings refute industry claims that ruminant animals such as cattle, along with landfills and natural seeps, are largely responsible. But in a prepared statement, an industry representative said the study “addressed a limited set of methane sources” and more research is needed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released rules for newly constructed oil and gas sites. The EPA also has begun a process to regulate methane emissions from existing oil and gas sources. Forthcoming regulations from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will require the industry to stop venting, repair leaky infrastructure and monitor emissions on public and tribal lands. Methane from the Four Corners is allegedly having global and local impacts. The greenhouse gas is 87 times worse for the climate than carbon dioxide over a 20year period. Local health impacts range from nosebleeds to nausea to asthma and long-term medical problems. Methane leaks also hurt the industry’s bottom line. An estimated $227 million in natural gas is wasted each year, just on federal lands.
One Woman, One Case, Once A Year
The Southwest Women’s Law Center (SWLC), in collaboration with the Women’s Bar Association and New Mexico Legal Aid, has developed a project that provides New Mexico licensed attorneys an exciting way to satisfy their pro bono requirements with the State Bar while supporting their communities. Supported by a grant from NewMexicoWomen.org and the W.K. Kellogg The Amicus Brief team Foundation, the One Woman, One Case, Once A Year project’s goal is to get at least 300 attorneys to help at least one woman access the legal system in a case that will advance women’s economic security and social justice. Examples of relevant cases include equal pay for women, fair workplace practices for pregnant workers, equal access to healthcare and access to domestic-abuse leave when necessary for a woman’s safety. Women earn approximately 79 cents for every dollar that a man earns. Thirty percent of the children in New Mexico live in poverty, and 14 percent of those children live in extreme poverty. One way to improve the well-being of children is to improve the economic security of single-parent households headed by women. In 2013, SWLC advocated for a strong Fair Pay for Women Act in our state. After the act became law, SWLC educated communities about the act. As a result, women who work for state agencies who claim they are not being paid equally filed several cases. The lead case, Lucero v. Department of Corrections, is currently before the New Mexico Court of Appeals. The department is taking the position that employees cannot seek relief in court because the state has not waived immunity to be sued under the act.
A group of attorneys, in collaboration with SWLC, have agreed to use their pro bono hours to write an amicus brief. The final determination will have a wide-reaching effect on the economic security of women in New Mexico. For more information, call 505.244.0502, or visit www.swwomenslaw.org
Green Fire Times • September 2016
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What's Going On! Events / Announcements of Crafts, Culture and Cuisine, International Film Series. www.globalquerque.org
Sept. 24, 4–5 pm Women Are the Keepers of the Seeds SWOP Office, 211 10th St. SW
SW Organizing Project’s Social Justice Spirit Awards and Chile Harvest Fiesta and Cook-off. 505.247.8832, www.swop.net
ALBUQUERQUE
Sept. 8, 9 am–1 pm UNM Health Sciences Center Job Fair HSC North Campus Upper Plaza
Open to physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, etc., as well as health profession students from any NM educational institution. AClithero@salud.unm.edu
Sept. 9–11 Ecological Restoration Volunteer Project Limestone Canyon, San Mateo Mountains
Join the ABQ Wildlife Federation in building riparian restoration structures to improve wildlife habitat. rioscial@gmail. com, http://abq.nmwildlife.org/
Sept. 10, Oct.1, 9 am–12 pm Backyard Farming Series Gutiérrez-Hubbell House 6029 Isleta SW
9/10: Garden Journaling workshop will present observation skills, mapping and reading catalogs; 10/1: Composting Basics and Improvements. Turn garden and food waste into nutritious soil. 505.314.0420, www.bernco.gov
Sept. 11, 4 pm–8 pm Harvest Dinner Gutiérrez-Hubbell House
Río Grande Agricultural LandTrust fundraising event. Locally sourced food prepared by gourmet chefs. Live music, auction. Tickets: $105, 2 for $190. www.2016harvestdinner.eventbrite.com. Info: www.rgalt.org
Sept. 18, 1–4:30 pm Middle RÍo Grande Water Bootcamp
Intensive for farmers to learn about agricultural water usage. Covers history of irrigation in the MRGCD, groundwater management, adjudication and prior appropriation. Info, registration: youngfarmers.org
Sept. 19, 9 am–4 pm Feeding Our Community with Farm Stewardship Red Tractor Farm 1404 Gonzales Rd. SW
Learn about your local food system, how farmers and gardeners can improve land health and grow healthy food, and learn about nutrient-dense food. $25 includes lunch. Registration closes 9/15. Walk-in registration, if available, is $35. https://holisticmanagement. org/open-gate-red-tractor-farm-day/
Sept. 23–24 Globalquerque Natl. Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th St. SW
12th annual celebration of world music & culture. 20 performances by 17 acts from 5 continents on 3 stages over 2 nights. Free Global Fiesta Saturday daytime. Global Village
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Week of Sept. 26 Women’s Reproductive Rights
Southwest Women’s Law Center celebrates women’s reproductive rights with women around the country, with a culminating day of celebration on Sept. 30. 505.244.0502, www.swwomenslaw.org
Sept. 27, 6–7:30 pm NM Solar Energy Assn. Chapter North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center 7521 Carmel Ave. NE
Meets bi-monthly on the 4th Tuesday. Free and open to the public. J.desjardins@hotmail.com
Oct. 8, 9:30 am, 1 pm Science to Grow On: Our Surroundings Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd. NW
Family-oriented science center. Explore Earth’s system of natural resources. Examine and filter water and create your own small ecosystem to take home. Preregistration required. $8/$5/$4. 505.225.8300
Oct. 12–Nov. 9 Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters Training
Applications now being accepted. Info/ application: http://bernalilloextension.nmsu. edu/mastercomposter/mc-training.html
Saturdays, open 8 am Downtown Growers’ Market Robinson Park, Eighth and Central
Local produce, live music, artisan creations, food and community. 505.252.2959, downtowngrowers.com
Saturdays, 1 pm Weekly Docent-led Tours National Hispanic Cultural Center 1701 4th St. SW
Tours of different exhibits and themes in the Art Museum. $2-$3, free with museum admission. 505.246.2261, nhccnm.org
Daily, 10 am–6 pm Wildlife West 87 N. Frontage Rd., Edgewood (just east of ABQ)
122-acre park/attraction with educational programs dedicated to native wildlife and ecology. $7/$6/$4/children under 5 free. www.wildlifewest.org
Daily Our Land, Our Culture, Our Story Indian Pueblo Cultural Center 2401 12th St. NW
Historical overview of the Pueblo world and contemporary artwork and craftsmanship of each of the 19 pueblos; Weekend Native dances. 866.855.7902, www.indianpueblo.org
First Sundays NM Museum of Natural History 1801 Mountain Road
Museum admission is free to NM residents on the first Sunday of every month. 505.841.2800
Green Fire Times • September 2016
Through 2016 Las Huertas Farming Training Bernalillo County Ext. Office 1510 Menaul NW
Intro to Horticulture in Aridlands covers basics of farming in NM’s varied climate and seasons. Other classes offered include Growing Techniques, Summer Growing Season (farm visits), Business management and planning. sean@riograndefarm.org, http://riograndefarm. org/farmer-training-farm-incubator/
ABQ 2030 District
A voluntary collaboration of commercial property tenants, building managers, property owners and developers; real estate, energy, and building sector professionals, lenders, utility companies; and public stakeholders such as government agencies, nonprofits, community groups and grassroots organizers. Property partners share anonymous utility data and best practices. Professional partners provide expertise and services. Public partners support the initiative as it overlaps with their own missions. Info: albuquerque@2030districts.org
SANTA FE
Sept. 7, 11:30 am–1 pm Green Lunch SF Area Homebuilders 2520-B Cam. Entrada
“Protecting the Pecos: Iconic Lands with Deep Roots” by Michael Casaus and Mark Allison from the NM Wilderness Alliance. $20/$15. Presented by the SF Green Chamber of Commerce. Reservations: 505.982.1774
Aune, Metropolitan Planning Org; Daniel Werwath, NM Interfaith Housing Corp; Luke Spangenburg, Biofuels Center of Excellence (SFCC); Alexandra Ladd, housing specialist, City of SF. Free. Info: cecasillas@gmail.com, RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/evolving-energy-policyfor-a-sustainable-santa-fe-tickets-27161162769.
Sept. 15, 4–7 pm Teacher Resource Fair Museum of Intl. Folk Art
Opportunity for teachers to learn what community organizations, nonprofits and government entities can offer in support of curriculum and classroom activities. Presented by the MIFA and the SF Community Educators Network. $50. Info: willamarie@state.nm.us. Registration: www. questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?id=4772869
Sept. 15–18 Intl. Landscape Design Conf. Hotel Santa Fe
“The Art of Adaptive Design.” Presented by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. www.apld.org/events
Sept. 16–18, 10 am–5 pm Pojoaque River Art Tour Pojoaque Valley, north of SF
Works from Native American, Spanish and Anglo artists. 29 artists at 17 locations. Paintings, sculptures,pottery,jewelry,fiberarts,photography and more. Visit studios and community space in El Rancho. Opening reception/silent auction at Than Povi Trading Post at San Ildefonso Pueblo on 9/16, 5–7 pm. Auction. Tour maps available. www.pojoaqueriverarttour.com
Sept. 10, 10 am–12 NOON SF Citizens’ Climate Lobby La Montañita Co-op Community Rm. 913 W. Alameda
Sept. 16, 30; Oct. 14; Nov. 4, 10 am–4 pm ETSY and Marketing Workshop WESST
Sept. 10, 12–5 pm; Concert: 6:30–10 pm Fiesta Sustainability Showcase Scottish Rite Center, Paseo de Peralta & Washington St.
Sept. 17, 12–4 pm American Indian Community Day Ragle Park, corner of Zia and Yucca
Learn about climate change solutions that bridge the partisan divide such as the carbon fee dividend, which gives revenue back to households. www.facebook.com/ccl.newmexico
Sustainable energy and transportation info, healthy food and home products, local financing and banking. Hands-on demos. No admission charge. Followed by a benefit concert with the Motown Review featuring Terry Diers. $18. AParallelWorld.com
Sept. 11, 1–3 pm Desfile de la Gente Paseo de Peralta through the Plaza
Fiesta de Santa Fe Historical/Hysterical Parade features local marching bands, mariachi, sports teams, politicians, floats. 505.577.6888
Sept. 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, 6–8 pm Food for Life: Diabetes Initiative SF Community College
Award winning nutrition and cooking class series. 505.690.2603
Sept. 12, 19, 26, 6:30–8:30 pm SFCC Sustainability Seminar SF Convention Center
Evolving Energy Policy for a Sustainable SF. Beth Beloff, Sustainable SF Chair; Craig O’hare, Energy Specialist, SF County; Erick
Learn how to turn your craft passion into an online business. $59. Basic computer skills required. Sept. 9 registration deadline for Sept. workshop. Application: 505.474.6556, rperea@wesst.org
6th annual gathering of American Indian community and others celebrates Indian culture. Nonprofit booths, potluck meal, free activities. Southern Slam Dancers and other performers. Free. 505.660.4210, santafeindiancenter@gmail.com, www. santafeindiancenter.org
Sept. 17, 12–4 pm SFPS Back to School Community Bash Ragle Park, 2530 W. Zia Entertainment, www.sfps.info
activities.
505.467.2000,
Sept. 17, 5:30–7 pm NM Solar Energy Assn. Amerenergy, 1202 Parkway Dr., Ste. B
SF chapter, SF Sustainable Everything Associates, usually meets 3rd Weds. each month. cjpavel@me.com, www.nmsolar.org/ Pages/Santa-Fe.aspx
Sept. 18, 2–5 pm Coming Home Connection Scottish Rite Temple 463 Paseo de Peralta
Annual fundraiser and silent auction for volunteer in-home care for at-risk and vulnerable populations. $35. 505.982.6779,
www.GreenFireTimes.com
info@cominghomeconnection.org, cominghomeconnection.org
www.
Sept. 19, 6:30–8:30 pm SFCC Sustainability Seminar SF Convention Center
Creating a More Sustainable Electricity System in SF.Panel presentations and community discussion about challenges of NM’s current electricity grid. An intro to smart grid and microgrid technologies, case studies from communities. Free. Info: cecasillas@gmail.com. RSVP: www.eventbrite. com/e/creating-a-more-sustainable-electricitysystem-in-santa-fe-tickets-27175099454
Sept. 22, 5:30 pm Girls Inc. Gala La Fonda on the Plaza
A Celebration of Strong, Smart & Bold. 505.982.2042, rstephens@girlsofsantafe.org, https://girlsincofsantafe.org/events/gala
Sept. 22–25 Unity Fest Las Golondrinas, La Cienega
Music, dance, yoga, art, ceremony, children’s village and sustainability-related presentations and workshops.https://tickets.brightstarevents. com/event/unify-festp, www.unifyfest.com
Sept. 23, 6 pm Esperanza Through the Years La Fonda on the Plaza
“A Star-Studded 40-year Celebration.” Fundraiser gala to benefit the Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families. $125 per person or $100 per person for a group purchase of 10 or more. 505.474.5536
Sept. 24, 7–9 am registration Toss No Más Cleanup 1142 Siler Rd.
Join hundreds of volunteers in cleaning up neighborhoods, parks, schools, city streets and arroyos. Refreshments and cleanup materials available for pick-up. 505.955.2215, sfbeautiful@santafenm.gov
Sept. 24, 8:45 am–1 pm Forest Work by Volunteers
Borrego/Bear Wallow Trail, SF Natl. Forest Volunteers are sought to help re-rout sections of the trail. 505.753.7331, jasubleett@fs.fed.us
Sept. 24, 5:30–8:30 pm Reaching for the Stars Drury Plaza Hotel 828 Paseo de Peralta
Fundraising event supporting Local Teens Dreams to Careers program. Cuisine by Eloisa SF, music by Río, silent auction. 505.216.6049, www.RisingStarsSouthwest.org
Sept. 26, 6:30–8:30 pm SFCC Sustainability Seminar SF Convention Center
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings. Panel presentation/ discussion targeting owners and managers of public and private buildings. Economic incentives, case studies, technical and financial processes to implement energy efficiency and solar PV projects. Info: cecasillas@ gmail.com, RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/ renewable-energy-and-energy-efficiency-incommercial-buildings-tickets-27175286012
Sept. 29–Oct. 2 Artisan Materials Expo Buffalo Thunder Resort
“Creative Ascension 2016.” Art materials, workshops, demos, International Encaustic Artists Retreat. 800.331.6375, ExpoRegistration@ Artisan-SantaFe.com, http://expoartisan.com
Oct. 1–2 Harvest Festival El Rancho de las Golondrinas
www.GreenFireTimes.com
La Ciénega
$8/$6/12 & under free. 505.471.2261, www. golondrinas.org
Oct. 4, 5 pm PiñÓn Awards Ceremony & Dinner La Fonda on the Plaza
SF Community Foundation 2016 awards recognize the work of outstanding nonprofits and dedicated philanthropists. $50. Registration: 505.988.9715, www. santafecf.org/pinon-awards
Oct. 13, 5:30 pm 2016 Mayor’s Sustainability Awards SF Convention Center
Sponsored by the City of Santa Fe, the Sustainable Santa Fe Commission and Women of Green. Free and open to the public.
Oct. 13, 7 pm An Evening with Nell Newman SF Convention Center
DaughterofPaulNewmanandJoanneWoodward, creator/co-founder of Newman’s Own Organics: The Second Generation. Presented by the SF Green Chamber and Women of Green. glenn@ nmgreenchamber.com. $20.
Oct. 14, 8:30–5:30 pm Women as Game Changers Sunrise Springs Resort and Spa
An immersive, interactive creative laboratory. With Nell Newman. Limited to 70 progressive women. $145. 505.231.2342, Carolyn@ mindovermarkets.com
Sundays, 10 am-4 pm Railyard Artisan Market Farmers’ Market Pavilion, 1607 Paseo de Peralta
Local artists, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, live music. 505.983.4098, Francesca@santafefarmersmarket.com, artmarketsantafe.com
Tues. through Sept., 3–6 pm Southside Farmers’ Market SF Place, 4250 Cerrillos Rd. Corner of the mall near Applebees.
Tues. & Sats., 7 am-1 pm Weds., 4-8 pm SF Farmers’ Market 1607 Paseo de Peralta (& Guadalupe)
Northern NM farmers & ranchers offer fresh greenhouse tomatoes, greens, root veggies, cheese, teas, herbs, spices, honey, baked goods, body care products and much more. www.santafefarmersmarket.com
Sundays, 11 am Journey Santa Fe Conversations Collected Works Books 202 Galisteo St.
9/4: Natural Resource Attorney Todd M. Lopez on Improving Well-Being in Northern NM; 9/11: Author and PBS documentarian John De Graf on Ideas Matter: Ethical Thinking, Earth Economics and the Happiness Initiative; 9/18: Cynthia Geoghegan on Literacy Volunteers of SF; 9/25: Susan Tarman, exec. dir. of the SF chapter of Amnesty Intl. on Cultural Variations, Conflict Resolution and Alternatives to Violence. Moderators: Alan Webber, Bill and Ellen Dupuy. Free. www. journeysantafe.com
Mon.–Sat., 8 am–4 pm Randall Davey Audubon Center 1800 Upper Canyon Rd.
Striking landscapes and wildlife. Bird walks, hikes, tours of the Randall Davey home. 505.983.4609, http://nm.audubon.org/
landingcenter-chapters/visiting-randalldavey-audubon-center-sanctuary
TAOS
Through Sept. 11 Mabel Dodge Luhan & Company Harwood Museum of Art 238 Ledoux St.
“American Moderns and the West,” an exhibit detailing Luhan’s impact on the art, writings and activism of 20th-century modernists Dorothy Brett, D.H. Lawrence, Marsden Hartley and others. Closed Mondays. 575.758.9826, Harwoodmuseum.org
Sept. 24, 10 am–1:30 pm Wetlands and Private Lands Workshop Taos Land Trust Property
Learn how to make your rangeland more productive while protecting wetland resources. Speakers’ presentations and time in the field. RSVP: 575.758.3874, rconn@amigosbravos.org
Oct. 1, 9 am–5 pm; Oct. 2, 9 am–4 pm Taos Wool Festival Kit Carson Park
Wool market featuring juried vendors. Fiber art demonstrations, workshops, silent auction, kids activities, music, food. http:// taoswoolfestival.org
Third Weds. Monthly Taos Entrepreneurial Network Taos County Courthouse Mural Room, Taos Plaza
Networking, presentations and discussion. Free.
HERE & THERE Sept. 3, 6:30 am Resilience Run/Walk Shiprock, NM
Event to raise awareness of the aftermath of the Gold King Mine spill. Begins with traditional Navajo blessing at mile marker 31 on U.S. Highway 64, just west of Hogback. Concludes with blessing of the San Juan River and speakers at Shiprock Nizhoni Park. Free and open to the public. chili_yazzie@hotmail. com or walkings1@hotmail.com
Sept. 9 Basic Literacy Tutor Training Española area
After training by the NM Coalition for Literacy, volunteer tutors are matched with an adult student. 505.747.6162, read@raalp. org, www.raalp.org/become-a-tutor.html
Sept. 10, 10 am–4 pm WE Mean Business Conference NMSU’s Center for the Arts, 1000 E. University Ave., Las Cruces, NM
Conference aimed at female entrepreneurs will bring together innovators to share strategies, stories, wisdom and training. $35. http://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/we/
Sept. 15–18 Traditions in Western Herbalism Conference Cloudcroft, NM
Classes taught by master herbalists. planthealer@planthealer.org, http:// planthealer.org/intro.html
Sept. 17, 9:30 am–2 pm Northern Río Grande National Heritage Area Heritage Center, State Rd. 68 8 miles north of Española
Annual meeting. Open to the public at the former Oñate Center. 505.753.0937
Sept. 26– Oct. 1 Churro Week 2016 Española Valley Fiber Arts Center
Organized with the Navajo-Churro Sheep Association, this event celebrates the rich, long history of Navajo-Churro sheep in northern NM. Fun, family-friendly events and classes. 505.747.3577, info@evfac.org, www.evfac.org
Sept. 28, 8 am–4 pm REDI State of the Region Summit Ohkay Owingeh Conference Center
Conference and Workforce Summit. Break-out sessions include Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, Value-added Agriculture, Green Technology and more. No cost to attend but space is limited. Presented by Regional Development Corp. 505.820.1226, val@rdcnm.org, Registration: www.NNMREDI.org
Oct. 1–2 El Rito Studio Tour 50 miles north of Santa Fe off Hwy. 84
30th annual. Traditional and contemporary media. Over 40 artisans, 17 stops. Food and entertainment. 575.581.4679, janbachman@ mac.com, www.elritostudiotour.org
Oct. 15–16 Gathering for Mother Earth TBA (north of Santa Fe)
Gathering for all cultures and ages. Holistic approaches to ecological wellness. Sunday: Healing Earth Relay Run. Sponsored by Tewa Women United with many collaborating entities and individuals. Volunteers needed. 505.747.3259, www.tewawomenunited.org
Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., 10 am–4 pm Pajarito Environmental Education Center 2600 Canyon Rd., Los Alamos, NM
Nature center and outdoor education programs. Exhibits of flora and fauna of the Pajarito Plateau; herbarium, live amphibians, butterfly and xeric gardens. 505.662.0460, www.losalamosnature.org
Weds. through Oct. 31, 10 am–4 pm Pojoaque Pueblo Farmers & Crafts Market Poeh Center Plaza 78 Cities of Gold Rd. Wednesdays, 10 am Green Hour Hikes Los Alamos Nature Center, Los Alamos, NM
Kid-centered hikes. Free. Losalamosnature.org
Weds., 6-8 pm Gallup Solar Community Meetings 113 E. Logan Ave., Gallup, NM
The nonprofit Gallup Solar hosts educational presentations and potential solutions for all things solar. Questions, ideas and expertise are welcome. 505.728.9246, gallupsolar@gmail. com, www.gallupsolar.org
Every 2nd and 4th Thurs., 6–7:30 pm Spirit of the Butterfly 923 E. Fairview Land, Española, NM
Women’s support group organized by Tewa Women United. Info/RSVP: Beverly, 505.795.8117
Saturdays through Oct. 8, 9 am–1 pm Eight Northern Pueblos Art and Farmers’ Market 327 Eagle Dr. (behind Ohkay Casino) Just north of Española, NM
Local produce,cooking demos,live entertainment. 505.747.1593, www.enipcmarket.com
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Green Fire Times â&#x20AC;¢ September 2016
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