News From the Field: 
Farmers Discover their Personal Sovereignty

Last month we conducted a three-day Seed School and Farmer Teacher Training Course in Cebu. Over 20 participants attended the training and are the founding members of the Cebu Seed Savers. 

During this course farmers learned the hard skills of saving seeds and our teacher training curriculum allows farmers to explore their own value and purpose in building a seed and food sovereign Philippines. 


Read the powerful reflection below from one Cebu Seed Saver: 

"At first I thought I came here to learn just about seeds and I wondered, why are we also looking at 'who am I?' 
Then I realized that the farmer and the seed have to come together to grow our food. I can learn the technical side of propagating, saving and harvesting seeds, but if I don't see who I am, what is motivating me, what my heart truly says, what my own role and purpose is in protecting, saving and growing these seeds, then nothing good will truly happen."
Welcome New Board Member
Marissa Loterina 

We are excited to welcome Marissa Loterina to our  Board of Directors. Marissa first learned about our work when she was completing her master's degree in Denver back in 2015. 

With a desire to help others, Marissa found her passion in working alongside communities at the international level many years ago. Upon receiving her bachelor's degrees in International Affairs and Sociology at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), she pursued a master's degree in International Development at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. 

She is currently the Program Officer for Days for Girls  in Guatemala where she manages all country programs, creates and implements monitoring and evaluation tools, works with social enterprises, and leads marketing strategies. She believes in building the capacity of locals and collaborating with them to find solutions in order to achieve long-term sustainability and meaningful impact. She has experience in program management, communications, fundraising, and team capacity building in cross-cultural settings. 

Growing up in a Filipino/Mexican household in Los Angeles, California, Marissa is eager to work with farmers in the Philippines to strengthen ties with her roots there, but most importantly to empower them and their work! With a deep love for food, Marissa believes that food security and organic farming practices are important for our health and environment worldwide. Marissa enjoys dancing, exercising, eating delicious food, painting, knitting, and traveling.
Up-Coming Events
Event Rescheduled After the Big Storm! 

Help Raise Kneaded  Dough is back on for
Wednesday, April 3rd from 4pm-10pm
Pizzeria Locale 
(32nd and Lowell Location in the Highlands)

Join us for our first fundraiser of the year! Enjoy delicious pizza and more at Pizzeria Locale in the West Highlands on 32nd and Lowell and 30% of your check including alcohol will be donated to us.

RSVP via the Facebook Event Page or just show up and... remember to tell the cashier you are there for Global Seed Savers to make sure your support is registered.



Film Screening of  ULAM: Main Dish
Thursday, April 18th 6pm-8pm 
at the Posner Center for International Development

Mark your calendars and join us for a fun evening celebrating all things Filipino Food and Culture on Thursday, April 18th

Ulam: Main Dish, is a feature length documentary film about the rise of Filipino Food in the United States. This new culinary movement is not only a remarkable achievement for American restaurateurs, but also as a validation of Filipino culture. The film confronts issues inherent in representing both Filipino and American identity, and challenges from both the Filipino community and the world at large. Ultimately, ULAM is a celebration - and confirmation - that Filipino food, and Filipinos, are here to stay. 

More information and event tickets available here
Help Restore Food Sovereignty and Climate Resiliency
Become a Monthly Donor Today

The old adage of "It takes a village" could not be more true in the non-profit sector. Each day countless people are working hard to ensure our programs reach more communities.  Each of these efforts take human and financial capital. 

One of the best ways to support our growing impact is to donate on a monthly basis. This helps us know our cash flow each month and better plan and prepare for our continued growth throughout the Philippines. 

We have big plans in the coming years to ensure communities across the Philippines restore their sovereignty and you can make a lasting impact today! 


 
Donations of any size make a difference, but we suggest a $25 a month commitment. 
$25 a month is roughly 4 lattes a month now donated to a farmer that is feeding the world and building their own resiliency!

If you become a monthly donor at $25 a month or more you will receive a bag of delicious Philippine Coffee from our friends at Venture Coffee Company



 Help us continue to restore food sovereignty and build more climate resilient communities by becoming a monthly donor today!

Global Seed Savers

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