From seasoned advocates to new ones, the English Learner Leadership and Legacy Initiative (ELLLI) regional networks create vital spaces for building and sustaining meaningful relationships across California. These networks strengthen connections among advocates to create regional impact, fostering collaboration, and advancing the systems change required to ensure equity and access to quality education for all multilingual learners throughout the state.
Working in partnership with Californians Together and advocates across the ELLLI community, the regional networks serve as hubs for advocacy, professional learning, and collective action grounded in local needs and statewide impact.
At present, there are several active ELLLI regional networks:
- 805 EL Advocates (Ventura County)
- MARIPOSA (Multilingual Advocates Rising to Improve Proficiency & Opportunities for Scholar Achievement) from the Greater Los Angeles region (LA/Orange County/Inland Empire)
- San Diego County
- Bay Area and Beyond
- Valley English Learner Advocates (VELA) of Sacramento/Yolo/Butte/Northstate
- Merced/Stanislaus/San Joaquin, Fresno/Tulare/Kings, and the Kern County area
ELLLI regional network members include educators, school and district administrators, leaders from county offices of education, institutes of higher education, school board members, and others from education-related non-profit organizations. The diverse composition of our regional networks provides the optimal balance of wisdom and knowledge of experienced veterans with the energy and opportunities of next-generation advocates in positions where they can make a lasting impact today.
In addition to these advocates, each regional network has the opportunity to grow organically and strategically over time with new members to address the challenges and opportunities in their respective regions.
For example, VELA recently held a convening in Fresno to discuss regional data for long-term English learners, and highlighted promising programs in the region for supporting goal setting for students. Beyond discussing academic outcomes, the convening also featured a keynote from Fresno Poet Laureate Aideed Medin, underscoring the importance of culture, storytelling, and identity in educational advocacy.
These networks are valuable for keeping the spirit of the EL Advocacy Institute alive throughout the year, and across California. We are grateful for the work regional leaders do to organize ELLLI alumni to network and advocate for English learners. They ensure that advocates remain connected, supported, and engaged in advancing policies and practices that benefit multilingual learners and their families.
We are deeply grateful to the regional leaders and advocates who continue organizing, collaborating, and building community through ELLLI. Their work strengthens not only local networks, but also a statewide movement committed to educational equity for multilingual learners.