| Esperanza Y Su Exito (EYSE) is a Spanish language television show used as a vehicle for disseminating information to the Latino community in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts. The research purpose was to identify the most effective way to communicate important information to the Latino community and empower them to engage with and voice their needs within the dominant culture. The main goal of this participatory action research was to encourage the Latino community, through the work of EYSE, to become actively involved in civic education and action for the improvement of their lives. By helping to design and present educational information and activities in the community, EYSE became a catalyst for change. The conceptual framework in this research process rests on the theories of Freire, Horton, and Bourdieu, who support the idea that communities must be educated to expect social justice and exhort social change. The researcher coded and analyzed data from forums, surveys, and interviews. Findings revealed Latinos are primarily family-centered, value education and community life, and prefer engaging with the dominant culture through face-to-face, person-centered dialogue. Several positive action outcomes have resulted from this study, including the development of an advocacy position that creates a liaison between the dominant community and Latino and Arabic families, the development of a new research cohort designed to improve ELL student assessments, and an invitation to work with Arabic leaders also interested in integrating into the dominant community. This study developed a cyclical model for engaging minority communities with the dominant culture. The model may help create an intricate form of social capital in this city that will benefit all. |
