Dear Latina/o/x Research Issues SIG Colleagues,

It is with great honor that I write to you as the Latina/o/x Research Issues SIG. We want to first welcome you to the SIG, as a first-time member, or welcome you back, as a returning and/or long time member.

Given the growing population of Latina/o/x in the United States who are entering educational settings at increasing rates, from pre-school to graduate school, across the country, and the world, there is a greater need for a community of scholars who are dedicated to equity and justice for Latina/o/x in education. As we know, the national context continues to be contentious for Latina/o/x, which places a greater demand on us to speak up and speak out about injustices against the Latina/o/x community. There is much work to be done, and I’m excited that you have made the commitment to advance research, policy, and practice that affects Latina/o/x in a positive way. The Latina/o/x Research Issues SIG has a responsibility to not only voice our opinions and concerns about the education of Latina/o/x but to provide leadership and service at a national level. 

In the coming year, the Latina/o/x Research Issues SIG wants to grow our membership, increase our programmatic efforts, and become a prominent SIG within AERA. We are excited to try new things, as well as resurrect and honor old traditions. With your help, we can move the Latina/o/x Research Issues SIG forward. I personally want to thank you for becoming a member and invite you to become actively involved with the SIG in the coming year. There are many ways to be engaged and to become a leader, either through an elected, appointed, or unofficial position. Sky is the limit, so please reach out to me directly if you have ideas. 

Soon you will receive a Call for Submissions and Reviewers from AERA for the 2020 annual meeting. In order to have a successful program, we ask that you consider submitting a proposal to the SIG, and also volunteer to review submissions. The Executive Committee wants to increase our presence at the annual meeting, but we need your help to do it, both through your membership and through your submissions for consideration in the program. Our growth and success as a SIG rely on your engagement with the annual meeting, from submission to attendance.

As a community of scholars dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and successes for the Latina/o/x community, we are relying on your commitment and dedication to the Latina/o/x Research Issues SIG and hope you will join us. 

En comunidad,

AERA LRI SIG