Welcome to our blog series all about shining a spotlight on the ways that parents are using their voices to build a better, brighter Austin. In the first installment, we introduced you to two parent leaders who serve on the 2-Gen Leadership Council.
Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Sasha Salinas, a member of the Greater Austin Reading Coalition’s Parent Advisory Council. A mom of two girls, ages 6 and 8, Sasha uses her voice to advocate on behalf of the children and families in her community.
Check out what she had to say to parents looking for ways to support their child’s reading development!
How did you get involved with the Greater Austin’s Reading Coalition’s Parent Advisory Committee?
I am a Parent Champion through Families as Partners, a program within Austin ISD. Maria Rosas who runs the program reached out to several of us moms who are heavily involved in our community and have a passion for engaging others and advocating for children.
What are some of the barriers you see for parents in trying to access resources for their children’s reading development?
The biggest barrier is finding the information that is age appropriate and in their preferred language. That was my hardest part, especially as my kids get older. A lot of information is geared towards younger ages and, with my kids being 6 and 8, I don’t always know where to look for material that is appropriate for them.
The Greater Austin Reading Coalition’s Parent Advisory Committee is a group of parents from Austin ISD who are providing input and guidance in the development of the coalition’s strategic plan, as well as sharing resources with other parents and caregivers. To learn more about the Parent Advisory Committee contact Ileya Grosman, Greater Austin Reading Coalition Consultant, at Ileya.Grosman@uwatx.org.
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