Let's Chat—Cultivating Community University Dialogue

"The information generated and transmitted within universities has traditionally resulted in privilege and structures of exclusion. The engaging format of this book, which combines Freire’s principles and methodology and the power of story, invites reflection, dialogue and action, modeling how the exceptional partnership of Chapman University and the community organization Padres Unidos, evolved within parameters of inclusion, honoring each other’s wisdom and culture, and developing a spirit of human solidarity leading to increased knowledge and effective transformation."

"In this highly creative and genre-shattering book, stories provide the backdrop for how people of different backgrounds can engage in dialogue across difference. The authors – community members and academics – have managed to overcome what might have seemed insurmountable challenges: crafting a partnership based on mutual respect and the dignity of all parties. May it serve as a model for other universities and communities looking for a way to honor the knowledge and wisdom of all people."

Sonia Nieto, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

"As a young Black woman whose goal was to return to South Los Angeles and work to create change in her community, I became discouraged when my attempts at creating authentic collaborations between communities of color and educational institutions were thwarted. I had not experienced any real examples, until I was introduced to the work of Padres Unidos and the partnership that was begun at Chapman University. Let’s Chat: Cultivating Community University Dialogue, beautifully captures the essence of the relationships, challenges, perseverance, and activism that shape this successful and thriving community-university partnership."

Dr. Kimberly A. White-Smith, Dean and Professor of Education, University of La Verne

Acknowledgments
Introduction

Section 1: Coming to Know
1) Partnership
2) Togethering
3) Knowledge

Section 2: Becoming
4) Walking With
5) Communal Structures
6) Dialogue & Cultural Circles
7) Teaching & Learning
8) Resiliency and Resourcefulness

Section 3: Belonging
9) Spirituality
10) Ethics
11) Transformation and Hope
12) Scholarly Activist
13) Organic Intellectual
14) Praxis of Togetherness

Scope and Sequence

Suzanne SooHoo

Suzanne SooHoo is the former Endowed Hassinger Chair in Education and the co-director, emerita of the Paulo Freire Democratic Project at Chapman University, Orange, California. She is one of ten Asian American endowed chairs in the U.S. Her current research interests focuses on critical pedagogy, Freirean philosophy and culturally responsive methodologies. As a former school principal and full professor, she has committed a lifetime to understanding and nurturing relationships and engaging dialogically towards the development of a more humane and socially just world.

Patricia Huerta

Patricia Huerta currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Padres Unidos, a grass roots, non-profit organization. She received an A.A. from Cypress College, a B.S. in Human Services from California State University Fullerton, a Master’s in Social Work from California State University San Bernardino and a Master’s in Catechism from the Dioceses of Orange. Patricia worked as the Parenting Coordinator for Orange County’s Department of Children and Family Services for over a decade. Her 30 years of experience working with parents and families has made her a sought out public speaker. In recognition for her advocacy of families, Patricia has been an OC Blue Ribbon finalist, Telemundo 52 Padres Heroes, OC Women Making a Difference Award and more.

Patty Perales Huerta-Meza

Patty Perales Huerta-Meza is the Division Director for Padres Unidos’ Adult and Youth Forensic Services. Dr. Huerta-Meza received her Master in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in 2011 and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2015. She completed a competitive practicum placement with the California Institution for Men, Chino. She is an Adjunct Professor at Chapman University and Argosy University. Her areas of interest include strengthening communities, multicultural mental health, treatment of shame, trauma, and forensic and correctional treatment. She has presented at numerous local, national and international conferences.

Tim Bolin

Tim Bolin is an adjunct faculty at Chapman University whose research explores educational, theoretical, and policy interventions that may promote social change. Specifically, his work demonstrates what role contemporary leaderless democratic movements and community/university partnerships may play in transforming society. Applying his research, he explores the ways that researchers can ethically, equitable, and democratically engage with the community.

Kevin Stockbridge

Kevin Stockbridge is an Assistant Professor and Student Affairs Liaison in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Chapman University. He is a critical educator and researcher dedicated to a radically inclusive world through engagement of democracy in the classroom and beyond. Kevin has co-edited and co-authored with scholars on several works that seek to advance and reframes transformative educational conversations for the sake of social justice.