Democracy in action at El Verano community forum

By Anna Pier

A  January 29 forum brought together over 85 El Verano community members to identify needs, the first step in setting a vision for the new decade. Maite Iturri, principal of El Verano School, opened the gathering with praise for the community which “in increasingly difficult times has demonstrated resiliency and support for one another.” Iturri pointed to the outcome of previous forums where the community voiced needs that have resulted in new services for the school community in mental health, after-school programs and parent leadership. All remarks were expressed in both English and Spanish.

“We can’t solve it all!” Stating a goal of understanding the current state of the parents, families and the broader community in order to find solutions, the veteran school leader and community organizer praised this exercise in democracy. “Shedding light on something makes it visible; awareness is much of the first step.” Affirming the strength of community action, Iturri said, “Together we will rise and create a better tomorrow.”

An hour of the evening was dedicated to small group discussions in Spanish and English, addressing four basic topics regarding community assets and needs. Each group then shared briefly with the whole body. The results will be collated and used to guide the agenda for a follow-up forum on February 26.

Iturri acknowledged all the collaborating organizations including Parent University, North Bay Organizing Project, English Learners Advisory Committee, PTO, Family Resource Center, Sonoma Valley Housing Group, First Congregational Church, El Verano School Zumba, Ballet Folklórico Quetzalén, the SRJC Basketball Group and Sonoma Valley Citizenship Services.