FRESNO -- It doesn't take long for Alma García to get motivated about education or her career.
"The unforgettable image of my parents working long hours in hot summers and freezing cold winters, for less than minimum wage, has been my No. 1 motivation to work hard at whatever I do," said García, who helped facilitate last Saturday's Equal Voice for America's Families at the Cornerstone Banquet Hall.
García, who is executive director of the Parent Institute for Quality Education in Fresno, saw how difficult it was for her parents to support a family of seven daughters.
"With the minimum wage jobs, lack of health care, (and) poor housing conditions, my parents saw education as our only way out," said García.
Education was among the topics that came up during the day-long town hall, one of six held in northern California. The event, sponsored by the Marguerite Casey Foundation, attracted about 225 participants. Other issues raised included proposed state budget cuts, immigration, health care, jobs and the cost of gasoline.
Maribel Ochoa said education is a priority for her children, but that lack of money can be a major obstacle. She is worried about her oldest daughter, a student at California State University, Fresno.
"If there is no money, she can't go to college," said Ochoa, whose husband recently lost his job and has been unable to find employment.
What money the family has, she said, will go toward the children's education, she said.
"If there is no solid education, there is no solid solution," said Ochoa.
Other participants also spoke about their children and education.
"No one can put a limit on my children," said Martha Vargas during a group discussion. "The only limits are mine. I won't allow anyone to put limits on my children."
A young woman from Oaxaca, who arrived in 2000 and learned English, said working families must work together to make sure their concerns are addressed.
Oralia Maceda Mendoza said the Mixteco community is concerned that their children not lose their culture and language, and "that they respect the elderly."
Manuel Magaña, a day laborer from Stockton, said he and other companions are constantly being harassed by police and store owners.
"We are often being accused of being criminals, of being dirty," said Magaña.
The participants' comments will be compiled to help create a national platform to be crafted at one of three national conferences in September.
"The question is: What can be done locally," said Charles S. Fields, a program officer with the foundation. "We want to help support some solutions."
The foundation, said Fields, will conduct 50 similar town hall meetings throughout the United States. The national conventions are scheduled in Los Ángeles, Chicago and Birmingham, Ala.
The Seattle-based foundation is picking up the $3 million cost of the town hall meetings and conventions in an effort to get working families to tell their stories.
"We believe they are the experts," said Fields.
Kathy Vega, a media specialist with the foundation, said the goal is to get families "to say what they need, not what the politicians say they need."