ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes Carpinteria's sociohistorical landscape including past and current generations of immigrants and their diverse ethnic experience in shaping their family, social, and political networks in Carpinteria. It presents the three phases on how Carpinteria Latinos embrace the Comite de Padres Latinos (COPLA) evolved from its inception. Latino parents' respect for each other and their commitment to learn from each other defined COPLA. The book outlines true family strengths as parents become more active with each other and with the schools; they relate differently with their children. It also outlines the Mendez family as they grew through their involvement in COPLA and extended their learning to family members, friends and the community — the quintessential protean and empowerment process. The book discusses the gains and errors of the Family Literacy Project and the COPLA leadership.
