The Youngstown Food Brigade is a coalition of other organizations and individuals interested in building solidarity with the community via food serving. This coalition exists for the purpose of providing regular meals for free to whomever wants them, with no discrimination.
We ask that all volunteers agree to the points of unity, seen below. Any volunteer that wishes to prepare or serve food must also take our food safety course. The course can be completed before a serve or in advance.
We believe that climate change is real. We believe that Black Lives Matter. We believe in reproductive rights and justice. We believe in the rights of everyone to practice their faith or to live a secular existence. We believe in economic democracy.
We believe every group in this space knows what’s best for their group and can make decisions based on that.
We share our space, resources, and time in good faith with each other.
We know that groups and individuals who organize for the environment, civil rights, peace, justice, and liberation are often villainized, turned into folk devils, and harassed by various forces. We will stand together and not contribute to this oppression.
We stand on the side of working people. We support work in the labor unions, organizing among the unorganized, and organizing among the unemployed.
We know that racism is central to the structure and function of US society, and the movement for racial equality, here and everywhere, is an indispensable part of the progressive movement.
The fight against sexism, transphobia, and other forms of gender- and/or sex-based discrimination is an important struggle worldwide. We support the right of people of all gender identities to equal voice and opportunity, reproductive rights, self-determination and bodily autonomy.
We support the human rights and social acceptance of people of all sexual orientations—that they may live openly and freely, and engage in all forms of consensual relationships and/or sexual activities.
Protecting the environment is a critical issue as the future survival of humanity, all beings, all life forms and this planet is increasingly threatened.
We support actions and activities that attempt to empower people and enhance their living conditions. A diversity of tactics–including electoral politics, policy work, grassroots organizing, mass demonstrations, direct action, and progressive cultural work—are legitimate and important arenas where such activity takes place.
Our work is political. We work to dismantle intersecting systems of oppression and acknowledge that they do not affect us all equally. Our work must be led and built by those most impacted by systemic oppression and colonization.
In order for our movement to be effective it must be physically, financially, and linguistically accessible. We strive to make sure all those who wish to do this work have what they need to thrive.
Though we are often told otherwise, we believe there is room for all of us to be leaders. We do not fear scarcity and we believe in abundance. Our work benefits from sharing power and leadership within our movement. Our work must be adaptable and willing to shift. We are committed to continually remaking ourselves, and boldly engaging the discomfort of change and transition. We are constantly learning how to challenge systemic oppression and how to love each other better.
We are not alone and our work transcends borders. Our collective power is grounded in our membership and the communities our members come from and work with. We can hear each other across oceans and the landscapes we call home, and we work in solidarity with each other and other liberation movements.
Authentic relationship building is the work. We are better equipped to support and fight for our youth when we care for and value one another.
We must hold ourselves and each other accountable. There is power in transformation, forgiveness, and healing. We believe that we can teach each other and learn together.
Any person wishing to join the Youngstown Food Brigade must review and agree to abide by our points of unity.
Members shall be required to participate in an introductory lesson, which includes learning our guidelines and standard food safety course.
They must also participate in 3 YFB food serves or other actions supported by or including YFB members.
Once these have been completed, a person may be considered a member, and have voting rights in YFB.