Grassroots Groups

10004004_735769133111276_2708169508095293750_nSave Ethnic Studies (@EthnicStudiesAZ)

Save Ethnic Studies is a group advocating to lift the Ethnic Studies Ban in Tucson, AZ. The group calls the ban, “misguided legislation.” They believe in the eradication of racism, the appreciation of American diversity and culture, and advocate for the recognition of contributions made by immigrants to the United States in public schools. Their efforts have reach district and federal courts. To date the group has nearly 700 followers on Twitter and over 11,000 likes on Facebook.

United Non-discriminatory Individuals Demanding Our Studies (UNIDOS)

UNIDOS is a student-led, grassroots group based out of Tucson, AZ. As a group, they advocate 216646_205206566168009_3493935_nfor the return of Mexican American Studies to the Tucson curriculum and seek to create greater access and equity for Latino/a students seeking higher education opportunities. UNIDOS has recently received $14,000 in funding to launch a “Student Empowerment Program” that educates youth on the importance of education, art, and student activism.

Ethnic Studies Now

Ethnic Studies Now is a grassroots coalition based in California. The coalition’s goal is to have an ethnic studies requirement for every district in California. To date, the group has been instrumental in the passage of Ethnic Studies mandates in El Rancho Unified School District, San Francisco Unified School District, and Los Angeles Unified School District. The movement is largely student led, though it has support from other education stakeholders, such as parents and teachers.

Mexican American Studies Texas15 (@MASTexasb37a0dbc5e6bbfaa105470bc0057567e

Mexican American Studies Texas, or MAS Texas, is a grassroots organization working to bring MAS to schools across the state. Currently, the group has a goal to have 50 Texas school offering MAS courses by 2015 and to have 200 districts offering MAS by 2016. The movement. Their website features a blog with resources for those interested in implementing MAS studies in their classrooms.

 

El Movimiento/The Movement

El Movimiento is a student led movement in Boston, MA that seeks to mobilize young people to fight for educational justice. In particular, E179631_194950290515473_3785960_nl Movimiento seeks to have the Boston City Public School System recognize the diversity of students that lies within BCPS. Part of their movement is greater inclusion of students of color in the curriculum.

 Fulfill the Dream

A program that implements culturally responsive curriculum and Fulfill-The-Dreampedagogy to develop leadership in school aged children. Students engaged in a wide variety of projects to build capacities and confidence. Through engaging students with their backgrounds and cultures, Fulfill the Dream generates strong, confident leaders.

Napa Valley Ethnic Studies Advocates (NVESA) 

Based out of Napa Valley, California, NVESA is a community based advocacy and volunteer group compared of education stakeholders. They seek to promote the implementation and inclusion of Ethnic Studies in Napa Valley. Through creating a space for discourse and inquiry, NVESA believes culturally relevant coursework will “cultivate greater ethnic, racial, and cultural consciousness.” 17

Librotraficante 

The Librotraficate movement based in Houston, Texas, seeks to prevent a ban on Mexican American Studies, African-American Studies, Women Studies, and other forms of culturally relevant curriculum from Texas. Presently, the group is fighting against a board of education that is advocating the “assimilation” of ethnic and racial groups into dominant culture and society. Librotraficante works in conjunction with MAS Texas and Tony Diaz to elevate Latino/a voices and ensure that students of color, women, and other marginalized students aren’t pushed out of the curriculum.15