November Latinx Coalition Meeting Successful

What can I say about Thursday’s meeting? When we started hosting coalition meetings in Spanish, I was worried we would not be well received. This meeting proved me wrong. We had an amazing turn out. We had to set up more tables and chairs. We had empanadas and Puerto Rican rice. There was laughter and children playing.

After things settled down and the kids went to play in childcare, our amazing speaker began. Elisa Perez-Orellano came to talk to the group about toxic people and the effect they have on our parenting. The group talked about how experiences in their childhoods effect how they parent their children. Some of their stories were very touching. We talked about different scenarios where we can separate ourselves from people that do not have the greatest intentions. We discussed how we can break cycles and not let our past influence the way we parent our children. It was inspiring to hear them talk so openly with one another.

I was able to listen to the translator and really get an idea of some of the issues our Latinx families are facing. These meetings are held in all Spanish, so the families are more comfortable talking amongst one another. I also was able to spend some time in the childcare room and hand out books to all the kids. Each child was able to pick out a book that was either in all Spanish or bilingual. We also raffled off some fun baking kits and crafting kits to the families, along with some Meijer gift cards. I can’t wait to see how next month goes.