1. Latino Family Engagement: How to Effectively Engage and Connect with Latino Parents and Youth Diana Urieta and Andrew Behnke

2. The Rundown Demographics and Culture Case Studies Parent Empowerment
Resource List
Next Steps

3. Foreign-Born Population in Other Countries (2003)
Germany – %
Canada – 18.2%
Switzerland – 20.0%
Australia – 22.8%
Costa Rica – 24.9%
Kuwait – 44.1%
Source: OECD Factbook: Axiss Australia.
2006- Faith Action International House

4. Foreign-Born Population in Other Countries (2003)
Germany – %
Canada – 18.2%
Switzerland – 20.0%
Australia – 22.8%
Costa Rica – 24.9%
Kuwait – 44.1%
Source: OECD Factbook: Axiss Australia.
2006- Faith Action International House
USA – 12.4%

5. What Factors “Push” Immigration
Pushed out by poverty
Pushed out by violence
Pushed out by natural disasters
What Factors “Pull” Immigration
Shrinking labor pool – unfilled jobs
International competitive pressure on wages
Natural disasters requiring reconstruction
Family reunification
Source: Faith Action International House

6. U.S. Population Today in Millions
50 million immigrants, 28% undocumented (4.5% of total population)
(Migration Policy Institute, 2006; Pew Hispanic, 2007) 6

7. U.S. Latino Population Today in Millions
11 Million undocumented of 46 million Latinos (24%)
(Migration Policy Institute, 2006; Pew Hispanic, 2007) 7

8. NC Latino Population 1990 = 56,667 = 1.1% 2000 = 378,963 = 4.7%
1990 = 56,667 = 1.1%
2000 = 378,963 = 4.7%
2007 = 643,333 = 7.1%
2009 = ???? = ???
Births to Latinos increased by 1208% from 1990 to 2006.
The number went from 1,754 in to 21,202 in 2006 or 17% of births.
Andrew
(NC Vital Statistics, 2008; Census; 2007) 8

9. Distribution of Latinos Across N.C.
Kasarda, J. D., and Johnson, J. H.(2006).

10. WHERE IS LATIN AMERICA? 10

11. Countries in Continental Latin America & the Caribbean
Central America
South America
North America
Antigua & Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Haiti
Jamaica
Martinique
Puerto Rico
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the
Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos Islands
Virgin Island
Belize
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Panama
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
French
Guiana
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Mexico

12. Latino Family Diversity
Commonalities and Diversity
Immigrants from over 42 countries
One size does not fit all
Language
Acculturation
Generation Status
SES
Life history
Turning to a few more implications of this growing population in the state Let me say a little about the diversity among this so called “Latino” population.
Although Latinos share a common heritage of:
Language
History
Culture
And beliefs,
To speak of “LATINOS” in any generic way necessarily masks NUMEROUS cultural, linguistic, national, religious and other differences within the hugely diverse groups of peoples referred to by some as LATINO…we recognize this. SO, just keep in mind that the variation WITHIN groups is at least as significant as the variation across groups.
Information included in this presentation is to be used as a guide when working with Latino audiences. Latinos as any other ethnic and race group might have a common culture but not all individuals are the same. The better way to learn about a person’s culture is by asking him/her directly.
As you are all probably aware Latino families in the state are diverse they come from over 20 different countries Though we may often make the assumption that they are from Mexico, some Latinos bring with them very different traditions and cultural nuances.
Put them in the same room and it’s a Jumbalaya
They do not all share Spanish as their dominant language For example I have found myself on the bus trying to start a conversation with a Latino gentleman, just to find out that his Spanish was very limited and that he spoke Guaraney. These indigenous immigrants from the mountains of Mexico may use Spanish for commerce but may not express themselves well in the language.
This example shows that you can be from one country and be very different from your compatriots. So there is great variation even within Latinos from one particular country, They may be some where between the extremes of having come here 40 years ago and not speaking a bit of English, orthey may have been here a year and be fluent, they may hold on to their culture and refuse to acculturate, or they may completely assimilate and reject the culture of theiir native land. They may have been doctors, campecinos, or factory laborers in Mexico, or they might be waiting for the rest of the family to immigrate. 12

13. Characteristics of Latino Culture
Relationships: Personalismo
Language and communication
Family: Familismo

14. Relationships: Personalismo
Personal relationships are more important than institutional relationships.
Trust is placed in individuals, not in institutions.
Learn about the community and context in which people live, and get to know people as individuals on a one-to-one basis.

15. Language and Communication
41.8% of Latinos in NC speak English very well (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006)
Determine the Spanish literacy level and English proficiency level of the families you are working with.
Check to see if the message was understood by asking questions related to the issue

16. Language and Communication
Latinos tend to avoid confrontation
Respect is shown by listening when a person is talking, by following his/her advice, and sometimes by looking down
Expect to be seen as an authority figure in learning situations.
Use cooperative activities rather that competitive activities

17. Language and Communication: Personal Space
Latinos tend to sit and stand close to each other. “Touching” is a gesture of friendship, i.e. kiss on the cheek to say “hello” and “good bye.”
Be prepared to “share” your personal space. You don’t need to sit closer or kiss someone to say “hello” if that is not your preference.

18. Family: Familismo Family needs are a priority
Live in extended family groups. Children typically live at home until they get married. Family members care for elderly members and children
Prefer activities that involve all family members
In U.S. Latinos may lose the support provided by the extended family. As a result of this, there may be a shift in gender roles and change in roles of parents and children

19. Family: Familismo
If working with Latino youth, plan on meeting his/her family.
Invite families to appropriate activities and events. Consider that extended family may also attend.
When invitations are for specific family members, be sure that the message is clear and explain why the invitation is limited.

20. Teachers in Mexico
Seen as high ranking members of society, on par with doctors, lawyers and priests.
Children are taught to respect teachers and not to question them

21. Parental Involvement
Families see their essential role as ensuring that children have food, clothing, shelter and that they are socialized into the norms and expectations of the family.
Above all, they expect children to acquire “Buena educación” or good manners (Delgado-Gaitan & Trueba, 1991)
Going into a classroom and questioning a teacher’s style or methods is not a common practice.
What do you know about what Education looks like in Mexico?

22. Education in Mexico Free up to 9th grade.
Basic classes: Math, Social Studies, Science/Biology, Spanish, History, Geography, Chemistry, and English.
Those that can’t afford to continue their education look for work or immigrate to the U.S.

23. Education in Mexico Schedule differences / uniforms
No school services such as free lunch, special education or school nurse
Parent-teacher relationships not generally encouraged

24. Culture Clash
Latino families must cope with the values and expectations of two very distinct cultures as they navigate their way through the multifaceted educational system.
They must deal with an unfamiliar system powerful enough to alter their relationships with their children, their extended families, and the communities where they live.

25. Potential Hispanic HS Students in NC
56000
4500
(Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education [WICHE], 2003)

26. Academic Achievement and Dropout Issues
In 2006, 44% - 52% of all H.S. Latinos did not graduate in 4 years in NC
Latino dropout rate is improving
still the highest large ethnic group
Currently, only about 3% of NC university students are Latino
Why aren’t these kids graduating from school?
(Laird, DeBell, & Chapman, 2006; NCDPI, 2009; WICHE, 2003) 26

27. Recent Trends in NC Latino population
Latino boys are struggling more than any other group – African American boys next.
More than half of North Carolina's Latino girls are expected to be pregnant before their 20th birthday.
(Hess, 2000; Zuniga, 2004) 27

28. Why Do Latino Students Leave School?
Grades and Attendance Issues
Working / Family Obligations
Generational Poverty
Marry Young / Childbirth
Gangs / Delinquency / Drugs
Limited Higher Education Opportunities
(NCDPI, 2009; Perriera, 2007) 28

29. How Dropouts Hurt North Carolina
Annual cost of $7.5 Billion in lost earnings
Aggregate of $712 Million in tax revenue
Lost State Income Tax Revenue $995
Incarceration Costs $1,946
Medicaid Costs $1,496
Annual Public Cost per Dropout $4,437
(Gottlob, 2007)
Andrew 29

30. Latino Parents & Academics
Parental involvement has consistently been shown to be related to these outcomes (e.g., Delgado-Gaitan, 1992, 1994; Flouri & Buchanan, 2004; Gutman, Sameroff, & Eccles, 2002; Plunkett & Bámaca-Gómez, 2003)
In fact, parent involvement was found the single strongest predictor of Latino academic performance (Zuniga, 2004)

31. Challenges for
Immigrant
Families
Language/Literacy
Unfamiliar
and intimidating
systems
Immigration Status
Life Factors
Mental Health Issues
Work
schedules
Child care
Media/Public Opinion
Transportation

32. Suggestions for Parents
Read to their child.
Discuss the day’s events.
Help with homework and special projects.
Limit television viewing time.
Watch TV with their children and talk about program messages. 32

33. Connecting with the Hispanic Community and Building Trust
Can be a slow process
Listening and observing
Establishing presence in the community: attending fiestas,events
Talking with members of the community/identify leaders

34. “Latinos are not looking for a handout but for a handshake”
Recruiting Parents
“Latinos are not looking for a handout but for a handshake”
Personally extend invitations through visits or phone calls.
Use (Spanish) radio spots to announce the meeting and/or program.

35. Recruiting Parents
Do presentations or hold information meetings at churches, other community organizations’ meetings, school parents’ nights:
Introduce your organization’s mission and goals and how they benefit families. They may have never heard of “afterschool programs”
“Word of mouth” better than flyers

36. Engaging Parents Acknowledge and value the families’ strengths.
Resilience
Resourcefulness
Nurturance and support of extended family
High educational expectations for their children
(Behnke et al., 2005; Delgado-Gaitan, 1992; Henderson & Mapp, 2002)

37. Engaging Parents
Consult with parents about best time to meet: be flexible.
Remember fútbol, telenovelas, local events.
Make things less formal
Fun activities: role play, videos.
Provide resources in Spanish.

38. Engaging Parents Allow them to interact
Make a warm and comfortable environment
Extend the invitation to all family members. Appeal to parents and to children
If possible provide childcare transportation, food, prizes.

39. Engaging Parents Recruit parents as advocates, mentors, and volunteers
Ask active parents to recruit others
Involve parents in committees and advisory councils
Have interpreters, bilingual volunteers. .
(Barbour & Barbour, 2001; Delgado-Gaitan, 1992, 1994; Epstein, 1995; Epstein & Salinas, 2004; Machado-Casas, 2005; Scribner, Young, & Pedroza, 1999; Valdes, 1996)
What are some things we can do to suggest parent to do? 39

40. Remember…
Do not get discouraged if outcomes are not what you expected, try again!
Building trust is a process that takes time

41. Next Steps
What is one thing you can do that will improve your effectiveness with Latino parents and youth?
What additional training or support do you need?

42. What will you do?

43. North Carolina Resources
Adelante Education Coalition:
Melinda Wiggins, Student Action With Farmworkers or
El Pueblo:
Tony Asion, Executive Director or

44. North Carolina Resources
College Foundation of NC:
Donna Weaver, Spanish Services Coordinator or
NC Society of Hispanic Professionals:
Marco Zarate, President or

45. Hispanic/Latino Organizations
NABE: National Association of Bilingual Education
LULAC: League of United Latin American Citizens
MALDEF: Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund,
Nation Council of La Raza:
Pew Hispanic Center:
A Dream Deffered:

46. ¡ Gracias y Buena Suerte!
Any Questions?
Sue Rosman
Andrew Behnke
¡ Gracias y Buena Suerte! 46