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Betty Seibel: Advocate For Fern Capital Of The World’s Migrant Farm Workers
The tiny town, population approximately 2600, of Pierson, Florida; located in the northwestern part of Vousia County, has the distinction of being the “Fern Capital Of The World”. The town relies substantially on agriculture; essentially the main crop is ferns exported worldwide for use in flower arrangements and other decorative uses.
If you happen to be in Volusia County on Sunday morning around 10, on September 27, 2009, stop by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Daytona Beach in Ormond Beach to hear Betty Seibel speak about the Migrant Workers in the Pierson, Florida area.
Over the past few months, through the generosity of the UU members and friends, the congregation of the UUSDBA has delivered food, clothing and school supplies to the migrant families in Pierson, Florida.
“This initiative is very important because it responds to underpaid farm workers oppressed by the systemic injustice and those trapped in the shadow world of the undocumented representing modern slavery here in the U.S.” ~ Richard “Bud” Murphy, Pastor, Unitarian Universalist Society Daytona Beach Area
Betty Seibel, whose given name is Elizabeth but perfers to be called Betty, is a Recruiter/Specialist with the Volusia County School System’s Migrant Program. Betty’s been associated with Title I programs in the Volusia County School System since 1984.
In her job Betty interviews the families who work in the fern industry in order to help in the process of advising them about the education of their children.
Betty also meets with Marcos Crisanto local coordinator of the Farm Workers’ Association in Pierson; she works in association with local groups which serve the farm workers; groups like the one from Stetson University, the Bonner Students who sponsor the Plaza Comunitaria. The Plaza Comuniteria assists the migrant farmers with computer literacy, English classes, tutoring and a host of other services to fulfill their needs.
Betty’s involvement with the Pierson local community service groups allows her to further interact with the families and witness first hand the immediate needs of the families and the groups that serve them.
In the words of Pastor Richard “Bud” Murphy, providing assistance to the migrant farm workers is a very important initiative. “because it responds to underpaid farm workers oppressed by the systemic injustice and those trapped in the shadow world of the undocumented representing modern slavery here in the U.S.”
Basically Betty’s working to unscrew the migrant farm worker families.
If you know of a family in the Pierson, Florida area, whose situation can benefit from Betty’s help contact her at [email protected] or by telpehone at the school office 386-740-0850 extension 22350; or write to her at Title I Migrant Services Pierson Elementary School, 1 West First Avenue, Pierson, Florida 32180.
And if you go to hear Betty speak on Sunday, bring a donation of food, clothing or school supplies. We’re sure Betty and the Pierson, Florida, community will appreciate your generosity.
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