Come learn about the HEAL Act and environmental justice with us! At C2C we believe that low income individuals, communities of color, and farmworkers, disproportionately experience pollution, climate disasters, and environmental hazards. This is a key concept of environmental justice. 

The HEAL Act or Healthy Environment for All Act was a law passed in Washington state in 2021, spearheaded by Front and Centered and supported by C2C. The HEAL Act seeks to address environmental justice issues and health disparities among low income people and POC. It mandates that several governmental agencies incorporate environmental justice principles into their work. 

If you want to learn more about how we can use the HEAL Act in our communities, what environmental justice is, and about the steps we can take as individuals to protect the HEAL Act, come join us on December 6th from 10am-12:30pm! 

 To prepare for the content of the HEAL Act workshop we recommend watching this 15 minute video that looks at environmental justice and the history of the environmental justice movement: 

The Intersectional History of Environmentalism

We hope to see you on December 6th! Please RSVP.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Food and drinks will be provided! 

This week’s PPL will focus on how C2C engages in international solidarity with farmworkers, pastoralists, fisherfolk, and others in the global food system to challenge the interlocking injustices of capitalism, racism, climate change, and patriarchy. It will feature reflections from C2C organizers who recently traveled to the third Nyéléni Global Forum on food sovereignty in Kandy, Sri Lanka and the People’s Summit [Directed at COP30]. COP30 is the UN’s 30th annual climate change conference which occured this year in Belém, Brazil. Please RSVP if you can join us so we can prepare snacks and drinks.

Many thanks to everyone who has joined our People's Participation labs in 2025 and brought your creativity, curiosity, and joy to the PPLs. C2C's staff will take a break from December 15th to January 4th where we will be out of our offices and not responding to most messages or emails. We hope that you can take some of the time you might have spent attending a PPL in the second half of December and use that time to rest or reflect or do something you love.

Our People's Participation Labs will be back in 2026 starting on Thursday January 15th!

Join Community to Community and Indivisible Skagit for a Dignity Dialogue centered on the threat of the expansion of the exploitative H-2A agricultural labor program.

This participatory event invites voters, allies, and affected workers to gather and discuss this critical human rights issue impacting both our local and national community members and food systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the abuses of the H-2A program and analyze current legislation aimed at expanding this quasi-slavery labor system.

We will agree upon collective actions that can be taken locally to combat the threat of the program’s expansion and support the rights and dignity of local farmworkers. Join us as we step into our collective democratic power and take a stand for justice on behalf of the neighbors who keep our families fed.

Please rsvp: https://foodjustice.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/register?id=599&reset=1

This Thursday, instead of our normal lab, we will attend the Community Engagement Workshop the county has organized about the jail.

We're going to meet early to talk briefly about the event and prepare. We encourage those with C2C shirts to wear them. 

Preparation and carpool: Thursday 11/20 from 5:15 pm - 5:30 pm at C2C's 1319 Cornwall Ave. location. We will depart for the event at 5:30 pm

Event: Thursday 11/20 from 6 pm - 8 pm at 2007 Cherry St, Ferndale WA, 98248

We don't know how the event will be structured so we can't provide much guidance on how to prepare to participate. We encourage you to review the slides and write down your thoughts and questions ahead of time. Consider, how you would want millions of our tax dollars to be spent on alternatives to incarceration? 

Please RSVP below so we can try to connect with you at the workshop! In the comments section of the RSVP form, please note whether you need a ride or can drive a carpool since this PPL will be in Ferndale.

Please RSVP by the end of the day Wednesday (11/19) so we can plan carpools!

Please join us at our next People's Participation Lab November 6 in our new Centro on Cornwall Ave in downtown Bellingham! Our labs this month will focus on incarceration in Whatcom County both the current jail and the large one our county government wants to build.

This Thursday we will educate ourselves on the history of the Whatcom County Jail from the construction of the first jail during European colonization to the passing of the new jail tax in 2023. We will explore why C2C opposes incarceration and the risks our community faces with the county's proposal to build a large new jail in Ferndale.

Then for our next PPL Thursday November 20th we will attend the County's Community Engagement Workshop to better understand the proposal and to offer our perspectives on how we want our tax dollars to be spent.

Please rsvp to help ensure we have enough snacks for everyone!

Join us Sunday November 2 in Mt Vernon for the next part of our Solidarity in Action Series: H2-A & Impact on Immigration.

Learn more about the H2-A visa program, it’s impact on our local communities of farmworkers, our local economy, and what you can do to take action. Refreshments provided.

Please rsvp here: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisibleskagit/event/859777/?referring_vol=2790544&share_context=dashboard-event-details&sharer_role=2

Come join us this Saturday, October 26 at the Bellingham Public Library to ask questions and understand the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission’s proposed amendments, to be voted on in the November 4 General Election!

Please rsvp

About Whatcom County’s Charter Amendments: Home Rule Charter is an optional system of government where a county enacts its own charter to serve as a governmental framework specific to the county. A county charter cannot go against state or federal law, but it can set important democratic rules for things like elections, voting districts, and budgets.

Whatcom County is one of only seven counties in Washington state that has a Charter. Every ten years, we elect 3 representatives from each of the 5 whatcom county districts to review the charter and make recommendations for amendments. Currently a super majority (10 out of 15 commissioners) is required to pass any amendments. If a charter amendment passes the commission, it then goes on the ballot for the following election.

This year, the charter review commission passed twelve amendments. These meetings are an opportunity to learn what the amendments are and how they might impact democratic processes in Whatcom County.

Come join us in exercising our collective power during this general election. We will spend the night in community, by eating together, painting pumpkins, and learning about what will be on the ballot. 

If you won't be receiving a ballot or are not eligible to vote, you're still more than welcome to attend! Our vision is to create spaces where people can participate in civic processes regardless of voting status.

Please rsvp here: https://foodjustice.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=580

Reunión Comunitaria Bilingüe

Las elecciones generales son el martes 4 de noviembre. Las balotas se enviarán por correo el 15 de octubre. Ven a informarte sobre el contenido de la papeleta, registrate para votar y hacer preguntas.

Cuando: el viernes 17 de octubre

Dónde: Rome Grange 2821 Mt Baker Hwy en Bellingham

Si tiene preguntas llame a (360) 220-9065

Bilingual Community Meeting

The general election is on Tuesday, November 4th. Ballots will be mailed October 15th. Come learn about what is on the ballot, register to vote, and ask questions.

When: Friday October 17th 6-8 pm

Where: Rome Grange 2821 Mt Baker Hwy

Questions? Contact lizdarrow@foodjustice.org

Our next PPL is this Thursday (10/9) from 5:30-7pm.

More details about location and topic will be added as we get closer.

Come join us this Saturday, October 4 at the Ferndale Public Library to ask questions and understand the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission’s proposed amendments, to be voted on in the November 4 General Election!

Please rsvp

About Whatcom County’s Charter Amendments: Home Rule Charter is an optional system of government where a county enacts its own charter to serve as a governmental framework specific to the county. A county charter cannot go against state or federal law, but it can set important democratic rules for things like elections, voting districts, and budgets.

Whatcom County is one of only seven counties in Washington state that has a Charter. Every ten years, we elect 3 representatives from each of the 5 whatcom county districts to review the charter and make recommendations for amendments. Currently a super majority (10 out of 15 commissioners) is required to pass any amendments. If a charter amendment passes the commission, it then goes on the ballot for the following election.

This year, the charter review commission passed twelve amendments. These meetings are an opportunity to learn what the amendments are and how they might impact democratic processes in Whatcom County.

If you are unable to attend this, we will host the event again at the Bellingham Public Library on Sunday, October 26

Our next PPL is this Thursday (9/11) from 5:30-7pm. We will devote this lab to better understanding US militarism since 9/11 through the impact on the overseas communities where US military power is concentrated.

We are lucky to be joined by Noah Hance, one of C2C's Bienestar Team Leads, who will share his knowledge about US militarism in Guam through his and his family's experience. Guam is a Pacific island that has faced waves of colonization by the Spanish, United States, and Japan. Guam is currently a US territory and as such its people are US citizens, however, they do not have voting representation in Congress. The military is the most dominant economic activity in Guam and the lands taken and the indigenous people displaced by US colonialism have been used to launch wars and to hold people accused of terrorism in the post 9/11 era.

We will meet at C2C's Holly Centro (203 W Holly St Suite 318, Bellingham, WA 98225) and per usual, will have snacks and beverages to share.

Please rsvp: https://foodjustice.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=577&noFullMsg=true

Join us for the next People’s Participation Lab on Thursday, August 28 from 5:30pm-7:00pm. We will meet at Maritime Heritage Park (500 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225), where we will spend time learning about the House Meeting organizing model used by Cesar Chavez and how C2C is using that model as we continue building out our Bienestar program. Since we’ll be back in the park, please bring sunscreen and a blanket. We will provide a few chairs, snacks, and beverages.

RSVP

Please join us in honoring some of the supporters that have contributed to our work on immigrant justice, food sovereignty, cooperative development, farmworker rights, civic engagement and passage of legislation guaranteeing fairness and economic justice for farm workers. 

Come and meet our team as well as our founder Rosalinda Guillen. There will be food, music, fun raffles, and good conversation. Wear your favorite C2C shirt! 

Please rsvp

Our next PPL will be on July 31st from 5:30-7:00 pm. We will be joined by Harneet Kaur Matharu and other members of the Chardi Kala Project, as well as C2C volunteer Imanat Kang to talk about the history of Punjabi/Sikh people in Bellingham.

Historically, Bellingham has had a lot of deeply rooted racism towards South Asian peoples, and it is important to address that, while also learning about and celebrating other cultures. Punjabi and Sikh people have many connections to farming and agriculture, so they are a huge part of the food justice movement. 

Usually, our labs are held at our Holly Street location, but we’ve been having such a high turnout of folks that we’d like to hold this one at our Bakerview location. If you need a ride, we can organize a carpool for you! Please RSVP at this link for more information, and let us know if you need a ride or any other accommodations. 

Please join us Thursday July 24th for for our Voting Party from 6-8pm at 1295 E Bakerview Rd. We will vote, enjoy music, food, and community!

Please RSVP if you can come.

Email civicengagement@foodjustice.org or lizdarrow@foodjustice.org if you have any questions! See you there!

Join us for the next People’s Participation Lab on Thursday, July 17th from 5:30pm-7:00m.

We will be meeting at Maritime Heritage Park (500 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225) where we will have our wonderful volunteer, Mia Meskil, teach us about The Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Since we’ll be in the park, please bring sunscreen and a blanket. We will provide a few chairs.

Please RSVP

Join us for the next People’s Participation Lab on Thursday, July 3rd from 5:30pm-7:00pm.

Since the weather has been so nice we have decided to meet outside for this PPL. We are going to be meeting at Maritime Heritage Park (500 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225) where we will be joined by Rhys-Thorvald Hansen who is the chair of the Whatcom County Food System Committee. Rhys will be teaching us more about food sovereignty, local food systems, and the work that is done within Whatcom County. We will be meeting at 5:30pm at the park, so bring sunscreen and your favorite blanket! 

Please RSVP here: https://foodjustice.ourpowerbase.net/civicrm/event/register?id=546&reset=1

Join us for the next People’s Participation Lab on Thursday, May 22nd from 5:30pm-6:30pm at 203 W Holly St #318. For this Lab we will be discussing the recent targeted attacks on farmworkers and farmworker union leadership that has been taking place around the U.S. under the Trump Administration.

Please RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfHRYen9tit.../viewform

We'll be ending the gathering a little early so that those who want to can join us for a film screening at The Majestic Ballroom from 7-9 pm. This event is hosted by The Bellingham Quakers in solidarity with C2C and we will be watching a film called Si Pudiera Quedarme. Everyone is welcome to walk over to The Majestic Ballroom with us after the PPL to come enjoy the event and film screening.

Watch the trailer for Si Pudiera Quedarme here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOCbLdbQM7g

Community to Community Development and Familias Unidas Por La Justicia invite you to the Annual Marcha Campesina | Sunday April 21, 2024 | starts 10am Edgewater Park, Mt Vernon WA

March with us to learn about critical issues Farmworkers are facing now and what actions you can take with us!

Celebrate the strength and resilience of farm worker families working towards a better food system.

We invite our friends and allies working for food and economic justice to join us- more details about the event will be shared as we get closer.

We need volunteers! If you are interested, contact us at marchacampesina87@gmail.com

Last week, Bellingham city council voted twice to suspend the Immigration Advisory Board indefinitely. Please join us for a Dignity Dialogue panel discussion and Q&A by local immigrant leadership to find out what will happen next if the board is suspended. Now is the time to show up and listen to immigrants in our community who have been working for years toward a collaborative relationship with city governance.

Join us on December 16 from 10-2 at 1295 E Bakerview Road to celebrate our work from the past year and begin organizing together for 2024. We can't wait to build this movement with you!

Join us at 1295 E Bakerview Road from 6:30-8:30 pm for updates on federal immigration reform policy endorsed by C2C. On a regional level, we will also be discussing local resources for immigrants and refugees, updates on the Immigration Advisory Board, and the people-led movement for an Immigrant Resource Center. Connect with your community, learn, and build with us!

On August 6th C2C will be publicly recognizing the anniversary of the passing of farmworker Honesto Silva Ibarra, who died due to heat stress and wildfire smoke in Whatcom County in 2017. It is also Hiroshima Remembrance Day. This year we recognize the intersections of many communities who have been impacted by Bellingham’s history of colonization, white supremacy and oppression. We invite you to join us for a 1 mile walking tour in acknowledgement and remembrance of our shared history; brief contextual talks will be given along the walk at historically significant landmarks. We will honor the lives of the Indigenous people who were violently removed from their traditional fishing sites along Whatcom Creek, the Japanese Americans from Bellingham also violently removed from their homes and interned in concentration camps during WWII, recognition of the continuing acceptance of racism symbolized by the honoring of Confederate General George Pickett on a local bridge, and farmworkers who continue to die due to lack of protections during climate crisis and exploitation.

This event is a collaboration between Community to Community Development, Nikkei Northwest, the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center, Whiteswan Environmental, and Northwest Youth Services.

We will meet at the Bellingham Theater Guild parking lot, 1600 H St, at 10 am to begin this walk. Parking has been offered for this event by the Theater Guild (thank you!) Bring a picnic lunch to continue community conversation on the library lawn following the walk. For more information contact c2cinfo@foodjustice.org

Join us at 9:00 am at Edgewater Park, 600 Beherns Millet Rd in Mt Vernon, WA. We will gather and prepare for the march to begin at 10 am. The schedule for the day will be:

10 AM The MARCH begins!

11 AM Stop at the intersection of Riverside Dr and E College Way

*Participants can join the march here

1:30 PM The march will stop at Horseshoe Park 1720 E Whitmarsh Rd

WE WILL CONTINUE WITH: FOOD, MUSIC, SPEAKERS, AND INFORMATION

*LIMITED PARKING

REST TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE

DRIVERS AVAILABLE TO TRANSPORT PEOPLE TO THEIR CARS

TO VOLUNTEER: MARCHACAMPESINA87@GMAIL.COM

Join us in our new community space on Bakerview for an update on the Migration Makes Us Stronger Campaign and the work of the Immigration Advisory Board to establish a city funded Immigrant Resource Center. We will the context of years of community driven work that has led to this campaign and how everyone can get involved to support this effort.

Questions? email c2cmedia@foodjustice.org

MARCHA CAMPESINA! CELEBRATE VICTORY FOR TULIP WORKERS AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR FAMILIAS UNIDAS POR LA JUSTICIA!

MAY 1st 9:00 am, Edgewater Park, Mt Vernon

Come out this May Day and stand with the farmworker families who feed us and bring beauty to our lives! After years of wage theft, enduring harsh climate conditions, and working without proper protective equipment, tulip workers courageously walked off the job and organized a strike at Roozengarde tulips last month to demand improvements to conditions and pay. Within three days they secured direct negotiations with the company and won most of their demands! As farmworker families organize to stand up for themselves, community solidarity has bolstered morale and confidence. Come out this May Day to celebrate the victory in the tulip fields with the workers and let them know you will continue to stand with them for the long haul fight for a just food system!

Start time: 9 am Gathering, mistica

10 am (approx) march departs Edgewater Park

The march will proceed through Mt Vernon to Burlington (approx 4 miles) and end with a food and community celebration at Skagit River Park, 1720 E Whitmarsh Rd.

Donations to purchase food and drink for the celebration can be made at www.foodjustice.org/donate-1 or checks can be mailed to:

Community to Community Development 203 West Holly, Suite

311 Bellingham, WA 98225

We need volunteers throughout the day of the march! Sign up at tinyurl.com/marchacampesina22