Our Coalition
When passionate people and organizations come together, great things happen. In this case, it’s a better, stronger, more multilingual Rhode Island.
Our Coalition
We’re so happy you’re here. The work of the Coalition for a Multilingual Rhode Island is only possible through the collaborative effort of our members, volunteers, staff, and community. If you’d like to become a member, click “Become a Member.” If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to us!
Coalition Members
Partnerships
Brown
Swearer Center
Brown
Program in Linguistics & Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
CYCLE Strategy Institute
Rhode Island College
World Languages Education Program & the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies
Rhode Island College
World Languages Education Practicum
Rhode Island Community for Justice
Rhode Island ESOL
Rhode Island TESOL 599
RIFLA/RITELL
Committees
The Steering Committee unites passionate leaders from across our Coalition to shape strategy, strengthen partnerships, and drive growth in multilingual education. Steering Committee Members oversee governance, fundraising, and vision ensuring our coalition stays focused, inclusive, and impactful.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee includes:
- 1 seat for the ONA president
- 1 Policy/Law Expert
- 1 Youth Representative
- 1 Educator
- 1 K–12 Representative
- 1 Higher Education Representative
- 1 Community Member
- 1 Financial Expert
Power and Capacity Committee
It’s the bridge between community and opportunity! This committee is our education powerhouse, working hand-in-hand with educators and bilingual education experts to identify needs, share knowledge, and empower our students, our families, and our community. Through workshops, panels, and information sessions, members help close information gaps and build community confidence.
Committee Co-Chairs:
- Larissa Guido Swenson, PRIME Navigator
- Alicia Pratt, Coalition Coordinator
Policy Committee
You can help write the future of multilingual education! This committee transforms community priorities into real legislation and policy by researching, drafting, and advancing multilingual initiatives at the school, district, city, and state level. Together, members turn passion into powerful policy change.
Committee Chair:
- Erin Papa, Executive Director
Advocacy Committee
Let’s turn advocacy into action! This committee mobilizes our coalition to influence decision-makers, champion language justice, and expand multilingual initiatives. From organizing the Multilingual Day of Advocacy to refining communication strategies, members turn ideas into real-world impact!
Committee Chair:
- Cindy Miranda, Communications Coordinator
Multilingual Education Advocacy Day
This is our annual celebration of all things multilingual in Rhode Island. Held at the Rhode Island State Capitol, our vibrant multilingual community – including member organizations, legislators, educators, students, and multilingual champions – comes together to uplift multilingualism and urge our legislators to support.