This worksheet aligns to Common Core Literacy Standards in History/Social Studies:
• RHSS.6-8.7. Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
This worksheet aligns to Common Core Literacy Standards in History/Social Studies:
• RHSS.6-8.2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
• RHSS.6-8.5. Describe how a text presents information (e.g., sequentially, comparatively, causally).
activist: someone who works with others to achieve social change
agitators: people who urge others to protest or rebel allies: people who support a movement, but are not directly affected
AWOC: Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee of Filipino farmworkers
boycott: refuse to spend money on a product or service, or at a place of business
“campesino”: Spanish word for farmer or farmworker
“corridos”: Mexican folk songs that usually describe aspects of the immigrant experience
“esquirola”: Spanish term for scab worker (see below)
“la huelga”: Spanish term for strike
“la causa”: Spanish term for the cause; how farmworkers involved in the strike and boycotts referred to their struggle
liberation: freedom from oppression militant: aggressive in support of a political or social cause
radical: fundamental changes to social structures and values
Reds: Communists, radicals
reform: movements seek to change or modify existing laws and practices
scabs: workers hired to replace workers who go out on strike
social movement: any formal or informal organization of people who are actively trying to change society
strategy: overall approach you take in your efforts to reach a goal
strike: refuse to work in an effort to improve wages, working conditions, or benefits
tactic: specific action you take toward achieving a goal
target: a person or institution responsible for the problem; who or what the movement is trying to change
United Farmworkers of America: a labor union created in 1966 when the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) merged with the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA).
Supporters of the Grape Boycott demonstrate in Toronto, Ontario, December, 1968. Jessica Govea is in the center, front row (wearing poncho).
1. This is the beginning of a social movement in fact and not in pronouncements. We seek our basic, God-given rights as human beings. Because we have suffered--and are not afraid to suffer--in order to survive. We are ready to give up everything, even our lives in our fight for social justice. We shall do it without violence because that is our destiny. To the ranchers, and to all those who oppose us, we say, in the words of Benito Juarez, “EL RESPETO AL DERECHO AJENO ES LA PAZ.” Respect for others brings peace.
2. We seek the support of all political groups and protection of the government, which is also our government, in our struggle. . . . To the politicians we say that the years are gone when the farm worker said nothing and did nothing to help himself. . . . WE SHALL BE HEARD.
3. We seek, and have, the support of the Church in what we do. At the head of the Pilgrimage we carry La Virgen de la Guadalupe (the Virgin of Guadalupe) because she is ours, Patroness of the Mexican people. . . .
4. We are suffering. We have suffered, and we are not afraid to suffer to win our cause. . . .
5. We shall unite. . .. We must use the only strength that we have, the force of our numbers. The ranchers are few; we are many. UNITED WE SHALL STAND.
6. We will strike. . . . Our revolution will not be armed, but we want the existing social order to dissolve; we want a new social order. . . . We do not want the paternalism of the rancher, we do not want the contractor; we do not want charity at the price of our dignity. We want to be equal with all the working men in the nation; we want a just wage, better working conditions, a decent future for our children. To those who oppose us, be they ranchers, police, politicians, or speculators, we say that we are going to continue fighting until we die, or we win. WE SHALL OVERCOME. . . .
MAY THE STRIKE GO ON! VIVA LA CAUSA!