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We are actively working on encouraging parents ro be engaged in
their children's public school experiencem especially those of Latino and African American backgrounds, through informational
forums. BUYA (Berkeley United Youth in Action), an inter-denominational inter-racial gathering of high school students was
created to challenge streotypes at Berkeley High and address student issues. In response to a wave of violence against youth,
we have been meeting with Mayor Tom Bates and other City Officials to urge a dialog in regard to Youth Outreach Programs for
Latino, African American, and other underserved communities. As a result there is now an After School Youth Program at the
West Berkeley Senior Center that was created by the youth together with Mayor Tom Bates.
Through St. Joseph the Worker Parish, The Way Christian
Center, and McGee Avenue Baptist Church, BOCA has been working in organizing parents in finding their public voice, this way
they can be informed and involved in the education of their children. The parents demand an equal education opportunity for
all students.
The parents seek an education system in which:
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Their students are known, nurtured, and safe
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Students excel in programs that meet their needs and allow
them to meet the highest standards
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Parents are informed and involved in the education of their
youth and the decisions regarding their education
Accomplishments:
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Providing effective change at Berkeley High School in the
English Language Learners program by hiring a new director, and hiring a Spanish-speaking security guard and the translation
of forms and documents into Spanish for the parents.
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Working with the Berkeley Unified School District and BayCes
for the planning of small schools at Berkeley High.
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