February 24-26, 2010, Learning Institute on English Learners
Grantees participated in a three-day institute on English learners. The main goal was to increase understanding English Learner issues and the connection with other educational challenges in California, the nuts and bolts of federal and state policies and practices that govern Enlish learners, and how to embed advocacy for English learners into their initiatives.

Guest speakers included Board President Monica Garcia (LAUSD Board of Education), Dr. Magaly Lavadez (LMU Professor in the School of Education and Director of the Center for Equity of English Learners), and Shelly Spiegel-Coleman (Executive Director of Californians Together).

 November 30, 2009: Lobbying and Advocacy Strategies Webinar:

Grantees participated in a one-hour webinar facilitated by Dr. Jendian, Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology at California State University, Fresno. The webinar provided grantees a brief overview of lobbying regulations that govern nonprofits, highlighted successful advocacy strategies within the network, and provided strategies to strengthen current work.

As a follow-up to the event, grantees were given personalized feedback on their advocacy plans and the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one telephone consultation with Dr. Jendian.

November 3-4, 2009: Parent Engagement Learning Institute (Sacramento):

Grantees attended the Families In Schools' Parent Engagement Learning Institute at the UC Center in Sacramento, California. The role of parental involvement and its impact on student achievement was the center of the conversation as well as the role of nonprofits in the promotion of parental engagement. Grantees were provided with materials, tools, and best practices in the field of parental engagement to help them deliver environments conducive to parent learning. 

June 23, 2009: Implementation Phase Orientation (Sacramento):

Implementation phase grantees convened for their first grantee meeting on June 23, 2009 in Sacramento, California. Participants first reviewed the Initiative requirements and responsibilities, then they were given the opportunity to network with policy makers. The day ended with a dynamic presentation from Jonathan Kaplan, a Policy Analyst from the California Budget Project, who shared with them how California schools receive and spend their money. 

April 1-2, 2009 and April 13-14, 2009: Phase II Planning Workshop (Fresno and San Bernardino): 

Planning phase grantees received the opportunity to learn how evaluation can help them develop and implement an effective advocacy initiative. Through an interactive activity that encouraged feedback from colleagues and FIS staff, participants also obtained individualized support in the development of their logic models.

Picture Gallery

January 14, 2009 and January 22, 2009: Phase II Orientation (San Bernardino and Modesto):

Twenty organizations, six in the Inland Empire and fourteen in the Central Valley, gathered to learn about the goals and expectations of the FIE Initiative. Organizations participated in exercises and discussions about the characteristics of successful advocacy organizations and were introduced to the advocacy logic model as a tool to guide their efforts during the planning period.