Community Peace Radio Show #24

Date:  04 April 2009

Topics:  Rio Gallinas School Mexico Trip and the "Ethics of Food"

Participants:  Corrine (8th grade RGS teacher), Siah Trudell (6th grader), Marisol Meyer (6th grader), Arthur Trujillo (7th grader), Marisa Romero (8th grader), Christina Litherland (7th grader), Brianah and Marlene Meyer (support on the sidelines)

Co-Hosts:  Pat Leahan, Arielle Hawney

Summary:  Rio Gallinas School of Ecology and the Arts is a public charter school located in the West Las Vegas (NM) School District. Some of their students and teachers recently took a trip to the NM/Mexico border. Corrine gives us an explanation of the Expeditionary Learning model used at the school. This semester's expedition, "The Ethics of Food," is discussed, as well as migrant issues. Students share vivid descriptions of the border fence. We play John McCutcheon's song, "Immigrant." Students share memorable moments from their trip, where they met Mexican youth at the border, played soccer with the kids, participated in a memorial for those who have died trying to cross the border, and learned a lot about border issues, as well as the ethics of food.

Resources:
http://riogallinasschool.org/
http://folkmusic.com/ (John McCutcheon's website)
http://www.justcoffee.org/
http://www.ncrlc.com/ (Nat'l. Catholic Rural LIfe Conference)
http://www.ncrlc.com/ethics_of_eating.html

Pat's Extra Notes:
It was great that community members called in participate.
The closing comments from the youth are profound.
And we got lots of positive feedback after this show aired.
Ethics of Eating:
"Eating is a moral act. Our tables need to include those who have been excluded. Our food choices need to consider all those who farm, their families, our rural landscape, farm communities everywhere...We are what we eat. By our choices we shape the agrarian world, our world. By our diets and food conversations, we influence others. Let us remember the challenge we have to shape a world of justice and peace" (ncrlc.com).

Thank you, David, for our CPR intro music:
http://www.DavidRovics.com/