ISLA PADRES
Equipping Latine, Latinx, and Indigenous families with the tools, knowledge, and voice to advocate for their children — and their community.
ISLA Padres is the family empowerment and advocacy branch of ISLA, built for and with Latine, Latinx, and Indigenous parents raising their children in the United States. We know that navigating a new educational system can feel overwhelming — especially when language, culture, and systemic barriers stand in the way.
Through workshops, one-on-one advocacy support, and deep-rooted community partnerships, we give families the information, tools, and confidence to show up fully for their children — from understanding their educational rights to speaking directly with school officials. Because when parents are informed and empowered, the whole community grows stronger.
Our Work
ISLA Padres shows up for families helping families to building knowledge, growing leaders, standing alongside parents, and advocating for change.
Parenting Skills and Education:
Techniques for more effective communication, positive discipline methods, child development, and fostering healthy relationships.
Support and Networking:
Creating a supportive environment where
parents can connect, share experiences, and build a network with others facing similar challenges. These activities cultivate a community space that reduces feelings of
isolation.
Resource Sharing
Access to relevant resources such as educational materials, books, digital platforms, or community services that serve as tools for parents, caregivers, and guardians.
Guidance from Professionals:
Guest speakers, experts, and professionals in areas such as child development and
psychology provide valuable information and answer participants’ questions.
Family Workshops & Information Sessions
Every year, ISLA Padres hosts 26 parent workshops and 8 community sessions covering everything families need to know — from school rights and resources to best practices for supporting children’s learning at home. Information is also shared through our website and four quarterly newsletters, so support is always within reach.
Padres con Voz
Padres con Voz is our signature nine-week cohort program, offered twice a year, that transforms engaged parents into informed, confident advocates. Participants learn how to navigate the educational system, access community resources, and use advocacy tools to speak up for their children.
Individual Advocacy Support
No parent should have to face the school system alone. ISLA Padres provides hands-on, one-on-one support to help parents communicate with school officials, understand their children’s rights, and resolve concerns.We also host dedicated advocacy workshops so families have the skills and language to advocate effectively on their own.
Community & Policy Advocacy
ISLA Padres believes change doesn’t stop at the classroom door. We actively participate in school district board meetings and education coalitions to ensure the voices of Latine families are heard at every level. From advocating for English Language Learner policies to pushing for more equitable school practices, public school funding, we work alongside community partners and stakeholders to build a system that works for every child.
Parents as Researchers
Our community-based participatory research projects are led by families, who receive training in practical research skills and conduct family interviews to generate insights that drive systems-level change in education across North Carolina. These projects focus on key issues such as food insecurity, child development, early childhood education, and learning differences.