| MALDEF initiated what is now the Community Education and Leadership Development (CELD) department in 1975 to bring change in Latino communities by touching the day to day lives of Latino men and women. MALDEF realized that the effective implementation of court orders and legislation can occur only when the community is informed, holds policy makers accountable for their implementation, and monitors their enforcement. This necessitated MALDEF's role in community education.
MALDEF's Parent School Partnership (PSP) program offers an extensive course providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for a quality education for their children.
The department grew out of the recognition that legislation and favorable court decisions resulting from the organization's litigation remain in many cases not fully implemented.
MALDEF's continued role in leadership development is to:
- continue its leadership development programs for mid career professionals
- develop leadership development among grassroots community leaders
- provide technical assistance to other organizations in the implementation of leadership development programs
- develop leadership skills among Latino parents so they can work in schools to ensure a quality education for their children
MALDEF's Education department staff empowers the Latino community by disseminating information and promoting Latino leadership. Engaged in legislative analysis, research and policy formulation on issues of importance to the Latino community, MALDEF informs Latinos of their civic rights and responsibilities in our democratic society. MALDEF also fosters Latino involvement in our electoral and legislative processes at all levels of government, empowering the grass roots level and fostering Latino leadership opportunities. A well informed and participatory Latino community ensures sound public policies, programs and laws that safeguard the rights and opportunities for Latino advancement.
After the Voting Rights Act was amended in 1975, staff educated the community about the changes in the law to help promote participation in the political process as intended by the amendments. In Colorado and New Mexico, CEAP staff advised parents on how court orders for bilingual programs could be used to improve the education of their children.
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