08/12/2026
Join Rural & Migrant Ministry for a Day of Action on Wednesday, August 12. There are three events you can take part in — two in Western New York and one online — as we stand with vulnerable communities. Turn your anger into activism, and join RMM in solidarity with our rural farmworking and immigrant neighbors!
• 1 pm: Attend a motion hearing in the NYS Vegetable Growers Association Inc. et al v. James et al lawsuit
Allegany Courtroom, 6th Floor East
2 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY
RMM is calling on allies in Western New York and statewide to stand in solidarity with farmworker advocates to preserve the full effect of the historic Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act (FLFLPA).
In the years since the law's passage in 2019, opponents have used every tactic and resource at their disposal — including meritless lawsuits — to thwart the intended impact of this law — namely, achieving equal labor protections for tens of thousands of farmworkers, who are the backbone of the agriculture industry and New York's overall economy.
To demonstrate our united support for the hard-won rights of farmworkers, we are urging supporters and advocates to attend this motion hearing in the NYS Vegetable Growers Association Inc. et al v. James et al lawsuit.
For decades, we have remained steadfastly committed to the truth that farmworkers — including those who are here on a seasonal basis — deserve the same dignity and protections afforded to workers in other industries. Please join advocates to stand firmly behind these values and in support of full preservation of the basic human rights afforded by the FLFLPA.
• 4 pm — March and Vigil in Albion, NY
Pullman Memorial Universalist Church
10 East Park Street, Albion, NY
RMM will bring together the community of Albion and beyond, where farmworking and immigrant families are being taken by Border Patrol while the larger community stays silent. With this vigil, we are putting the authorities on notice that we are watching and that we will fight these illegal, immoral, and inhumane detentions and deportations.
• 7 pm (online) — RMM 101: Information for Volunteers and Allies
Please contact RMM's Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Baker, at [email protected] to register and receive a link.
We will offer an online information and orientation session for volunteers and allies. Ongoing sessions will take place at 7 pm on the second Wednesday of every month (see dates below).
Attendees will learn about RMM's history, programs, the communities we serve, our philosophy and mores, and about potential ways to get involved. Whether you are a longtime ally, a new volunteer, or just curious to learn more about RMM, we hope you'll join us.
The session will be required for regular volunteers, but is open to all.
Please contact RMM's Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Baker, at [email protected] to register and receive a link.
Upcoming Sessions:
August 12, 7 pm
September 9, 7 pm
October 14, 7 pm
November 11, 7 pm
December 9, 7 pm