I want to thank all those that attended our very first meeting on Saturday.
It was a fantastic first meeting. We had 12 people in attendance. Our first meeting was a productive and informative one. Everyone had some great topics of interest that was brought to the table.
Please join me in congratulatting our new coordinators of the WESPAC Yonkers Chapter:
Juanita Lewis, Mazin Abu-Ghazala and the Rev. Jesse Brown
Thank you all very much for volunteering to take this leadership role.
Some Items/Issues that were brought up for discussion during our meeting:
Please take a look at the list and reach out to the members on any of the items that you would like to work on. We can communicate by email or phone during the month.
1. Black box Voting
2. Stadium to be built on chicken island
3. Electorial Project/ Census work and the voting rights of inarcerated individuals
4. The need for Fund raising arm for the chaper
5. List of all non profits in Yonkers – Wale has volunteered to provide this list to the team.
6. Land Use – There is a Land Use clinic offered at Queens College – See Suzanne for more information
There is also a 3 Day Seminar for Land Training offered at Pace. – See Geoff for more information
We will hold our monthly meetings on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 12 noon to 2pm at the Yonkers Riverfront Library.
Please let me know if I missed anyting. I want to again thank everyone for your participation and your dedication. Don’t forget to bring a friend with you next month. Thanks, Annia [email protected]
New WESPAC Yonkers Coordinators: Rev. Jesse Brown, Juanita Lewis and Mazin Abu-Ghazala.
Friday, April 25th at noon at Pace University - Elisabeth Haub School of LawTudor Room at Preston Hall on the first floor78 North Broadway in White Plains, NY 10603Please share widely! Details can be found hereAn inspiring story of community-led transformation is unfolding in Portugal's Cova da Beira region, where local organizers have created a promising model for rebuilding local food systems from the ground up. Starting in 2020, Filipa Costa and Prahlad Alegria with the Prout Research Institute-Portugal brought together farmers, community members, schools, and local government to tackle a common challenge: despite having fertile land and skilled small-scale farmers, most food was being imported while local producers struggled to make ends meet. Through a process called "Block Level Planning" - which simply means getting everyone in an area of about 100,000 people to plan together - they've launched an ambitious initiative called "Cova da Beira Converge" that's laying the groundwork to reconnect local farmers with schools, institutions, and community members. What makes their approach special is how they combine practical planning with fostering community, including regular gatherings that mix collaborative visioning with shared meals and traditional dancing.The emerging results of this work offer exciting possibilities for communities everywhere working to strengthen local food systems. Through monthly rotating gatherings that move throughout their region, they've built a network of over 140 active participants who are shaping transformative plans. Their vision has evolved into creating an integral cooperative - inspired by similar movements in Portugal and Spain - that will go beyond just food to encompass education, health, housing, cultural activities, and other essential community needs. While still in the planning stages, their partnerships between producers' associations, local government, and schools are laying the foundation for a comprehensive food sovereignty system. They've shown how bringing together diverse stakeholders in a spirit of celebration and practical action can reshape a region's future. Their experience demonstrates that while moving more slowly to include everyone takes time, it creates the deep relationships and shared vision needed for lasting change - offering valuable lessons for other communities working to revitalize their local food systems.Filipa and Prahlad are traveling to White Plains to present at Pace University in White Plains at noon on Friday, April 25th as well as participate in both the food sovereignty and art breakout sessions at the Lower Hudson Valley Social ForumPlease note that this presentation is being organized by the Law School's Food and Agriculture Division and is appropriate for food security advocates, elected officials, food policy analysts and all who are interested in more sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems. Light refreshments will be served and the event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested here and flyer is attached! Tudor Hall is on your left as you drive onto campus and visitor parking is available in the rear.Thank you!... See MoreSee Less
A discussion with Filipa Costa and Professor John Brown about Food Sovereignty/community level food solutions held at 78 North Broadway, White Plains NY on April 25th