Description: 2019 SPE Outstanding Book Award Honorable Mention
From the home of the Paulo Freire Democratic Project and non-profit community organization Padres Unidos, the Chapman University Padres Unidos Partnership presents this truly unique coffee table textbook, Let's Chat: Cultivating Community University Dialogue - A Coffee Table Textbook on Partnerships. The volume presents a collection of community stories, concepts and analyses that highlight the journey of border crossings between two co-existing neighbors: a non-profit community organization and a university. Stories from community residents and faculty members represent how they disrupted the barriers that typically divide us by reconceptualizing how universities and communities can work together to reshape the intellectual landscape and reconfigure power differentials.Brief description: Patricia Huerta currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Padres Unidos, a grass roots, non-profit organization. She received an A.A. from Cypress College, a B.S. in Human Services from California State University Fullerton, a Master's in Social Work from California State University San Bernardino and a Master's in Catechism from the Dioceses of Orange. Patricia worked as the Parenting Coordinator for Orange County's Department of Children and Family Services for over a decade. Her 30 years of experience working with parents and families has made her a sought out public speaker. In recognition for her advocacy of families, Patricia has been an OC Blue Ribbon finalist, Telemundo 52 Padres Heroes, OC Women Making a Difference Award and more.
Review Quotes:
"The information generated and transmitted within universities has traditionally resulted in privilege and structures of exclusion. The engaging format of this book, which combines Freire's principles and methodology and the power of story, invites reflection, dialogue and action, modeling how the exceptional partnership of Chapman University and the community organization Padres Unidos, evolved within parameters of inclusion, honoring each other's wisdom and culture, and developing a spirit of human solidarity leading to increased knowledge and effective transformation."