(Sept. 30, 2026) — As communities across Southern California continue to grapple with persistent educational disparities, local organizations are stepping up efforts to equip families with the tools necessary to drive systemic change. This Friday, the Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) is set to host “Rising Together: A Parent and Community Advocacy Forum on the Long Beach Report,” an interactive event designed to foster grassroots engagement, share community-led solutions, and build lasting political influence among local stakeholders.
The free public forum will take place at the offices of the Long Beach-based nonprofit organization Long Beach Forward, bringing together local parents, caregivers, youth advocates, and community members. The primary focus of the gathering will be a deep dive into the findings and implications of CDF-CA’s recently published comprehensive report, titled Rooted in Community, Rising Together: A Decade of Advocacy and Partnership in Long Beach.
Originally released in July, the landmark report documents more than a decade of dedicated education equity advocacy across the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). By analyzing ten years of progress, setbacks, and collaborative victories, the publication aims to serve as a practical blueprint and source of inspiration for residents throughout Southern California who are working to achieve meaningful systemic reform and improve the overall well-being of youth in public schools.
Organizers emphasize that Friday’s forum will break away from traditional lecture-style presentations, opting instead for a dynamic format that prioritizes community participation, dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving. Attendees will be guided through an accessible walkthrough of the report’s core findings, breaking down complex educational data into actionable insights for everyday families who want to make their voices heard by local policymakers and school district officials.
A significant portion of the discussion will center on critical issues affecting students day in and day out within the Long Beach Unified School District. Among the key topics on the agenda are school discipline practices, which have long been a focal point for equity advocates seeking alternatives to punitive measures that disproportionately impact vulnerable student populations. Participants will also examine persistent achievement gaps that separate student groups, evaluate current English learner outcomes, and review the ongoing implementation and impact of the Black Student Achievement Initiative. Additionally, the forum will highlight the goals and milestones of the SaferLBUSD campaign, which seeks to create secure, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for all children in the district.
The event highlights a growing movement among community organizations to bridge the gap between institutional research and grassroots activism. By providing parents and caregivers with practical tools, historical context, and spaces for collective strategizing, advocates hope to foster a culture of civic engagement that extends far beyond the two-hour forum.
For those wishing to attend, the event is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026, running from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM PST. The venue is located at Long Beach Forward, situated at 2217 E 6th St, Long Beach, CA 90814.
Media inquiries and requests for further information regarding the forum or the underlying report can be directed to John Henry, Media Relations Manager for the Children’s Defense Fund-California, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 708-646-7679.
