Parents’ group highlights multilingual outreach, immigrant-rights materials and volunteer drives
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Summary
Community of Multilingual Families leaders and parents described multilingual cultural events, free donated Spanish books, immigrant-rights handouts from the California Department of Justice, volunteer opportunities and a Dec. 18 food distribution; organizers urged wider representation for Vietnamese and Arabic families.
Vivian Murillo Castro, president of the Community of Multilingual Families (CMF), opened the meeting by describing CMF as a parent-led group that shares information and resources to support English learners across the district.
"In our school in our community, we speak 37 different languages," Vivian said, adding that number reflects primary languages selected by families and that the total likely exceeds 40 when non-primary home languages are counted. She encouraged attendees to share photos and local projects so CMF can highlight activities at other school sites.
Parents and site representatives reported local successes: multicultural nights, kindergarten cultural projects (altares), and donated Spanish-language books from a Mexican consulate program. Parent Marilyn Valden Benito asked whether Argentine culture (folklore, tango, gaucho traditions) could be included in future events; other parents supported broader representation beyond the Spanish-speaking world to include Vietnamese, Arabic and Filipino cultures.
The meeting also distributed information for families: the presenter said paper copies of California Department of Justice "know your rights" materials were available in English and Spanish, and that weekly online workshops on family preparedness are offered. The presenter reiterated a district practice: immigration officials may make requests at main offices but are not permitted to enter campus, and the DOJ documents explain families’ rights, complaint procedures and educational-enrollment protections.
Organizers also solicited volunteers for library reading, event setup, and a holiday food distribution: food pickup is scheduled Dec. 18 at Anderson, with sorting help requested Dec. 17. The presenter encouraged parents to volunteer for conferences and to register for a regional parent workshop scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7.
The meeting closed with reminders about upcoming parent advisory meetings in January and February and a preview of a district board meeting focusing on budget and a forthcoming elementary social-studies textbook adoption.
