NEW CROSS-CULTURAL SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN &
HOW YOU CAN HELP DEVELOP THIS INITIATIVE
Why this is important: The Parent Organization Network (PON) was founded by three civil rights organizations in Los Angeles that believed in a multicultural approach to assessing educational issues, and planning, and executing solutions. PON views diversity as a strength and a priority, and we promote it as part of a high-quality, inclusive, and equitable educational experience for students, that also is modeled within their families and communities. Given the current social and political climate, this remains our top priority.
CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION &
SURVEY FOR PARENTS AND YOUTH
In 2021, the California State Legislature approved Assembly Bill 101, which establishes that all high school students graduating in the 2029-2030 school year or after will be required to complete a course in ethnic studies. This course will be available in schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Some school districts are implementing the requirement sooner.

The new academic requirement aligns with the vision of PON's co-founders and with our current launch of a Cross-Cultural Solidarity Education Campaign. This initiative leverages ethnic studies to discover common ground, celebrate historical alliances, and foster a shared commitment to diversity and justice at home, school and community. Our campaign is complementing and coinciding with the roll-out of ethnic studies in high schools.  
 
Parent and student input is key to developing and delivering a relevant and effective campaign. We invite parents with students at all grade levels and students in middle and high schools to complete the PON survey (links below) to contribute your ideas, comments, and thoughts on education, ethnic studies, and solidarity. 

The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete and there is a $10 gift card incentive for the first 100 participants.
 
SOLIDARITY IN ACTION: LA COUNTY COMMISSION ON HUMAN RELATIONS UNVEILS "UNITY UNDER THE SUN" MURAL IN WATTS
Congratulations to PON member Arturo Ybarra founder of Watts/Century Latino Organization for being depicted in "Unity Under the Sun" located by the Watts Historic Train Station. It is a fitting recognition given his tireless work over several decades to build solidarity between Blacks and Latinos in the Watts community. PON thanks him for his many years of service to building strong neighborhoods!
INTRODUCING PON'S CROSS-CULTURAL SOLIDARITY TASK FORCE
PON believes there is no more appropriate time than now to establish a task force that brings together our various communities to achieve common goals. In addition to critical parent and student input, members of this task force are providing insight and expertise to help foster cross-cultural solidarity among parents and the broader community. These efforts also will assist in developing curriculum on the topic for parents or students to present a richer learning experience in the classroom for all students. Lastly, our task force experts are helping PON develop programming, learning, relational experiences, and projects that strengthen cross-cultural solidarity among families in Los Angeles County. We are pleased and excited to share the names of the education specialists who are part of the task force:

  • Stewart and Pat Kwoh, Co-Founders, Asian American Education Project
  • Dr. Jose F. Moreno, Professor, Chicano Studies, CSU, Long Beach
  • Dr. Rosa RiVera Furumoto, Padres Pioneros Founder & Chair, Chicana/o Studies Department, CSU Northridge
  • Jesus Sanchez, Executive Director and Founder, Gente Organizada
  • Carlos R. Valle & Élice Hennessee, Co-Executive Directors, CADRE
  • Prof. Ron Wilkins, Historiographic Specialist, Black & Mexican Solidarity

We are delighted to receive guidance and support from Dr. Joyce G. Watts and Dr. Corina A. Espinoza. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to this work!